The Fatted Calf Tagaytay — Restaurant in Tagaytay

Sharing my experience with this delightful restaurant. Bear with me as this review is a bit long.

I reserved a table a day before through their instagram, response was relatively quick. I asked for their menu and noted that the beef wagyu leg was limited so I reserved it in advance which they agreed to save one for me. As I arrived at the restaurant, I immediately asked for the beef wagyu leg, but they informed me that it was already sold out for the day, I told them I had reserved one and showed them my conversation with them through instagram which they acknowledged. At first I was kind of disappointed because that was our whole point in going there. But the lady who was serving us (manager maybe? not sure), really apologized for their mistake and was truly sorry. I felt the sincerity that it was honest mistake, and I appreciated how they handled the situation well. So I just let it go and proceeded to ordering other stuff.

Now for my review of this place. From the moment we walked in, the ambiance was warm and inviting, with tasteful decor that set the perfect mood. The staff were super friendly, attentive, and made us feel truly welcomed.

FOOD REVIEW: The porterhouse was not super special, it was the usual steak with pepper and spices, it was tender nonetheless, the mustard side was quite intriguing though. I especially liked Hummus which tasted delicious along with the crispy bread served alongside it and the osso buco practically melted in my mouth, not to mention the “putok batok” bone marrow that was included. For the drink, I ordered their iced chocolate, and it did not disappoint, it was very rich and not too sweet, I could actually imagine the legit tablea de batirol taste.

What truly stood out was the attention to detail — from the presentation of the dishes to how accommodating the team was. They even gave us a slide of cake on a plate with a happy birthday sign, since we came there to celebrate a birthday. We were not expecting that, it was a heart warming gesture. It’s clear that a lot of thought and care goes into every aspect of the dining experience.

At the end of our stay, after consuming our food, we asked for our bill, and the lady who was serving us told us that our food was on the house since they made a mistake, we were surprised to hear that, we asked if they would shoulder the payment for our food, and we were willing to pay if that’s the case since we knew it was a truly an honest mistake, and we already appreciated so much her sincere apology from the start, and their great service during our dine. In the end they insisted and assured us no employee will be paying for our meal.

Overall, despite the mistake they made, which all humans make, since nobody is perfect, really. Our experience here was superb! I highly recommend for anyone looking for delicious food, incredible service, and a memorable dining experience. I can’t wait to return and try other dishes. Will definitely recommend to my friends and family! Thank you so much The Fatted Calf, for a wonderful and unforgettable experience!

P.S. There is definitely a lot of parking space, a good selection of food variety, they are open until 9pm with the last order called at 8:30pm, reservations can be made through their socials or contact number, but they do...

Used the Google menu as my basis prior to coming here but they phased out the good for 1 steak options. The smallest steak was almost 600g, so imma post menu photos so everyone can be updated accordingly.

I heard there were complimentary rolls and butter but none tonight. A couple of things, like crab carbonara for one, was out of stock.

The crab croquettes was ok, but they could've put sauce on the side for more depth. As it was it was very 1 dimensional as the sauce provided was a pitiful amount.

The osso bucco was super tender it fell apart as I was trying to pick up a large-ish price. I could really taste the farm to table experience everything was super fresh tasting and the sweet potato mash was whipped to perfection. However taste wise you get very little beef flavor, its mostly tomato and herbs, and when I tried to get more osso bucco i had the unpleasant surprise of finding that the dish was mostly bone once you remove the sauce smothering the dish, its 2/3 bone once you're past the presentation.

The fish curry smelled amazing when it arrived and I was expecting good things. But it tasted nothing like it smelled, mostly just spicy and more spicy. It wasn't deathly spicy, just nowhere near as complex as the fragrance of the dish suggested.

The marzipan pili cheesecake was chef's kiss, I can see why chef rhea is known for having some of the best cakes in the metro.

The service however was piss poor.

I texted earlier in the day to make a reservation and got no responses.

Upon walking in the wait staff would intentionally refuse to make eye contact when asked for available tables. I had to intentionally stand in front of one before they pointed me in the right direction and who to talk to.

Got assigned to an outdoor table the staff didn't even bother to wipe down. I will note that they waited hand and foot on the family that came after me. Probably because they were in a luxury car. 😆 🤣

Called the attention of the wait staff to order, was told they'd attend to us shortly. But they took the order of the other table first. I got more of the same avoidant eye contact behavior for the next 20 mins before someone finally came to take our order.

It began to rain a couple minutes after that, but they offered the other table to be moved inside 4x without offering us the same. It wasn't until the table pointed out we were getting wet from the rain that they finally asked us if we wanted to be moved inside. We were the table closest to the railings and the edge of the roof and thus the first table exposed to the elements.

You could overhear the waitstaff complaining to each other about accomodating additional orders after we ordered dessert when they asked about last call (a little bit before 830).

Food was ok albeit a little pricier than what you get, and nowhere near enough to make up for the shitty attitude of the wait staff. 💯 would...

The Fatted Calf specializes in providing a selection that highlights local produce and promotes a farm-to-table philosophy. By sourcing ingredients locally, they ensure the freshest and highest quality offerings for their customers. This commitment to showcasing local flavors and supporting nearby farms sets The Fatted Calf apart in the culinary scene.

We are fortunate to have encountered the brilliant minds behind the meticulously crafted menu and culinary symphony. Upon arrival at the cozy restaurant, Chef Jayjay and Chef Rhea warmly welcomed us and graciously agreed to take a photo with us.

We carefully reviewed the drink menu and were pleasantly surprised by the exceptional cocktails. The 'Peach Be With You' immediately captured our hearts from the very first sip and has since become a favorite.

The tasting journey commenced with a dish that immediately caught our attention: the grilled octopus. The unexpected tenderness of the dish surprised us, presenting a delightful explosion of sweet, spicy, and umami-filled gochujang flavors complemented by the smoky essence of the grill. The bold mix of tastes is expertly balanced by the refreshing accompaniment of house slaw.

What we ordered next was the cured cod fish. As a long-time fan of our native tinapa and the norwegian salmon, I found this choice to be a slight yet pleasant deviation. The mix of familiarity and curiosity drew me towards this dish. The cod's buttery mouthfeel is complemented by a delicate drizzle of kaffir oil, imparting a floral undertone. A hint of tang from the creme fraiche and crisp radish awakens the palate as I savor each bite. It creates a harmonious blend of flavors, elevating the dining experience to a heavenly level.

The next dish has an unexpected twist - the crackling pork belly paired with caramelized sweet potato, served on a bed of smoked radish puree with a dip of black garlic on the side. The combination was truly extraordinary and left us in awe of the creative flavors and textures. The dish showcased a perfect balance of savory and sweet, with the crispy pork belly dipped into the earthy radish puree and the subtle umami of the black garlic. This unexpected fusion left a lasting impression on our taste buds.

The Osso Buco stands out as a delightful dish, providing the ultimate comfort food experience. The tender beef and savory sauce deliver a richness and warmth that truly captivate the palate. Complemented by sweet potato puree and gremolata, this dish offers a harmonious blend of flavors.

The menu and food at The Fatted Calf reflect a remarkable amount of labor and love. The overall gastronomical experience is excellent, leaving us eagerly anticipating...