Beat pandemic anxiety at Farmer’s Table

by Margaux Salcedo - @inquirerdotnet

When lifestyle guru Myrza Sison posts something on social media, I allow myself to be influenced. That is why even if I have been meticulously doing my part and have not been leaving the house, I have put Farmer’s Table in Tagaytay on my bucket list of restaurants to visit as soon I can.

Some of you might be brave enough now that it’s heightened general community quarnatine—whatever that is—so I thought I’d share some details of this heightened organic gourmet experience, even if I have yet to visit. Farmer’s Table is by the Raintree Hospitality Group of Andrej Wisniewski (husband of Myrza), the company responsible for restos like M Cafe in Greenbelt, Chelsea in Serendra, and Saboten. But more than a restaurant, this is also in partnership with Nurture Wellness Village in Tagaytay City of wellness advocate Cathy Brillantes Turvill. They call it an ecotherapy restaurant.

How does that work? First, it is located in Tagaytay’s premier spa and wellness center. Second, it serves food that is from the Nurture “Farm-acy,” the wellness center’s organic farm. The restaurant seeks to encourage the discipline of being a locavore, i.e. someone who eats food grown or produced in their local area. Hence, at least 70 percent of their menu uses ingredients sourced from their own backyard and within three kilometers of the restaurant, such as coffee and longganisa from Amadeo, which is just next door, or beef from Batangas.

The menu by Chef Kalel Chan seems truly therapeutic. Since it is summer, they have sago’t gulaman garnished with mint; they have a matcha shake that already makes me feel “matcha” better just looking at it; and even their arroz caldo is healthier, as it uses adlai and mushrooms. Of course, since they are located in Tagaytay, they also serve the quintessential Bulalo. But the chef shares that the bestsellers are in fact healthy treats: Tofu Caesar Salad, the Hothouse Crispy Cauliflower and Broccoli, and he even has his own Plant-based Burger.

Prescription

The one that caught my eye though is the Banana Hazelnut French Toast with Peanut Butter and Fresh Cream. They also have stone-fired pizza. Whoever said wellness food is boring has not met the guys behind Raintree. Best of all, in these masked times, you will feel safe in the al fresco Garden Bistro where the main dining hall is located. The tables are “socially distanced.” They also have an events garden terrace if you are looking for a venue for a bigger group. Another section is the Artisanal Baker, where they offer fresh bread and pastries. And to bring pasalubong back home, they have a Boutique Market where you will find Nurture Wellness products, local delicacies and on weekends, fresh fruits and vegetables. This restaurant is a great clapback to the pandemic. The prescription is to breathe well and eat well. And with the Tagaytay air and Raintree menu, one will undoubtedly feel better.

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