October 04, 2018

Tahanan Bistro in Antipolo, Rizal

When we talk about the Filipino home, it is the familiar kind of warmth and comforts that are instantly popping up in our minds. Tahanan Bistro, a sanctuary of Filipino values, creativity, and culinary venture is the place to go if you’re yearning for a relaxing and luscious retreat in the Philippines.

Tahanan Bistro is a private dining restaurant located at Lores Farm Subdivision, Brgy. San Roque, Antipolo City. The 17-year old structure is originally the ancestral home of Benji Reyes, a pivotal Filipino sculptor, but then it was turned into a casual fine dining restaurant by his daughter Keesha Reyes and her partner Kevin Tuason. The humble abode was then opened to the public under the care of the two last July 2016 as Tahanan Bistro.

Owners Keesha Reyes and Chef Kevin Tuason

Stepping in the all-wood contemporary Filipino-style house, a recurring feeling of the fondest memories of your childhood will be present in the still air. Guests are asked to remove shoes upon entering the restaurant, which is a known practice to the Filipinos. The view of Laguna de bay, the sound of the water running through the refreshing backyard pond, and the lush greenery surrounding the place suggests that this could be your next favorite ultimate recoil away from the busy life in the city.

The kitchen is in control of the head chef Kevin Tuason, whose experience in the culinary industry brings a worldly and fresh take on the country’s flavour palate. Chef Kevin studied in Australia and is now a pro in turning Filipino ingredients into distinctive Western plates.

The bill of fare is composing of different selection of set of menus which change after every three months. Each five-course meal is valued at P1,200 inclusive of VAT. One set menu is strictly for one person only. Make sure you book ahead of time if you wish to secure a seat in your preferred spot. But here’s a secret—whether you choose to dine inside, by the garden or the balcony, the view and ambiance is just too perfect everywhere! Reservation is also quite easy. They already provided a reservation form in their website or you can just directly call them to save you from the usual hustle of the reservation process. You can reserve from a span of 6 months up to two days before. The whole 32-seating restaurant is perfect for romantic dates, but it could also be reserved for corporate purposes, weddings, birthday parties, big celebrations, and the likes.

The restaurant is open from 11:00am to 4:00pm for lunch and 6:00pm to 10:00pm for dinner.

LAUAN from January to March 2017 menus. (P1,200)

On the other hand, what’s a restaurant without the good service? In Tahanan Bistro, they never let the enticing physical feature of the place do all the works. Keesha and Kevin, as well as the staff, work together to provide their guests the excellent service and memorable experience everyone is expecting in this country known for invaluable hospitality.

Aside from being a restaurant, Tahanan Bistro also doubles as a gallery and showroom of Sculptor Benji Reyes’ furniture and art pieces. As part of the experience, guests are also toured around the whole house with Keesha and Kevin themselves.

Some of Benji Reyes’ art and furniture pieces displayed in Tahanan Bistro