This Week in Tagaytay (August 1 to 7, 2016)

Most days this week will be rainy and a couple of showers and thunderstorms can be expected in the afternoons and evenings. The lowest temperature will be 22°C. It would be best for travelers extending their activities until nighttime to have an umbrella and a jacket ready for a cold downpour.

While Tagaytay visitors crave for the aroma of bulalo or beef shank soup famously served at Mahogany Market, Bulalo Point or Tower Ground Bulalohan, one must also not miss the own version of Aozora Japanese Café of the Filipino traditional delicacy. Bulalo Ramen is a fusion of the best dishes of Tagaytay and Japan, bulalo for Tagaytay and ramen noodle soup dish for Japan, served by Aozora at PhP320. This restaurant is tucked away on the rooftop of Domicillo Hotel, another good spot with a view of Taal Lake, along Aguinaldo Highway. Other must-try itemss are crispy kani (crab), rainbow maki (sushi and raw vegetales wrapped I seaweed) and stone-grilled -wagyu (Japanese beef), with prices ranging from PhP290 to PhP990.

For a more adventurous food trip, Don Juan serves exotic dishes in its rustic semi-outdoor setting of bamboo tables and nipa huts. Fearless diners can try palakang bukid (fried rice field frogs), tapang kabayo (fried horse meat), and farmed crocodile sisig, priced from PhP240 to PhP740. Other Filipino dishes and Korean meals are also available. Every Thursdays through Sundays, there are nightly live acoustic performances. Don Juan is open 24 hours and is just across Magallanes Square.

There are many restaurants and cafes in Tagaytay with good dining spots that overlook Taal Volcano and its surrounding lake. To get the most out of the dining experience, it is best to get the nearest table on the side of the ridge, but care should be taken with papers and light objects because the cool breeze blows strongly at times.