This lush estate is a clear TRIPle threat, whether you're in the mood for a food trip, a nature trip, or even a culture trip.
We're happy to see a bit of light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to traveling and eating out as we now have more manageable protocols against a pandemic that has no plans of stopping at any moment.
Gourmet Farms Inc. is pet-friendly too!
So if you'd like to get away from the hustle and bustle, go on a quick roadtrip to the south at Gourmet Farms, Inc., which is located along Aguinaldo Hi-way (if by car or big bike, it's an easy ride from Manila via CALAX), you can spend an entire afternoon with your family and/or friends with uncertainty.
Currently, Gourmet Farms, Inc. has two establishments operating within the estate that's open to the public - The Dining Room and Gourmet's Cafe and Country Store. Meantime, near the farm area and the tall trees is where St. Joseph's Sanctuary stands which houses a chapel, conference area and, guest house, and outdoor pavilion.
Gourmet Farms Inc. started in the late '70s with a few goals in mind: to bring Philippine coffee to the world map, and for Filipinos to be able to get the first taste.
Since then, there were many other firsts that were pioneered by Gourmet Farms Inc. in the Philippines, from owning one of the best coffee roasters that still works perfectly after decades of use, to setting up the first organic farm and the first to offer the salad bar concept in the country.
From left: Adlai Risotto, Gnocchi al Forno and Arrosto di Manzo
Because of the abundance of local produce within their farm, they've taken the bean-to-cup and farm-to-fork ideas into reality, where guests can get a sip of their exclusive coffee blends and an array of delicious entrees and Mediterranean-inspired dishes that you can enjoy at their garden.
Pizza with local burrata, Pancetta Alla Griglia and Mango de Rucola
Because the farm also produces the best of aromtic herbs, guests can also enjoy specially-made thirst quenchers such as their Signature Cooler (with lemon and basil), Tarragon Lemonade, and Banaba Iced Tea.
Wine and Bubblings are also available, as well as cocktails and Aperativo for that Sunday brunch vibe that's truly irresistible.
Signature Cooler
The same herbs also stand out in their mains, like in their Branzino Alla Griglia that's made with local Batangas seabass, grilled with sprigs of thyme, rosemary and parsley, and enjoyed with serving of salsa verde. A simple yet magnificent way of highlighting freshness at its finest.
Branzino Alla Griglia
During our trip, we were also able to see the actual farm and in perfect weather conditions too - fields of fresh organic local produce that get plucked, washed, and transported across major cities on a daily basis.
Their coffee storage is packed with sacks of local and imported coffee beans, all ready for roasting.
Did you know that the coffee consumption of Filipinos is actually far higher than the country's current supply? With Gourmet Farms Inc. being one of the country's biggest coffee traders, much of their dedication is also geared towards teaching people to get more interested in farming/existing farmers to hone their expertise to grow their own produce in the best way possible -- whether it's about cultivating coffee, vegetables or herbs.
For consumers like us, being in a place like Gourmet Farms Inc. gives you a better sense of appreciation towards nature, local produce, and making sure that these resources aren't put to waste. We were able to understand more the issues that the farming industry has been and is still facing at this time, and how they are able to go through the challenges in all the years in operation.
Being able to see the land where you get your daily veggies or herbs for the day also taught us that success doesn't happen overnight. In a world full of instant gratifications, we were able to see how with a little patience, perseverance, and a lot of elbow grease, they were able to start off with some land and a few sacks of coffee that turned this humble property into a sustainable estate that can feed Filipinos with their innovative array of food, beverage and farming products.
Of course, the weather and climate plays an important part in everything that Gourmet Farms Inc. does, so they put everything with passion and thankfulness to The One who provides us with everything that we need in order to grow something beautiful.
Just look at the array of herbs that they are cultivating at the farm, including some kaffir lime that is pretty rare when you're in the Philippines!
After taking a mini-hike at the farm, we got some Aperol and a quick dessert to refresh ourselves while enjoying the cool afternoon breeze. On special days, they even feature some cool tunes mixed by a live DJ on-site.
Before you leave, they can drop by Gourmet's Cafe and Country Store to take home retail products such as Drip On Coffee, Coffee Beans, and Grounds, cakes and pastries, as well as fresh vegetables straight from the farm.
They also offer their line of Kitchen Exclusives featuring Gourmet Farms, Inc.'s bestselling salad dressings, sauces, spreads, dips, and even ready-to-heat frozen and bottled food.
Even though Gourmet Farms, Inc. is basically a household name and you can basically access their products at your favorite supermarket, it's nice to purchase them directly at their store so you can take advantage of their lower prices. Who doesn't love a good deal, right?
Overall, we hope you can experience Gourmet Farms, Inc. as we did!
Address:
Km. 52, Aguinaldo Highway, Lalaan 2 4118 Silang, Philippines
For reservations & queries, text or call: (0917) 585-4674
The Dining Room / Gourmet's Cafe and Country Store is open every day from 7:00AM to 7:00PM
Farm Tour Schedules:
Mondays to Thursdays: 10:00AM, 1:00PM & 3:00PM; Fridays to Sundays: 10:00AM & 3:00PM; No farm tour during holidays, Holy Week & inclement weather conditions.
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