Wanna be a Bride in Batangas?

When in Nasugbu, Batangas make sure to have your lunch or dinner at this place called KAINAN SA DALAMPASIGAN. I chanced upon this “rustic-elegant” restaurant on our way to Pico de Loro Cove for an event site ocular inspection, together with three other events groups bidding for the project. Our host from SM Properties brought us here and I would have to say it’s a lovely place.

I was sleeping in the van during the whole trip so I was totally surprised to wake up to the sight of hanging vines as the van crept its way into a narrow road. Then the whole group was more pleasantly amazed when we finally made a stop in front of a Spanish-themed casa with its colorful stained-glass windows. Bougainvilleas and other local flowers adorned the place. I think the floor was made up of terracotta tiles, reminiscent of Spanish lanais, and all the tables were made of wood. Certainly, it has a country feel. It reminded me of the Bohol Bee Farm and other country inns that I have visited so far, though it’s different from Sonya’s, which I think has a more shabby chic appeal – feminine and quaint.

Anyway, I learned that the restaurant has been there for years and it was only recently that they made renovations. For a Thursday, people were streaming in like it was a weekend. So I could just imagine how this place would be packed by then. Our host said this restaurant was famous for its Tangigue steak, so we had that plus Pinakbet and Baked Tahong. Though the food was good, and really makes you feel right at home (like you’re eating at your lola’s house) there’s really nothing to "super" rave about it. I was even quite disappointed that the prices were similar to Manila restos. I expected them to be way cheaper since we were in the "province" after all. Good thing their servings were hefty so that kinda equalized the costs. Despite that I’m just saying that I don’t think you need to intentionally drive down to Nasugbu just to have a piece of their Tangigue steak, like some celebrities allegedly do according to the waitresses.

They were more than eager to tell claim-to-fame stories like Regine and Ogie used to have lunch and dinner here straight from Manila way before they have announced their relationship to the public. (Wow, they were really running out of hiding places in Manila, huh?) And the waitresses were also very excited to share that this was the restaurant used in Juday’s telenovela where she was a cook with that infamous secret chicken recipe.

Like I said, food is okay but nothing to be crazy about but it's GOOD. However, it would really be a shame if you miss this place if ever you’re in the Nasugbu area. It’s worth the stop at least. If not for the food then the aesthetics of the place would certainly give you your tourist's fill. Great for photo ops. The only thing that really piqued my interest is the fact that they actually have a chapel in their garden. So if ever you’re planning on a destination wedding and your bridal compass is pointing to Batangas, I think this place would be perfect for that country garden wedding. There’s already a chapel and then just a few steps away is the restaurant which is almost as large as the reception area of Sonya’s Garden if not a little bit bigger.

Kainan sa Dalampasigan (+63 43 931-1134) Barangay Bucana, Nasugbu, Batangas