Sonya's Secret Garden.
Now a not so secret paradise!
I have heard and read wonderful reviews about this garden in the rolling hills of Tagaytay, Philippines.
Just about an hour away from Manila we reach our much anticipated destination.
Sonya, the owner has carved her own paradise with her trees and flowers. Majestic I tell you!!!
Serene, beautiful, colorful...

She opened her doors to the public Valentine's Day 1998 and since then visitors, both local and foreign, have found their way into the heart of what I love to call...paradise garden.
Enjoy...



The famous Sonya's Secret Salad Dressing


Lunch was served without much delay...
Smell the freshly baked whole wheat sesame bread. You can savor its taste with a variety of homemade toppings and dips. The basil pesto, anchovies, mushroom pate, black olive tapinade, white cheese, bruschette tomato toppings and green peppercorn in olive oil!

The pasta will then be served. Still your choice of ingredients to put into it.
With two kinds of sauces and toppings: sun dried tomato and chicken cream with mango. Topped with ratatouille, salmon belly, shitake mushrooms, black olives, capers and grated parmesan cheese, pepperoncini.


It felt like having a tea party. With the all white table setting, it was like a Wonderland scene...
You will also get a taste of her sweet camote which is just flavored enough. A sinful chocolate cake and banana rolls with sesame and jackfruit.

At a price of Php610, you are getting the best deal around!


I love the place!!! My tarragon tea tasted divine.

If you happen to be in Luzon, it is a must you take the trip up to Sonya's Secret Garden, Cavite!
(very near Tagaytay)

Thank You Boss.
Thank You for the wonderful experience.
Thank You for gardens.
Thank You for beautiful hearts.

Let's just say the mustard was there to happen. hehehe...
With a good helping of virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar, that is.
Hmmm throw in some salt, pepper and herbs.
Viola!!!
My perfect vinaigrette!
Only realized this week that I had these ingredients on our shelf all along.


Yes, time for some major overhaul in the system. I'm not a fan of vegetables. Really. Never had been. The only way I eat my veggies would be if they be thrown into a tempting bowl of salad.

I love the mix of colors of the cabbages and lettuce. Opened up some can of low-fat tuna flakes and it's cool. Oh, gotta have them fruits. Apples are good. Chopped them up into bite pieces so the whole fruit should last me about 3 days. Minimal cost actually. Making your own no-brainer salad lets you manage the kcals that go into that bowl. Easy on the salt when you boil the broccoli or celery, it could be the bummer right there. Yey! Bought some other veggies and fruits for major variety. It's actually just throw in what you want, in moderation.

Repeat after me:"In mo-de-ra-tioooonnnn."
Hmmm...I should repeat that. HAHAHAHAHA

Yes, the vinaigrette ingredients are pricey. But hey, you make it, you control it, right? This 250ml bottle of virgin olive oil should last me a very very long time. And you only need drops of red wine vinegar. It is so cool when you whisk them together to form an emulsion. The mustard should hold the 2 ingredients together. Sprinkle, sprinkle, herbs herbs herbs!!! It's up to you. I even used to put anchovy paste. Yes pricey. Well, you can go for the hot sardines in your local supermarket. hehehe. Yes there's a cheat sheet.

A little too "clinical"?
Dont be afraid to throw in some chunks of cheese. Just remember, "in mo-de-ra-tioooonnn."

Did I mention I make a mean healthy ceasar salad?
Nopes, none of them creamy dressings.
Let's make that on the weekend.
Enjoy!!!


Hurray to my little helper chef!!!

And on we go on the road to healthy eating..!