Casa Rap Garden Cafe — Restaurant in San Jose

Ok, lemme tell you this straight.. these 3 stars were gained by the hardworking staff only. All the flaws of this place is a management issue. It’s understaffed and most like they’re are not trained for restaurateur purposes. We walked in and received a lackluster greeting. We are told that’s e can choose any table we want. The ambience looks melancholic because of the archaic and traditional motif, wooden brown and old. So there’s that. I asked one of the staff to switch the lights on to give the place a little bit of energy. She did and it was better. Few 2-3 tables were occupied when we came in. No servers came. Minutes passed by, nothing. So we called their attention. This is totally different from the restaurants I’ve been in the US. At this point, we could’ve been asked if we wanted water or drinks to start with or appetizers. Nada! So, the server came when we called and we ordered. She answered politely with our questions and left. Food serving is small and a little slower. But it’s perfectly flavored and meat is tender. You gotta call the servers each time ‘cuz some things you need aren’t there on the table yet. Pay attention! Again, I’m faulting the management on this. We also ordered halo-halo for dessert and it’s surprisingly delicious despite its lack of color and ingredients. I love it. The restrooms are clean and matches the setting. I noticed like 3-4 groups came in because it’s getting close to dinner (it’s Father’s Day), also received with a lackluster smile, if they’re even greeted. Ha! This place is very promising. I love it’s design, it could’ve been cooler if they’ll use giant exhaust fans to drive out the warm air inside than blowing fans over your temples. Since this is in San Jose, Batangas, it’s an added bonus that you’ll smell a wave of stinky poultry or piggery poop in the air. They say, that’s money right there hanging thick in the air. Lol Will I come back here? Not until there are improvements. My friends and family asked me about this place last night and gave them an eh-eh response. I really hope that the management will pay attention to this needed modifications, instead of just focusing on profits. These are all constructive criticisms that if you’ll work on, customers will appreciate and they’ll feel the need to come back in here, over and over again. And, that’s when trust comes in, that's when profits...

From our experience, just this Jan 06, 2023, and as a first timer in this place, i'm totally amazed of the hidden place. I was wondrin where the entrance is at first, for upon arrival we only saw this big sign and a parking lot. Their entrance is a bit small at the right side of the parking. It's a garden walk way heading to their main resto. Since you can still feel the essence of Christmas in the place there are still decors that lights up and add beauty in their resto. Service improved already compared to previous experience of one of our companion, they're much faster now when it comes to serving orders. Foods served taste great! And compared to some resto i've been in, their price is much cheaper and affordable. We'll be sure to come back again some...

The crispy pata came in with that golden-brown crunch you can already hear before you even take a bite. The skin was perfectly crackly while the meat inside stayed tender and flavorful, not dry at all. Best enjoyed with their soy sauce, vinegar, and chili—each bite was indulgent and satisfying.

Meanwhile, the sinigang na salmon brought balance to the meal. The broth was tangy and refreshing, with just the right sourness to cut through the richness of the pata.

It was hearty, comforting, and very homey.

The best part? It felt like perfect home-cooked food delivered right at...