“San tayo next?” This is what we ask each other after a happy and fun get-together. My former officemates turned friends and I made a pact to explore Batangas and nearby provinces whenever we have time to. And that’s why after our trekking adventure in Nasugbu, we made a list of destinations. First on the list is Casa Rap, a green house restaurant located at San Jose. We did not have a hard time looking for the place, all we had to do was tell the jeepney driver of our drop off point. We mistook the garage as the entrance as we were excited to see what’s inside. It turned out the left side with the arc is the way in. Casa Rap is a greenhouse for fun dining, and the owner is so creative that though almost all the things inside are made of scrap, they’re are well- recycled. Everything is so relaxing and wonderful to see! We stayed at the reception area where items are displayed for selling as we waited for a staff to attend to us. A book for guests signing is provided on the desk but we never got to sign because we started taking pictures at every corner possible. Everything inside is picturesque actually. It’s a bonus M has a very nice camera too! I can’t contain myself from taking shots and making them pose. I brought a camera but opted not to use it because as compared to M’s, it’s got low quality. A pathway leads to the main dining hall. It’s a Sunday afternoon but we’re surprised to see only a family who dined ahead of us. Instead of ordering food first, we continued our photo shoots as if we’re run of time to do so. We decided to eat a little later and explored the place first.
From the outside, you really can’t see much of the place until you get inside the cafe’. It’s much detailed and you can see more beautifully recycled pieces. I love how the owner was able to design lamps and how she puts them on the tables. And how she arranged a capiz window as divider to separate the main house from the dining hall. I was still appreciating the place when we decided to order food. Once we’re settled on one of the tables, we talked about one particular point of interests we saw around. From heart-shaped carved stones to paintings to chairs, to ceiling and so on. Everything is a work of art. We stopped chatting when our orders arrived and devour them with gusto. Some of the ingredients are really new to me but I welcomed the taste. The food is affordable by the way and fresh! The herbs, leaves and other ingredients came from their own garden and greenhouse.
After we’ve finished eating, we lingered a little bit to rest and then took more pictures. And while viewing the camera album, we concluded that Casa Rap is totally a different kind of dining experience for us. With an ambiance, so relaxed and peaceful, it’s one of the nicest getaways we’d love to explore over and over again. One more thing, it’s being with nature too and having a sense of responsibility for the environment that makes this restaurant unique. And no doubt, we’re all happy and contented diners!
Casa Rap
KM 90, National Highway
San Jose, Batangas
(043) 726 2873
Hi! Did you see the gorgeous flowers of the Mysore Clock Vines at Cafe Casa Rap? We saw them when we had lunch there for our 2009 Visita Iglesia. We brought home cuttings and planted them. After 2 years, the vines yielded flowers this year.
ReplyDeleteHello there Sir BD. Unfortunately, we didn't. Though I took some pictures of the plants, we didn't get to notice the vines you mentioned. Perhaps next time, I'll be asking one of the staff to show to us. Thanks for the info, interesting to know you're into gardening. :)
ReplyDeleteThe vines were probably pruned heavily, and in so doing, also cut the pendulous flowers. I suppose they need to do this because these plants can become invasive and grow aggressively especially in the rainy season. I think I still see these thinned out vines (but without the flowers) in a couple of your pics.
ReplyDeleteI guess DH's love of gardening rubbed off on to me. Me, I love being able to build supports and trellises in our little garden.
this is a great find. how i wish i can visit batangas right now. the food photos always get me...nakakagutom.
ReplyDeleteThat's nice Sir BD! :) That's basically a major part in beautifying a garden especially your wife's. I'm just an admirer of my mother's flowers in hers. Sadly, I don't have a green thumb. But I love my amaryllis!
ReplyDeleteIt truly is Kayni. Ang tagal bago ko napuntahan yung place eh an hour away lang sya. :) We had fun taking photos of our food. Surprising kasi mga ingredients!