Under The Tuscan Sun

TUSCANY is a region in Central Italy known for its beautiful landscapes and rich artistic legacy.  If you've watched the movie "Under The Tuscan Sun" starring Diane Lane, then you pretty much have an idea of how Tuscany looks and feels like.  It's a very pretty and romantic place inspired by the elements of nature.  Sounds dreamy and picturesque?  It is! You can even consider this as a honeymoon place.  And who would have thought that we here in the Philippines could have our own little Tuscany?  Yup, that's when you've discovered Marcia Adams Tuscany in Tagaytay.

I just love hole-in-the-wall restos!  It feels like finding a treasure, really.  That's how I felt after discovering Marcia Adams Tuscany.  It was actually Christmas Eve of December 2010 when my family decided to have dinner outside.  (We spent Christmas in Tagaytay last year, hoping for a cold weather to match the mood.) So I was on my laptop researching for a nearby restaurant when I came across an article from OAP featuring the place.  I instantly decided on going there.  Although I was worried that it might be closed because it was Christmas Eve so I had to call to make sure.  Luckily, Marcia was very accommodating and said they can serve us dinner that night.  Woohoo I was excited!

So we drove to the Rotonda as Marcia instructed.  It was dark at 6:30pm and signs weren't that visible anymore.  It's really difficult to find places in Tagaytay when it's dark already but it's part of the adventure.  We finally saw the street right after the Rotonda, and we turned.  It was a small street void of much lighting so we had to ask a couple of passers by to make sure we weren't lost.  Then at last, we found the Tuscan-looking door!  There was a parking area for a few cars and just a small mysterious Tuscan door (which wasn't the entrance by the way).

We entered the place through the side gate and immediately saw plants and trees all in a pretty landscaped garden.  You'd notice it even if it was dark.  Not long after, Marcia's husband Neil greeted us politely and escorted us inside the main dining area.  WOW I thought.  Boy it was pretty.  All of a sudden I felt like I was in a different country.  The main dining area was inspired by the elements of nature and very Tuscan. It had stone walls, interesting sandstone bricks, intricate wrought iron accessories, and a hint of sun-washed colors.  We looked around for a while before settling down to appreciate the charming place. (Too bad I wasn't able to bring my Lumix LX5 with me.  Photos were only taken using an old Olympus digicam so quality isn't that nice)

They brought the Tuscan Sun to Tagaytay!  You may appreciate it more when you visit the place around 4-5pm

Wrought iron accessories on dark wood furniture

Mood lighting and chilly December weather

Apart from the dining area was a smaller porch/patio area which would be PERFECT during sunset.  Oh I can already imagine having a date there!  So romantic!  It was also Tuscan in style of course, made with rustic stone and bricks, with marble flooring and sturdy wooded furniture, but had a splash of color - bright yellow.  The peaceful and warm setting and simplicity will not intimidate you but will leave you in inviting awe.  Outdoor spaces are critically important for Tuscan style thus their garden area is huge.  They also had a water fountain in the central courtyard surrounded by beautiful wildly growing greens. Walkways, driveways, and garden paths are set with stone or brick and nature takes its course and grass grows up between the stones.  Obviously, we had a lot of time appreciating the place.  Why?  We were actually lucky that because of our schedule, we had the place all to ourselves. :)

Walkway to the sunset patio (I wasn't able to take a decent photo of the patio itself but I promise to do so when I come back)

So enough of the place.  I think I've already raved enough about it.  WHAT ABOUT THE FOOD??? Well... the food did not disappoint me.  The dishes were simple yet exquisite in flavor!  These are my type of dishes so I may be biased.  They were healthy (no trace of oil, mostly grilled not fried, and with herbs), had authentic flavors (seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices), and had big serving sizes.  I don't think a typical girl can finish a plate.  I did of course! :)

We ordered the set menu instead of ala carte and I suggest you do the same.  I can't see the point of ordering ala carte when you can have a delicious THREE COURSE MEAL for the price of ONLY the main entree you choose! Isn't that great value for money?  (Actually the set-up is similar to Antonio's but this one's waaayyy cheaper)  The average price of a set menu would be P700 inclusive of one appetizer/soup, a main entree, and dessert. 

My Set Menu:  Almafi Prawns, Fish Souvalki with couscous, and Grilled Orange with Vanilla Ice Cream.  (Price: P700) 

My Brother's Set Menu:  Mushroom and Garlic Soup, Spanish Chicken Casserole with couscous, and Lime Panna Cotta  (Price: P755)

My Dad's Set Menu:  Almafi Prawns, Grilled Aromatic Pork with rice, and Fried Bananas with Dark Chocolate Dip (Price: P700)

Starter:  Soup

Entree:  Spanish Chicken & Couscous

Entree:  Fish Souvlaki (tanguige kebab marinated in olive oil, lemon & herbs)

Dessert:  Lime Panna Cotta

Dessert:  Grilled Orange with Vanilla Ice Cream (FAVORITE)

I absolutely loved my orders!  The prawns were crunchy and tasty.  They weren't overcooked and are really great appetizers because I couldn't wait for my fish to arrive haha!  As for the main course, the spices and herbs gave the fish so much interesting flavor I couldn't stop savoring every bite. The couscous' texture was lovely and matched the fish well.  And finally, the dessert was so heavenly I was tempted to order another one.  Great contrast of a fresh citrus fruit like an orange being grilled with rugged flavor and then adding the simple sweetness of the vanilla ice cream - perfect combination of flavors in my mouth :)  Take note however that some of my family members thought that the dishes were a bit bland for their taste.  I may be biased because my taste buds appreciate light flavoring.  Some of you who likes salty cooking may not appreciate the dishes as much as I did.  Just go try and see for yourself.  Oh, and I love even the beverage - Lemon bitters! :)

A pitcher of cold Lemon Bitters

Overall, I'm giving it 4.5 out of 5!  It's my second favorite restaurant in Tagaytay (Nothing can beat Antonio's).  If you haven't visited Marcia Adams Tuscany, please do so!  You'll be missing a lot if you don't.  I'm definitely coming back for a date in that lovely sunset patio. ENJOY!


For your info: 
Marcia Adams Tuscany is located along the border of Tagaytay and Alfonso, Cavite across Ville Sommet.  Just turn right at the Tagaytay Rotonda with the sign leading to Ville Sommet. Tuscany entrance is on the left side.

Posted in: food,restaurants