Do you know a woman named Rowena ?

When going out of town, the most important thing before heading back to the city is the “Pasalubong”. It’s usually sweet treats from the locals. Here in Tagaytay, the famous pasalubong is the Buko Pie. There are 

stores here in there claiming to be the best in town. There are also peddlers. Our favorite stop over for pasalubong is Rowena’s. Rowena’s is not only a delicacy store, it’s also a restaurant. There’s ample parking with a security guard to assist you. The store itself has a touch of refinement, there’s a certain flair, then 

there’s this extensive assortment of goodies ! Shelves upon shelves of mouth watering pastries, pies & tartlets, this my friends is what Pie Heaven looks like ! 

Of course no. 1 in our pasalubong list  is the buko pie. Unlike the other variants you could buy from also a prominent shop here in Tagaytay, Rowena’s buko pie is not starchy, nor floury. It tastes of milk & coconut. 

And speaking of coconut, the coconut meat in not blended into unrecognition LOL it’s in fillets. Every bite gives you a chunk.

 Now the Sylvanias, I love Sylvanias, I love it more than Brazo de Mercedez or Sanrival.

There’s just a melt in your mouth happiness to it, despite it being whole in it’s look, the bite is so soft. My husband tells me that’s because of all the butter I am getting into my system, sinful pleasures what can I say. 

And for the rest of the hopeful family members waiting for our return from our retreat, since it's so hard to chose, I think the best choice would be ALL OF THE ABOVE hehehe, a little of everything !

Staying in for lunch

Since this is officially a birthday vacation, I think it would be a treat to order delivery for lunch, less the hustle & bustle of dressing up to eat.  Although at first, I was really considering Antonio’s but  then one look at their menu and I was quite sure that Benz won’t have a blast. It’s mainly fine dining, what with all the Foie Gras Terrine for appetizers, Pear Arugula Salad, some Mushroom Cheese Souffle before having the Herbed Roasted Rack of Lamb with Cardamom Beurre Blanc  LOL, I was already lost at Foie Gras. Maybe another time when it’s more of a date night for the hubby and me, but for now, it’s all about Benz. So if I were thinking treat for Benz , then it would mean PIZZA !!! Good thing Tagaytay is already flourishing with all sorts of dining establishments, from fine dining to fast foods. It was a home run idea te order delivery from Yellow Cab. 

Without  further delay, let me present to you, Our Lunch:

For the Hubby & me, it’s our favorite spicy pasta Charlie Chan. It’s spaghetti with a very fiery twist, topped with grilled chicken, shitake mushroom & peanuts. Yup,

roasted peanuts, yum yum yum

Then for our share of pizza, Garlic & Shrimp Pizza

 

For our birthday girl, nothing but Pepperoni Pizza, she used to love the Ham & Pineapple combination (since birth) but then as she grew older, she progressed to “nothing but pepperoni”

For her appetizer thou, and a little of main course - Chicken & Wedges

All that’s left to do then is to DIG IN ! Power lunch for a fun filled birthday !

PRESENTS . . . No. 1 & No. 2

Enough of the eating & accommodations for the mean time. It’s time for some presents for the birthday girl. Since the 17this a Tuesday, were thinking Rustic Breakfast on the morning of the 16^th, straight to The Boutique for an overnight stay (might be extended), and on the birthday morning itself – opening of present no. 1.

Why No. 1 ? Well this custom started last year on her 7^th birthday wherein she got 7 presents, as loving & devoted parents we’d like to keep up with tradition . . .  but maybe until she’s 12 LOL

                                                    So, present No. 1 is Mittens Fluff & Stuff. This will be her 1^st Lallalopsy BIG size doll. Her collection involves mostly the minis, so she’s been wanting to have a big one for hmmmm almost 2 years. 

 No. 2 is the Sew Magical Lallalopsy Play House. 

 

 Christmas 2012 Santa gave her the Ferris Wheel together with Peanut. 

She also has Jewel’s Primpin Party set, although it’s a long way to go but were thinking this would be a good start, The House. 

Then maybe filling it up would be good for presents 3, 4 & 5 ? Maybe.

But on 2nd thought,we don't want to give her "a lot" of the same stuff, we want to give her a lot of "different" things that she's been dreaming of. So the rest of the Lallalopsy gangs & furnitures would have to wait. Present No 3 onwards would definitely be from another family of toys.

To the Boutique

After a delightful & tranquil breakfast, we’d be heading out to Tagaytay. Check in time is 12Noon so the drive would be stress free, destination THE BOUTIQUE BED & BREAKFAST.  

Nestled amidst the slopes of Tagaytay  is this 7 room boutique hotel offering personalized services. I’ve heard that to get a room here is near to impossible, reservations are made months prior to accommodation, so note to self - RESERVE. I found out about this quaint yet unique B &B from a foodie magazine I bought years back. I admit, I think this is more of a treat to me than the birthday celebrant LOL. So getting back, YES you read it right, it only has 7 rooms, each room named 

The room I got my heart set on is the I LUST, the upper level presidential suite, WHY ? Because this is the only one where you can soak in the tub while enjoying the view of Taal Volcano ! Fabulous ! That my friend is one of the THINGS WE LOVE TO DO, and when I say we, I mean the whole family.

Entry to the room will already give you a “take it easy” feel. Have some quiet time in the hammock perhaps. 

And when evening comes, enjoy a restful sleep in a bed more than enough for the 3 of us.

Don't think that this B&B would make us feel short changed because the overnight stay is inclusive of ...

:

• Specially prepared (all-day) breakfast served in bed - for two (2)
• Selections of body essentials from the home made "Pamper me" line
• Selections of pillows (goose down, microfiber, etc.) from our pillow menu
• King size beds with soft feather covers and white percale in 300tc linens
• Free Wi-fi/ wireless internet access
• Wall mounted LCD TV's in all rooms
• Ipod ready speakers and docks
• Free use of DVD's from our DVD library

- See more at: http://www.ourawesomeplanet.com/awesome/2007/01/i_love_boutique_1.html#sthash.xIX3b9jy.dpuf

- Specially prepared (all day) breakfast served in bed - for 2 persons (in our case, good for 3)

- Complimentary facial cold stone massage or foot massage good for 2 persons
- Selections of body essentials from the home made “pamper me” line
- Hot chocolate with freshly made goodies at bedtime
- Selections of pillows (goose down, microfiber, etc.) from our pillow menu
- King size beds w/ soft feather cover and white percale in 300tc lines
- Free Wi-fi / wireless internet access
- Wall mounted LCD TVs in all rooms
- iPod ready speakers / docks
- Free use of DVDs from our DVD library
- Free use of Board Games from our entertainment library

Specially prepared (all-day) breakfast served in bed - for two (2)

Selections of body essentials from the home made "Pamper me" line

Selections of pillows (goose down, microfiber, etc.) from our pillow menu

King size beds with soft feather covers and white percale in 300tc linens

Free Wi-fi/ wireless internet access

Wall mounted LCD TV's in all rooms

Ipod ready speakers and docks

Free use of DVD's from our DVD library

- See more at: http://www.ourawesomeplanet.com/awesome/2007/01/i_love_boutique_1.html#sthash.xIX3b9jy.dpuf

Need I say more ? The only concern with this Fab of a stay is the "taking a shower" part. As daring as the tub is on clear sight, so is the shower LOL. I think this is more of a R Rated vacation than a PG.  

 

:

• Specially prepared (all-day) breakfast served in bed - for two (2)
• Selections of body essentials from the home made "Pamper me" line
• Selections of pillows (goose down, microfiber, etc.) from our pillow menu
• King size beds with soft feather covers and white percale in 300tc linens
• Free Wi-fi/ wireless internet access
• Wall mounted LCD TV's in all rooms
• Ipod ready speakers and docks
• Free use of DVD's from our DVD library

- See more at: http://www.ourawesomeplanet.com/awesome/2007/01/i_love_boutique_1.html#sthash.xIX3b9jy.dpuf