Balay Dako: Another Antonio's Group Pride

In Ilonggo, Balay Dako means "big house." This is another Antonio Group's pride in Tagaytay--- after perfecting the craft of serving breakfasts.

Welcome, it greets

Balay Dako as depicted in the menu cover

Balay Dako is patterned from the traditional bahay na bato. As lush as the greeneries, the house is painted green. Upon entering, a Welcome Home signage greets. It's really like coming back home, only circa 1900 with matching baro't saya.

Oh, there's home :)

Everywhere, they welcome

On the left side is the Balay Dako Deli. Straight ahead is the komedor. The feel is very classic Filipino. But what it probably has that the early Filipinos didn't--- the majestic view of Taal. It perfects the overall ambiance of Balay Dako.

Even fresh lettuces are sold

balay dako tagaytay komedor taal volcano view

Awesome view!

Their second-floor landing is a different story to describe. Downstairs is very classic while upstairs has a bit of an old bar feeling: wines decked the walls, large chandeliers, stone walls, huge windows and wooden tables and chairs.

I wonder how this will look like on a sunny day...

Sorry to be modeling instead of eating :p

What I love most is Balay Dako's terrace... the al fresco chairs amidst the hanging vines... the clover-shaped railings... it was dire cold to stay outside but the view and the setting just so relaxing. This time, Taal volcano is unobstructed.

Love this part :)

Going back to the komedor (where the food awaits, of course), this table with the condiments greets.

Komedor condiments

On the tables, so-Filipino are condiments again-- with sliced pepper, garlic, onions etc. Seeing those enhance the appetite already!

Bulalo na Baka at Php 840. Clear broth of beef shanks, Chinese cabbage, string beans and blackened onions.

Always, says Tagaytay

balay dako tagaytay condiments blackened onions

Now I realized, I should've bought...

The bulalo itself was bland...but, there comes the aromatic blackened onion! I added a few teaspoon to suit my liking and it enhanced the flavor.

Laing na Gabi at Tokwa at Php 280. Taro leaves and braised coconut milk.

Healthy choice here

I love laing! I could've wanted it creamier with coconut milk.

Kare-kare Klasik at Php 570. Ox cheeks, tripe and meat stewed in peanut puree sauce with eggplant, Chinese cabbage and string beans.

More veggies, please

It doesn't look as appetizing but it is good.

Sizzling Bulalo na Baka at Php 920. Braised beef shank smothered in a mushroom sauce and served on a sizzling cast iron platter.

balay dako tagaytay sizzling bulalo na baka

Favorite :)

Now this one's unique... and what topped the list. The sauce, with beef, with fried potatoes... it was all too powerful! I enjoyed every bite!

Inihaw na Liempo at Php 290.

It should be good anyway, it's expensive for a piece of meat

This one is good, too! No need for the sauce, actually.

Inihaw na Pusit at Php 335.

Never go wrong when it's fresh

Surprisingly, this one is cool, too. Just plain goodness.

With this, it calls for a celebration! I like the concept of adding blackened onion to suit one's taste though I just figured it out on my own. No one told us.

Overall, it was a good dining experience. Thumbs-up, Antonio's!

Planning your out-of-town food trip in Balay Dako? Here's their menu: