Tagaytay on a Plate: Destination Meets Dining at the First Tagaytay Food and Wine Festival 2024. For many, eating out is one of life’s greatest pleasures; but it’s never just about the food, is it? We remember meals not just for the taste, but for how they made us feel. The swing of the door as you enter, the way the menu flips in your hands, and the view from where you’re sitting are elements that orchestrate a multi-sensory affair.
A prime example of those contextual associations coming into play is driving to Tagaytay for a meal. The scenic drive, the cool mountain air, and the anticipation of a steaming bowl of Bulalo all build up to a dining experience that goes beyond the plate. It’s about what you see, smell, taste, and feel. Tagaytay’s story is one of how the destination built the dining.
For two weekends, July 12, 13, 20, and 21, 2024, the chefs and restaurants that have helped mold Tagaytay’s storied dining culture will convene at Tagaytay Food and Wine Festival 2024 for a series of events designed to spotlight the finest aspects of the city’s gastronomic offerings.
Grand Tasting
On July 12, 2024, pop into the Grand Tasting, at 6:00 P.M. at Anya Resort. For P3950 per person, embark on a feast of flavors presenting Tagaytay’s finest. Savor the creations of Anya Resort’s Chris Leaning; Indulge in the mastery of Taal Vista with Jayme Natividad at the helm; and partake in the rich heritage of View Park Hotel’s Siglo Restaurant. Celebrated chefs like Rhea SyCip of Flour Pot Bistro & Bakery, Robby Goco of Elaia by Cyma, and Happy Ongpauco of Pamana and Tsokolateria will delight your taste buds with their signature dishes. Enjoy comforting flavors from Tristan Bayani’s Ribchon, Dan Puga’s Lula Cafe, Kalel Chan’s Farmers Table, Binggoy Remedios’ Asador by Dos Mestizos, and Reynaldo’s Smokehouse. Top off this culinary adventure with unique brews from Papa Bolo Microbrewery for a truly unforgettable evening.
The Slow Food Community Cavite will also represent local farmers, showcasing their efforts to preserve and promote biodiversity, food heritage, and gastronomy.
Harvest Dinner
Make your way to the Harvest Dinner on July 13, 2024, at 6:00 P.M at The Fatted Calf where chefs Jayjay SyCip, Rhea SyCip, and Pilgrim Davao’s Jeramie Go collaborate on a menu that features the best of ingredients, expertly prepared. Chef Jeramie Go’s overwhelming success with Pilgrim Davao is a nod to the farmers he has worked with around Mindanao, which resonated profoundly with the SyCips. This has sparked a relationship built on a shared passion for uplifting the farming community. Your P4500 is an introduction to the storming talent of these chefs behind it if you haven’t yet noshed on their brilliant creations. For those who have, you know it’s totally worth it.
Luxe at 180 Degrees
On July 20, 2024, you wouldn’t want to miss out on the sunset session at Luxe at 180 by Chef Sau del Rosario at 4:00 P.M. For a fee of P4500 per person, the breathtaking view bathed in the warm glow of dusk—not to mention the Tagaytay’s lush landscapes and serene atmosphere—set the stage for a sublime Truffle and Caviar dinner by world-class chefs, Australia’s Oliver Buenviaje, Emirate’s John Buenaventura, and our very own French-trained chef, Sau del Rosario.
Heritage Buffet
The back-to-back weekends will close with the Heritage Buffet on July 21, 2024, at 11:30 A.M. at the Veranda Restaurant of Taal Vista Hotel. For P1995, this unique lunch buffet features the combined talents of chef Jayme Natividad of Taal Vista Hotel and chefs Jayjay and Rhea SyCip of The Fatted Calf. Together, they’ll create a delightful fusion of heritage dishes, showcasing the best of Filipino cuisine.
Creative Bulalo
Capping off the festival is the inaugural Creative Bulalo Challenge. In collaboration with the Tagaytay City Tourism Council, restaurants from Tagaytay City will compete in this exciting culinary showdown, where participants will present their most innovative interpretation of the city’s beloved Bulalo. This competition will culminate in September 2024 at the iconic Tagaytay Picnic Grove.
At its heart, the Tagaytay Food and Wine Festival is an exploration of the city’s journey from a scenic highland retreat to a culinary hotspot. Its unique geography and cool climate have played a crucial role in shaping its vibrant dining scene. This natural advantage has drawn people to the city for relaxation, creating a demand for places to eat and enjoy the scenery.
The picturesque setting, coupled with its proximity to agricultural lands and the region’s prized beef, has fueled the rise of diverse gastronomic fare that continues to attract and delight visitors. This transformation has spurred the growth of culinary tourism. Many local and international tourists now come specifically to explore Tagaytay as a dining destination. Taal remains to be its muse, and the food has become its compass.
The real action is in the kitchen. The festival also serves as a breeding ground where the chefs experiment, share ideas, and inspire each other, collectively making a lasting, future-proof contribution to Tagaytay’s dynamic food culture. It is cooking that traces a journey and food that tells a story; culinary artistry that merits a wider audience and dishes that deserve our attention. As for adventurous gourmands and tourists alike, it’s about fostering a deeper appreciation for the city’s culinary landscape.
So, when you finally arrive in Tagaytay, that first steaming bowl of Bulalo isn’t just a meal; it’s the culmination of its epicurean pursuits. The cool mountain air invigorates, the scent of pine and damp earth mingles with the rich aroma of the broth, and the majestic caldera fills your sightline. Every element contributes to the dining experience—a testament to Tagaytay’s unique ability to weave together sights, smells, and tastes.
It almost feels like you’re tasting the destination.
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For Tagaytay Food and Wine Festival reservations and inquiries, please contact the following:
Grand Tasting: +63 917 531 8949
Harvest Dinner: +63 917 789 2352
Luxe at 180 Degrees: + 63 917 620 0289
Heritage Buffet: +632 7917 8225
Creative Bulalo Challenge: +63 917 789 2352
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