A Tasty View of Taal
Going to Tagaytay is bound to be an experience of beautiful scenery, powerful impressions and fresh air. Some things are expected just by hearing the names Tagaytay or Taal and most likely those thoughts will be eclipsed by being exposed to new things and its natural beauty. But we as humans need to eat, and naturally, you'll want to eat while you're up in Tagaytay City.
However for many, it's not just a case of finding food. We like our meals to be a part of the experience. There's a gem on the Aguinaldo Highway in Tagaytay City that is one of those places not appearing so big in size yet there's something special about it because right away, the concept and features of the restaurant already grabs people's attention. The sign itself grabs your attention.
This gem is Leslie's or in full, Leslie's Tagaytay Food Fiesta Park. A haven of Filipino cuisine with gusto. When you walk at the front, don't think. Just go inside. This will lead you to think how it looks a bit small outside yet when you walk inside, you find yourself in a spacious Filipino paradise with a fiesta/native theme with many tables ready to accommodate patrons while the glare of Taal at the back of the restaurant begins to shine in your eyes. Lake Taal Volcano's magnificent view is in Leslie's backyard, but it is not abrupt.
There is an actual backyard with a lot of room that hosts a stage for live entertainment, and within steps of Lake Taal, there are kubos where you can enjoy your meal if you'd like to not just view Taal, but feel Taal. The view is already great inside the main dining area, but grab the chance to be out in the kubos if you can.
The menu offers a lot of choices which shows just what they can produce. The specialties of Leslie's include the Bulalo, and Crispy Pata, but the impression is that everything must be tried. Pasyalubong.com also encourages you to try their Bistek Tagalog and Buko Juice served in a buko (young coconut) with a straw. Many of the Filipino desserts are offered at Leslie's and are prepared with style, but one of the favourites is Turon de Leslie. There is even a souvenir shop at the entrance/exit for those would want to complete the full tourist route under one roof. Leslie's is certainly a delicious place with a beautiful view. |
