In Ilonggo, Balay Dako means "big house." This is another Antonio Group's pride in Tagaytay--- after perfecting the craft of serving breakfasts.
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| Welcome, it greets |
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| 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.
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| Oh, there's home :) |
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| 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.
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| Even fresh lettuces are sold |
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| 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.
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| I wonder how this will look like on a sunny day... |
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| 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.
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| Love this part :) |
Going back to the komedor (where the food awaits, of course), this table with the condiments greets.
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| 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.
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| Always, says Tagaytay |
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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:
<a href="https://www.zomato.com/manila/balay-dako-tagaytay-city-tagaytay-city" title="View Menu, Reviews, Photos & Information about Balay Dako, Tagaytay City and other Restaurants in Metro Manila" target="_blank"><img alt="Balay Dako Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato" src="https://www.zomato.com/logo/6318213/minilogo" style="border:none;width:104px;height:15px;padding:0px;" /></a>
Rating: 4
Balay Dako is located at:
Aguinaldo High-way,
Tagaytay City
