By Dexter Francis De Vera
Whether or not Tagaytay is your regular getaway, it is definitely the place to be this summer. With its cool weather plus a slew of new dining destinations popping up all the time, Tagaytay is the top choice where to get all the gastronomic fares people have loved for years.
Hidden among rolling pineapple fields is Anya Resort Tagaytay, the city’s distinctive and outstanding address. Just a quick drive from the city, one’s approach is set against a lush path of bamboo swaying in the breeze, stepping into an oasis of calm and tranquility.
Anya Resort Tagaytay houses Samira by Chele Gonzalez. The resort’s ‘muse’ restaurant is a partnership with acclaimed chef Jose Luis “Chele” Gonzalez to create the exclusive dining destination which complements the resort’s discerning offerings and the area’s pulsating culinary scene. Samira by Chele Gonzalez is a shared passion, a fitting yet evolving collaboration between Anya Resort Tagaytay and Chef Chele.
“We wanted to level up the dining experience we offer at Samira, to match what we believe to be a great experience we offer here at Anya,” says Mikel Arriet, general manager of Anya Resort Tagaytay, speaking about the reason for the timely partnership.
To gourmands, savvy foodies, and dining enthusiasts, Chef Chele Gonzalez needs little introduction since bursting into the scene. Contrast is what Samira by Chele Gonzalez is all about. The carefully curated dishes were born out of Chef Chele’s intense creativity and passion for local ingredients and stories of people and the country he now calls home.
To keep with the sensory-centered philosophy of the restaurant and the resort, Chef Chele creates a memorable dining experience that surely excites the senses.
Order the 6-Course Set Menu that starts with a selection of Amuse Bouche which one can choose from like Foie Gras and Mango Waffle, Seafood Crisp Rice Cracker, Chorizo Donuts, or Bulalo Tacos. Next entree is the Fresh Coconut Ceviche which is snapper fish cooked in Tiger’s milk, calamansi in a medley of coconut, roasted cashew, corn, and basil. Moving to the next is the burst of aroma and very flavorful Charcoal-Grilled Octopus with paprika permentier, bread crumbs, and homemade Ali-oli. And if seafood is just not enough, the Pan-seared Salmon with Citrus Mayonnaise and Cauliflower Puree is also a delight to one’s palate. The Duck with Porcini and Truffle Risotto is a surefire compliment to the main which is the Grilled U.S. Angus Beef Tenderloin served with parmesan mashed potatoes, charred red cabbage, truffle, and mushroom jus. Dessert is Chef Chele’s reimagined Buko Pie in Textures to cap off the meal.
“It’s about making something that is very much Tagaytay, but also something more.” Say Chef Chele. But there’s more than the 6-Course Set Menu that diners can also order—Cocido Experience. Traditionally, Cocido is a meal uniquely prepared and slow-cooked. Have a taste of the four-course Cocido Experience consisting of Ropa Viejo Pintxos Compango Croquettas for starters, followed by Garbanzos Soup, Compango (Beef, Pork, Chicken Stew with Chorizo Morcilla) with Cocido Paella, and Chele’s Mama Fries for the main; and lastly the Burnt Basque Cheesecake for dessert.
Savor the innovative dishes created by Chef Chele at Samira by Chef Chele Gonzalez.
Samira by Chele Gonzalez is open from 11:30 am to 10 pm located at Anya Resort Tagaytay, Buenavista Hills Road, Barangay Mag-Asawang Ilat, Tagaytay City. For reservations, call +63998-9553630 or email samira.reservations@anyaresorts.com. Visit www.anyaresorts.com/dining to know more.
