Tagaytay, known for its picturesque landscapes and cool climate, has always been a favorite getaway spot for urban dwellers seeking a break from the busy city life of Metro Manila. Now, it has become the newest dining destination with a touch of nostalgia with the opening of My Country House Tagaytay, offering a heartwarming experience through its inviting ambiance and a menu inspired by cherished family recipes.

Step into the restaurant, and you'll find yourself transported back to the comforting days spent at your grandparents' house in the countryside. My Country House was thoughtfully transformed from a residential home to a 130-seater culinary oasis by the Wisniewski Family, founders of the esteemed Raintree Hospitality Group. 

"It's a house, and we want to maintain it as such," shares Andrej Wisniewski. "It's similar to when you visit someone's house in a charming village and step onto the lanai. We realized that not everyone gets to have that experience, as many people in Manila reside in condominiums or lack a backyard. We aim to offer our diners a distinct experience that we want them to fully enjoy."

With the restaurant's open-air concept, it allows the refreshing Tagaytay air to breeze through all year long. This creates a welcoming atmosphere that's perfect for relaxing and savoring a hearty meal.

My Country House is adorned with tropical inspirations and details, enveloping diners in a warm and cozy environment. Together with the sounds of birds and cascading water from the waterfall and koi pond, it creates a serene and tranquil ambiance.

The main dining area is the heart of My Country House, housing a well-stocked bar on one side and a retail area where you can purchase delectable pastries, cakes, and locally made souvenirs. Certain tables and fixtures on the dining floor are actually the family’s own when the property was a country home.

The terrace, just behind the bar, offers a relaxed space for guests to unwind with cocktails while admiring the beautiful surroundings.

But it's not just the ambiance that makes My Country House special. The restaurant's menu, curated by Executive Chef Arnold Gozon, is a delightful blend of refined country cuisine and sophisticated heirloom dishes. With the majority of the ingredients sustainably sourced from surrounding areas and the menu drawing inspiration from classic Western favorites and cherished family memories, the dishes evoke a sense of familiarity and comfort.

“When I talked to the owner, he said he grew up in the country club his whole life. He missed that old school country club lifestyle,” tells Martin Wisniewski. “We also had to differentiate ourselves from Farmer’s Table. Also, we realized people still liked heritage food. So it was the owner's heritage that became our heritage with an emphasis on the classic dishes you don’t see as much.”

The Sunday Pochero, a delightful family favorite, is My Country House's answer to Tagaytay's famous bulalo. The recipe hails from three family versions and it boasts fall-off-the-bone beef shank and oxtail, Spanish chorizo, chicken, chickpeas, carrots, plantains, cabbage, and choi sum all cooked and served in a rich bone broth. To add a personal touch, it's accompanied by three different condiments, each hailing from the family members. 

Another gem is the signature Lengua Estofado, featuring ox tongue braised to perfection and served with wild mushrooms, Spanish chorizo, Spanish green olives, and crispy Jamon Serrano.

The menu also pays homage to timeless European favorites, such as Cheese Gougeres and Handmade Pappardelle with Slow-braised Oxtail Ragu, as well as classic American dishes like the char-grilled 100 percent Angus Beef Cheeseburger and the indulgent Steak to Share, a bone-in US Angus Ribeye dry-aged for 21 days.

Chef Arnold's culinary expertise shines through with dishes like the Crispy Pork Knuckle Confit, a Filipino classic with a French twist, and the Country Chicken Relleno, a posh take on chicken galantina. Even the desserts are a delightful fusion of Western favorites and local flavors, featuring treats like the Sticky Date Pudding and the Fresh Fruit Pavlova.

To complement the dining experience, My Country House offers a variety of signature cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages. Whether you opt for the London Fog, Irish Coffee, or their refreshing Butterfly Iced Tea, you're in for a delightful treat. 

From the liquor cabinet, top picks include Si Sir, which is composed of gin, Campari, sweet vermouth, dried orange, cacao powder, and chocolate orange bitters; as well as Dragon Blood, made with fresh pink dragon fruit and lychees, blended with rum and lychee juice.

As Annabel Wisniewski puts it, My Country House was designed to be a place where people can relax, feel at home, and enjoy both good food and company. It's a sanctuary that invokes cherished memories and brings loved ones together, making it the newest and most heartwarming dining destination in Tagaytay.

“We want to serve familiar flavors, food most of us grew up with — something that will bring back good memories just like how it reminds us of our own family. With this dream project, our goal is to provide a respite, an escape just a quick drive from Metro Manila. We want people to feel at home when they visit, spend time, walk around, explore and just enjoy being together,” Martin ends.

My Country House is located 115 Pulong Sagingan Street, Brgy. Maitim, 2nd West, Tagaytay City. The restaurant is open daily, Monday to Sunday, from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Reservations are highly encouraged via mobile no. 0917 875 1154 (Viber) or call/SMS 0960 456 6873.

Photos courtesy of My Country House and Rey Ilagan