Celebrating our Anniversary at the Scenic Balay Dako
Hi, everyone! Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Have you already got plans on how you’re going to spend this day with your special one?
For me, I have none yet. But, if @marcusen and I would have the time, I would like to visit Tagaytay and have a nice lunch at Balay Dako. That was what we did on our last anniversary.
Why Balay Dako? I once dreamt of having a wedding there. It has one of the best views of the Taal Volcano Taal Volcano I have ever seen, and the interior design is nothing short of romantic.
I imagine myself saying “I do” on the viewdeck of a Filipino-Spanish restaurant atop a hill offering a panoramic view of a volcano in the middle of a lake. The breezy wind brushes against my flowy white dress, and the skies turn into dramatic shades of orange and purple as the sun sets. Classy music engulfs the place while family and friends chatter as they enjoy delectable food and drinks.
Antonio's Restaurant
(By the way, I wasn’t able to take good photos of the restaurant since it was packed. Thus, I am using photos online)
That was my dream wedding.
I discovered Balay Dako when we planned a church wedding two years ago. Back then, my husband and I were already married through a civil wedding, but for most Filipino families, a church wedding is expected. When a bride posted about Balay Dako on a Filipino wedding group, I couldn’t help but wish to hold the reception for our wedding there. The Taal view was jaw-dropping and I loved the interior design.
Just look at that gothic chandelier and the floor-to-ceiling arched windows. Moreover, I’ve read nothing but raves about the food. It was the classy, romantic wedding I dream of that would impress long-forgotten friends and meticulous titas (aunts). Kidding aside, the place just has this really romantic ambiance.
But come January 2020, the Taal Volcano erupted. Two months after that, the whole world was hit by a pandemic. Large events were altogether banned, and we decided to let go of that fancy church wedding.
A large wedding suddenly felt impractical and silly. An intimate wedding was an option but what’s the point? We already had one.
I then told my husband, “If we can’t have a wedding in Balay Dako at the least, we should have one date there.”
And during our last anniversary, that plan came to fruition. My husband took me on a lunch date at Balay Dako. Did reality meet expectations? Hmmm… let’s see.
When we arrived at the place, we were greeted by a quaint yet majestic Filipino-Spanish colonial house. We were advised to stay first in the lobby, and we noticed that some of the areas were closed, possibly due to the pandemic. We were then ushered into the upper floor of the restaurant called “the Terraza”, an alfresco dining area with two view decks.
The moment we entered Terraza, I was blown away. Large arched windows allow a panoramic view of the Taal volcano that stretches across the terraces. Between windows are lamps that add drama to the view. The walls are unpainted, providing a rustic feel. Looking at the windows overlooking Taal, you can feel how high up you are. The space was a work of art.
I’ve seen the Taal volcano numerous times, but I’ve never seen it showcased as romantically as this. And honestly, it was one of the best views of the Taal volcano I have ever seen. I couldn’t help but wonder why the wedding receptions I’ve seen online in Balay Dako were held at night. Guests would miss out on the stunning view.
Balay Dako was packed despite the pandemic, but there were ample spaces between tables, so social distancing was still observed. We chose a table at one of the view decks as the tables beside the windows were already occupied.
The view deck felt more laid back than the indoor area. As we sat, we noticed that the volcano was spewing plumes. The Taal Volcano at that time was still at alert 2 (increased unrest)
It was the first time I saw volcanic plumes. Somehow, it was eerily beautiful. It was stunning to see but I was reminded of the ash fall two years ago. The eruption caused lost lives and homes as well as fear to people who live nearby.
But, of course, scary as it is, that didn’t stop us from taking photos of us with this historic moment.
So how did I find the place? Yup, it exceeded expectations.
How about the food?
Balay Dako serves primarily Filipino food. They serve classic favorites at home like kare kare, leche flan, and the Tagaytay must-try, bulalo (boiled beef shank soup).
We ordered bulalo steak, gambas (Spanish garlic shrimp), satay rice, and halo-halo.
(All photos of food are mine)
When we were handed the menu, we were a little shocked with the price but when we saw the Bulalo steak arrived our table, we thought it was worth it. The serving was generous. Bulalo and bulalo steaks are famous in Tagaytay. Almost every restaurant there has them on their menu. But, the bulalo steak on Balay Dako was the largest serving I’ve ever seen (it’s the most expensive anyway). As for the taste, it’s the tastiest bulalo steak meat we had but I still prefer the sauce from Leslie’s.
The gambas, on the other hand, was a bit of a disappointment. The serving was too little for the price and the shrimp was tough, it felt overcooked. I do like the garlicky taste though. The sauce tasted like my favorite salpicao.
The satay rice was good too. It was tasty but not cloying.
As for the halo-halo… all I can say is that it was heavenly. The ice was finely-ground and the milk has a creamy coconut taste. And the ube and macapuno ice cream were just so good. It was the yummiest halo-halo I have tasted.
In my flights of fancy after tasting their halo-halo, I asked my husband if we could still have that much dreamed about church wedding like a petulant child. I want people I know to taste this halo-halo.
The reasonable man my husband is, answered a hard no.
He told me that with the money that would be spent on the wedding, we can have so many lunch dates at Balay Dako with family and friends. They can even share the exorbitant bill with us, he added. LOL.
Anyway, that was a lovely date. We got to spend solid time with each other and for a time, we forgot life’s worries through good food and a relaxing view. We (mostly I :)) may never get to have that dream wedding, but we can always go back and enjoy a date at Balay Dako.
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The last picture of you with Taal in the background is amazing. I had friends who helped out in the aftermath of Taal, gosh and you are right, then the pandemic hit.
I am glad, your husband gave you your day, and I agree with weddings in the day, surely the view is why you go there?
How can an expensive restaurant overcook prawns or seafood, that is criminal!
Hehe I have seen so many posts of filipinos and their favourite dessert halo halo, I have yet to try it!
What a brilliant time you had, and salamat for this awesome virtual tour😁
Thanks for dropping by my post @tengolotodo !
Yuh, the view is really stunning! Hope you can one day see it. It really was disheartening what happened back then but Filipinos are known for being resilient, we just smiled through the Taal eruption, cleaned up, and took on the pandemic and lockdowns fairly well.
And true, thinking about it we should have refunded the money we paid for the prawn haha, but considering they just recently lowered the lockdown status in that area when we came, they might not have been prepared for an influx of customers, they also had a lot on their menu and I'm not sure they're fully staffed for it. But I won't order that from them anymore, I'll just stick to their specialties from now on.
You gotta try Halo-Halo at least once.. Hopefully you can come into the PH to try it, or have an Authentic Filipino Cuisine Restaurant in your area. I'm sure you'll love it.
Walang anuman😁
Yes you guys certainly are resilient, I have friends who have had their houses decimated by Odette and still they smile and carry on.
Oh well next time, just stick to the specials as you say.
However, kitchens can get overwhelmed if too many customers arrive and there are not enough staff etc.
oo the halo halo I shall try it one day, unfortunately, we have no filipino restaurants in Scotland, although England has jollibee, hehe I know they are popular!
Balay Dako is a romantic venue for a dinner date celebrating a milestone. Alone, I flew to attend a Dubai friend's December wedding in Balay Dako 4 years ago. I was there at the reception venue 4 hours early before the restaurant opening. The time got mixed up with the Dubai- Philippine time difference on the virtual invite but the staff was kind to allow me to get inside in the empty restaurant and walk around. They were busy setting up the tables and I remember the interior being really beautiful. It also had a huge parking space.
The reception was at the upper floor Terrazza and it was a gorgeously styled lunch wedding that extended till sunset. I had to leave before that to avoid the rush hour drive back to Manila. I would have wanted to see the beautiful arched windows and that view at sunset. I don't remember about the food much as one would in a busy wedding but I do remember whatever little portions I nibbled on was tasty.
I'm glad they have survived both the eruption and the pandemic crisis and are still open to the public. You picked a lovely venue for your anniversary.
Hi Arni, thank you again for leaving a comment. Your friend chose a great venue. Lucky her 😊 And until sunset? Maybe, when we get back there, we'll try to catch the sunset
Actually, before we learned about Balay Dako, we were already booked with another venue. I really wanted to cancel it but the reservation fee we paid for will be forfeited. Anyway, the pandemic came and we just used the DP for that venue for an intimate party for our daughter's birthday.
Anyway, I've accepted that I'd never get my dream wedding.. And that maybe it's not that important compared to our life ahead
Hi Lavie, that was a practical decision you did to use the reservation fee for your daughter's birthday. There's always time for a dream wedding in the future. A couple I know didn't get theirs and were okay with it, until their renewal of vows later, their 2 children organized a wedding for them in Fernwood Gardens in QC. Their years together mattered more, the unexpected wedding was just the icing on the cake.
Yes, may we be able to see Balay Dako at sunset. Have a great week ahead.
Hi Arni, thank you as always for your thoughtful comments. Hope you'd have a great week too 😁