What do you go Tagaytay for?
Me, I go to Tagaytay to escape the hustle nd bustle of the forever busy Mero Manila. I go to Tagaytay to see te beauty of nature, breathe fresh air and have peace and tranquility only a countryside can offer . I go to Tagaytay to feel the Yin and Yang of the Earth and rejuvinate my spirit and just be.
Someone made a list of the Top 10 Places to have a Romantic Date in Tagaytay. On the list was 2 of the branches of a coffee shop giant/franchise in the area. I scratched my head in disbelief.
I thought, this writer must have not visited any hidden getaways of this beautiful countryside yet. The writer could be a coffee lover or a franchise holder of this coffee giant. Or he/she could be somebody head-over-heels in love with his/her partner that every place turns romantic whenever they’re together. Maybe, one of those who sang to the tune of the most misheard lyrics of Taylor Swift’s Blankspace (Now you know which coffee shop I was talking about).
I don’t mean to bash this list or this persons perspective of a romantic date. But when at a beautiful place like Tagaytay, I would have gone all out and find a perfect secret date place for me and my special someone. Not a common place I see in the city.
When I visit Tagaytay I want to escape the big crowds and the stressful city life. Enjoy a breathtaking view of Taal Lake and Taal Volcano and relax. That’s what I go to Tagaytay and just recently, I found that secret go-to-place, it’s a place called QiWellness Living The Teahouse + The Bathhouse.
QiWellness Living in Tagaytay
If you don’t look you might miss it. The signage and facade of the establishment are modestly placed.
It’s on the side of Taal Volcano so you know where to turn your head when you look for it. This is what you’ll see a big red doo.
The door might look intimidating and the place looks like there’s nobody. Don’t be afraid to knock, use the cool handle bars!
Upon entering this is what you’ll see:
Dining Area at the Main level
Interiors are minimalist, taking inspiration from the Ming Dynasty. The furnishing and the chairs are equisite!
Ths is the longest table with the longest chair you can find in Tagaytay! The chairs are from the Ming Dynasty it had long backrest so as to hang the coats of the emperor and royalties.
Cocktails area basement level 1
Check out The Teahouse Cocktails area here
Perfect place to unwind and relax with your significant other before sunset is the cocktails area / bar area at the basement level 1.
Still Chinese inspired furnishings and the bar is just gorgeous!
Now the cocktails!
Read more The Teahouse Asian-inspired Tea-Based cocktails here
Asian-inspired Tea-Based Drinks
They offer a range of flavorful sensations through their Asian-inspired tea-based drinks.
The drinks are potent by the way. They are well blended and so you might not taste the alcohol in some of the mix, but you will definitely feel the kick!
Don’t worry you can relax at the basement 2 where the bathhouse is located.
Read more of The Bathhouse here
The Bathhouse provides relaxation, rejuvenation, and rebewal through a variety of traditional Chinese healing practices through their massage and hydrotherapy selections.
Dry massages can be done in the private rooms or by the pool, and hydrotherapy sessions in the Yin-Yang pool.
Now take it all in… the majestic view of Taal Lake and the Taal Volcano crater!
They have a guesthouse for overnight stay but very limited accommodations only.
Now let’s go to the main event! Our 9 course tasting menu dinner!
Read more of The Teahouse 9 course tasting menu here
So we were served a 9 course Yin Yang Menu for Spring.
The Yin Yang dinner takes its inspiration from the Chinese concept of yin and yang, which talks about the balance that exist in the universe. Each course set encompases a variety of flavors and textures that’s sure to bring out the gourmand in each guests.
Starting with light appetizer that move to tangy courses, accompanied by aromatic dishes, followed by a mixture of soft and tender entrees, and ending with an unforgettable desserts flavored just right.
Starting with the House Bread that taste and look like a manpao.
Followed by the appetizer: eel +apple+turnip+bananaheart. Soup: miso + onion+mushroom+truffle oil. Entree: salmon gravlax +squid ink+ orange+citrus pearls+ creme cheese. Fermented tofu souffle +spring salad+hoisin vinaigrette. Soba+ sea urchin cream+ 63°C yolk +crab. Main: Flank steak + sweet potato+ french beans+mushroom. Duck leg confit ‘a la peking duck’ + pancakes +plum sauce. Lamb belly +carrots+ pumpkin+peas +corn. Desserts: Guava+mango+lemon+edible flowers+herbs+ ‘soil’.
The 9 course Yin Yang tasting menu is for Php2,880.00 + 10% service charge per person VAT inclusive. Excluding wine.
You can pair your meal with a wine of your choice White or Black served per bottle.
The Dourthe servignon blanc White Wine is perfect for the first part of the dinner as it was mostly fish and salad.
The Dourthe No. 1 Bordeux is best for the main course like the steak, duck and lamb! Mmmmm…
My favorite from the 9 course dinner are (in order) the Lamb Belly, Guava Mango, Salmon Gravlax, Fermented Tofu, Miso Onion, and Duck Leg.
Serving was well portioned knowing that we have 9 courses to finish. Phasing was just right. Taste was explosive, experimental, intriguing and delightful. There were so many textures and flavors that blended well. While I felt full by reaching the 6th course, I just can’t stop and finish everything served to me (except the one with the crab as I have allergies). The desserts just sealed the entire dinner perfectly.
I am a dessert person and this one did was something new to my eye and my taste but definitely unforgetable. The play of texture, colors, ingredients and temperature is highly commendable. “This is how a guava looks like when it falls off from the tree”, explains the Chef. It’s so pretty and yes delicious in ways I can’t explain. You should try it yourself!
The entire Yin Yang Spring Summer Menu by The Teahouse Qiwellness Living in Tagaytay is one for the books.
I am excited to see what they will come up to for their Summer Menu. Yes, The Teahouse at QiWellness Living change their menue every season. They have four season having Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter menu. What we had was the spring menu which is fresh and light and ‘flowery’ just like spring!
To try the 9 course tasting dinner you need to reserce at least 4 hours before arriving. They serve ala carte dishes as well.
The Teahouse is anything but your normal food getaway. It is a tasty journey using modern culinary techniques to infuse local and Asian ingredients with Pan-Asia cuisine.
You can totally forget about the view while having dinner or sipping cocktails as the ambiance is still perfect as it is to enjoy a romantic dinner date.Have am time of total relaxation and peace while in here as they don’t overbook people. The Teahouse at QiWellness Living in Tagaytay is open from 11am to 10pm only with last order call by 8pm.
For general inquiries or reservation you may call +63 917-5226969 or email info@qiwellnessliving.ph or visit their website at http://www.qiwellnessliving.ph.
So, where will you go for a romantic date in Tagaytay again?