An Imperfect Paradise: Les Maison d'Itac

An imperfect paradise would best describe Les Maison d’Itac, a humble resort located at the less popular part of Cebu.

Hello, Les Maison d’Itac.

We chanced upon this resort while checking Deal Grocer for our Cebu hotel accommodation. Since we saved a couple of thousands from our airfare and figured that a 3D2N accommodation with full- board meals and transfers for PHP15,000 sounded like a steal, we bought a voucher the same night we saw the deal. 

When in Bataan: The Plaza Hotel

I love being surrounded by fascinating (and old) architecture. I have been eying Vigan for the longest time but the long drive to the "blast from the past" scenic cobblestone road isn’t too appealing, especially to R. We then considered going to Bataan instead to check out some old infrastructures in the area. Luckily, The Plaza Hotel had a promo in Deal Grocer and we quickly nabbed it before it gets sold out. Soon, we found ourselves on our way to the historic place that marked the perseverance and bravery of Filipinos. 

Hello, The Plaza Hotel.

We were a bit iffy turning to the small road leading to the hotel. We thought that the well-established hotel is located in a sinister looking place. But to our delight, it is a pretty good location. It is sandwiched in between Balanga Public Library and Galeria Victoria Mall. It is also across the historical Balanga Cathedral which was once used as an artillery emplacement during the Japanese invasion. 

Parking could be hellish as The Plaza Hotel does not have its own parking area. You have no choice but to park in front which is shared with the other establishments nearby. We were fortunate to get one though in front of the hotel.

Steak Night: Melo's Home of Certified Angus Beef

It has been months since I purchased my Deal Grocer vouchers for Melo’s Foie Gras and Steak Set and finally, R and I were able to use it one Friday.

Hello, Melo’s.

I don’t exactly remember the last time I dined in Melo’s but it must have been more than a decade ago. All I know is that this is one of the established steak places in Manila. So when I saw a good deal in Deal Grocer, I nabbed the chance to enjoy a foie gras and steak set for only PHP999.

I made a reservation for two at 7 p.m. and when I got there 10 minutes earlier, the place was empty. Well, there was a table occupied outside but there were no other diners around. To think that it was Friday and pay day, it made me realize why Melo’s was offering this irresistible deal.

I asked the server to prepare our steaks 15 minutes before R arrives. While waiting, I was given some soft buns and butter.

Love at First Bite: Lulu

I love birthdays. It’s the day of the year when I feel special. I spoil myself with sweets and a gift or two. But more than that, I love making the people I love special on their special day. This is why I had big plans for R’s big day. But it was ruined by APEC when they cancelled my flight back to Manila and I had to stay in Seoul for 4 more days. *cries* Good thing, I have Plan B ready.

Hello, Lulu (now named as Catch)!

I spotted a deal on Lulu’s scrumptious steak while checking Deal Grocer a few months back and figured it would be a great meal to share with R on his special day. For PHP1,800, we get 600 grams of Lulu’s rib eye steak and two sides—garden salad and one of your choice.

Since I missed R’s actual birthday, I made dinner reservations at Lulu the following night and it was perfect as we were the only ones in the restaurant. It was as if I reserved the whole place for us. Sweet!

It was a bit chilly that night so we opted to order a bowl of Organic Squash Soup (PHP250) along with our U.S. Prime Angus Rib Eye with garden salad and truffled fries.

The squash soup was served first and it was pretty good! It was slightly creamy with a bit of earthy flavor from the spices. I enjoyed it the crisp toasted bread.

The rib eye steak was served after quite some time. I think it took them at least 20 minutes to serve the steak but when it was served… wow oh wow~

It was huge! I was scared that 300 grams might be a bit too small for us but I was wrong. Pairing the steak with truffled fries made the dish even heavier.

We asked them to make our steaks medium rare and it was spectacular! I loved how soft and juicy the steak was. Each bite was succulent and packed with flavor from the rich mushroom gravy sauce. I just kept having one mouthful of steak after another like someone who was deprived of food for days. I also loved smothering the seasoned fries with the thick gravy. It was a lovely meal.