One thing I discovered on our day trip to Taal, Batangas: the historical place is also a foodie’s destination. Even something as mundane as exploring the town market can be a delight. On that weekend when street vendors gathered in the market square, I had an excellent sampling of Batangueno home cooking – from barbecues to fish, seafood, veggies cooked in coconut milk and desserts. We had so much stuff to take home.
When it comes to dining in a more formal setting, nothing beats Feliza Taverna y Cafe – undeniably the best resto right now in Taal. Manning the kitchen at Feliza is Chef Giney Villar who first gained fame with Adarna Food & Culture in Quezon City.
Adarna has since closed and I’ve always regretted not eating there despite several event invites, for the simple reason that it was too far away from me! Eating in Feliza Taverna y Cafe is therefore an item crossed off the bucket list, since I was finally able to taste Chef Giney’s cooking. It was a greatly satisfying experience to say the least.
First, the interiors are conversation pieces in themselves with antiques and collector’s items spread around. The two-storey restaurant is named after its previous owner Felisa Diokno who used to be the private secretary of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo…
It was good that we dined in the resto’s open air balcony on that balmy day. We got to enjoy the breeze and the welcoming shade of a 26-year old balete tree that towered over the garden.
Then I thought Taal is really perfect for Chef Giney since she specializes in heritage cuisine. For lunch, I had the Chicken Relleno Circa 1940s with Salsa Monja (P300). The stuffed meat was perfect in all aspects, with premium ingredients like chorizo, ham and quezo de bola inside. Definitely a dish for special occasions, and my only complaint is that I wish there was more of the serving, hehe. It was that good.
Somebody ordered the beef dish La Favorita del Fraile since the waiter recommended it as a house specialty and bestseller. It looked delicious indeed.
In the meantime, I had a taste of the Sinaing na Tulingan which was cooked the traditional way in kamias. The salad and potatoes that came with the fish were a nice addition, though this is not how the locals eat their food. Who can complain? Salads are healthy, lol.
Another Taal staple in the Feliza Cafe menu is the Adobo sa Dilao (P235) which is chicken cooked in vinegar & turmeric, thus the color.
The seniors in our group ordered the Pescado Fresca a la Plancha (295) which is the fresh catch of the day grilled and served with a hot salad.
Anyhow, the elements conspired together to make it a good day worth remembering. Good food, great company, refreshing ambiance, pleasant weather, meeting new friends along the way. Feliza Taverna Y Cafe is an ideal spot in Taal to make extraordinary memories. It’s definitely a must-taste and must-visit. Nice to meet you Beth & Chef Giney 🙂
Feliza Taverna Y Cafe
6 F. Agoncillo St.
Bgy Poblacion, Taal
Batangas
Tel. No. 043- 740 0113
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