About a week ago I was awakened from my deep sleep at 3 in the morning, I dreamt about an old colleague from the telco family. I find it very unusual that at this point of life someone I haven’t seen or even talked to for a long, long time would show up in a trance. Suddenly, I had this urged to look for his social media account. I just want to check the person whose always MIA during our heydays and someone who probably chose not to be reconnected (so, I thought).I never got to see him ever again after our separation in the telco we both worked for. In 2010, after 10 years I was able to talk to him thru George. They were both in Cebu that time. It was so nice to know how life changed him afar from us (the loud and despicable group, my Piltea fam). He was so chatty then, very different from the person I knew before. I thought after that call he would soon reunite with us and make presences during our get-togethers. Eventually, we lost him, no contact of him again. And then, he appeared on a really weird dream. It was like he was trying to tell me something, until I saw a post of his son.
Truth is he passed away last year, a month after he marked his 50th. It was saddening to know that the person we’ve known for years died so soon. It was saddening that we didn’t get the news about him being sick, we could have offered help or comfort for his family or we could have found ways to reconnect with him. Sigh! I would always remember him as friend and colleague, someone who’s calm and composed. Rest in peace, No. 1.
Life is too short (especially at this age). So, while I weep for his passing away I want to share a lovely dinner date with the fam last January sponsored by our dear ati SAM. It was her post birthday treat to us although not everyone was there to celebrate because, Ysa was not yet vaccinated that time, and Nanay had to stay home to accompany her and Pao was not interested at all. Before the date, we’re actually battling where to dine until ati SAM suggested the place. My sister Che and I readily said yes just because we have seen reviews of the place long ago (when it was still a bakeshop only) and we trusted this personal blogger because she really goes her way without sponsorship or collab plus I trust her picks very much.
Deli de San Honore was one of those restaurants tucked at the outskirts of the busy Tagaytay. If you’re like us who can’t stand the traffic and crowd of Tagaytay during weekends and holidays, you’re going to love this place —quiet and charming and food is impressive.
So, to cut the story short, we arrived at Deli de San Honore by dinner time. Tho we’ve already checked the menu earlier at home we still had sometime to finalise the set we’re eating that night. We skipped the appetizer plates and went straight to order pizza. Their pizzas are cooked in charcoal fired brick oven, oh man! it was so damn good! :O
D’ Deli’s
All Cheese
We ordered two flavors, D’ Deli’s which I think is the house exclusive. It’s topped with Jambon Blanc, Truffle Oil, Egg, Arugula. The other one is All Cheese, topped with mozzarella and parmesan. Both pizzas were served really hot, dough was chewy and soft which we really like. I actually ate 2 (and ½) slices before our mains were served.
Oh, the owner/chef was personally manning the brick oven where pizzas were cooked at high temperature, 90 seconds only for each pizza! It’s inspiring how an entrepreneur was so hands on to his restaurant.
Back to our food, we had two orders of Truffle Mushroom Cream Pasta. The serving was good for 2 (not heavy eaters). If you love earthy flavors this one is for you but around the course of our meal, we find the cream “nakakasuya”. The truffle must be too strong or a lot of MSG has been added to it. I remember how I enjoyed a truffle-based pasta in a Makati resto (located at a gas station) way back years ago and it didn’t give me a sickening feeling after. In fact, it was insanely good. Anyway, if I have the chance to go back and dine here at least I know what to skip already. But guys, if you love truffle and all its glory, try it and let me know.
Our mains, Herb de Provence Porkchop. It was served with a side salad, garlic rice and sweet pickled chips. I read that it’s a house favorite and yes it didn’t disappoint the carnivore us. It’s tender, flavorful and big! I will favorably come back for this.
We also got the Stuffed Chicken Breast stuffed with house cured Jambon Blanc and Mozzarella. It was served with mashed potato. The chicken was thick and big, yet tender and had a nice crisp outside. If you’re a fan of the Swiss or French Cordon Bleu, you’ll definitely love this dish to the next level.
We skipped ordering the cakes because we’re heading Starbucks after plus there was no option except for the Flourless Dark Chocolate Cake but it looks deli and I’m left wondering how the Gouda Cheesecake taste and look like, it must be really good. Instead, I bought take out breads -sourdough pandesal and ciabatta, which we enjoyed for breakfast the next day at home.
Generally, it was a lovely dinner. The place and food both came a surprise, a good alternate to one of our Tagaytay favorites.♥
Few things to remember:
- Phone in advance and reserve the long table near the brick oven. It was so ig worthy if you blog! 😀
- Parking is quite a challenge. They only have 3 slots available just beside Red Star Café, this is walking distance btw. If you lose a slot, you have to street park.
- The garden area “al fresco” is a good choice to sit down with family and friends, and in this time of COVID please always consider the outdoor dining areas.
- Driving directions, just waze or if you’re familiar with the turn going to Antonio’s/The Cabana you’ll definitely not miss Deli de San Honore’s wooden signage.
- Last but not the least, the resto is pet-friendly so if you’re like “maarte” who doesn’t like to see fur kiddos next to your table don’t dine here and go somewhere else.
DELI DE SAN HONORE
9060 Zambal Road, Bgy, Neogan, Tagaytay City
T. 0927 5017638
january 