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Plant Bistro: Cozy B & B and Cafe in Tagaytay

Kara Santos

Tagaytay City is one of the nearest destinations to Manila for weekend getaways. While most people go here on day trips, it’s always nice to spend the night to have more time to check out all the different new sights. There are a lot of accommodations to choose from in the main city, from no-frills backpacker’s hotels, to hotel rooms with a view of Taal Lake, and villas and cottages for rents for bigger groups. For those looking for something a little more unique and cozy, Plant Bistro is a lovely little bed & breakfast and cafe. I found the place on Airbnb and thought it would make a great weekend getaway.

LOCATION

Hidden down Buenavista Street, a road off the main Tagaytay Highway, The Plant is a home converted into a bed and breakfast and cafe. The place is ideal for those with their own cars, since it’s not centrally located.

On the way to the B & B, you’ll pass green fields, pineapple plantations and other hidden restaurants that still have that rustic Tagaytay charm that’s becoming increasingly hard to find on the main road. The place is a refreshing  respite from the overdeveloped high-rise hotels, malls and fast-food joints along Tagaytay ridge.

AMBIANCE

Set in a two-story house with a garden in the cool mountains of Tagaytay, Plant Bistro offers a rustic and peaceful getaway. The place is owned and managed by couple Marisse and Peter, who left Singapore to start up the B & B and cafe here.

Peter, who hails from the Netherlands, is into gardening and mixology, while Marisse, a Filipino-American, is a foodie and animal lover. The couple also own Liq My Stick, a brand of gourmet, plant-based popsicles made from locally-sourced fruits and veggies.

The patio, where breakfast is served, is just so pretty! There’s a bench nook with colorful throw pillows, surrounding a wooden table. The color scheme is just so bright and cheerful. The plants and fresh flowers make the place feel so vibrant. I love the art installation of bottles hanging over a bar. Adding to the homey touch are pets on the property, including Dewey, a very sweet and friendly dog.

ROOMS

Plant Bistro currently has one guest room with a private bath on the ground floor listed on Airbnb. The room has a king-sized bed with four posters and a canopy. The room is ideal for couples or solo travelers since they only accommodate a maximum of 2 people in the room.

The room is air-conditioned, with its own private bathroom. I appreciated the personal touches of the hosts, including a pitcher of water and glasses on a tray on the bed when we arrived. Guests also get access to the well-maintained garden, a private outdoor patio, a fully-stocked bar, a vegan kitchen, and the beautiful patio/breakfast nook.

DINING

If you’re staying overnight, plant-based breakfasts are included with the room. The breakfast spread included an array of cereal, fresh fruits, chocolate balls and coffee.

Starting April 2, they also opened their doors to non-staying guests as a by-reservation restaurant for plant-based cuisine and cocktails. Their food and drinks are organic and locally-sourced where possible and are 100% plant-based, which means it contains absolutely no animal products.

Sample starters include Vine-ripened tomatoes and dairy-free burrata, mini falafels, kale and roasted root vegetables salad and smashed avocado toast. Choices for main dishes include smoked three bean chilli served with either organic red rice or corn chips, BBQ pulled jack burger, zucchini lasagne, and Miso Peanut Noodles. The menu indicates gluten free, nut free, sugar free and soy-free options.

They also have cold-pressed juices, smoothies, and desserts including their own Liq my Stick popsicles. They also serve hand-crafted cocktails made with cold-pressed juices, herbs and fresh fruits as well as organic wine and even local craft beer (Juan Brew). If you’re looking vegetarian/vegan options and healthy fresh-farm fare, this is a lovely place to visit.

ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO:

Plant Bistro is located in Vito Belarmino Street, Barangay Bucal, Tagaytay, 4118 Tagaytay City, Philippines.

NOTE: Sun in partnership with Airbnb provided Airbnb booking discounts for Sun Postpaid subscribers. The promo entitled a subscriber to a Php 2,500 discount for a single eligible booking, which must be completed using the promo code. For more details visit http://suncellular.com.ph/airbnb.

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