The Girl Behind the Pen

Apart from great food, what makes a dining experience oh-so-perfect is a kick ass view! Wyndell's Al Fresco in Tanay, Rizal gives you just that. 

Before you enter this Tanay restaurant's premises, you will be welcomed by a quaint cafe with a rooftop dining area. If you're coming from a long descent and you just want to take a quick break, there you can sip a hot coffee while enjoying the cool breeze of Tanay.

Wyndell's Al Fresco is not like any other restaurants in Tanay you'd see because it's separated into three sections: cafe, samgyupsal area, and the main dining area. So upon entering the restaurant, you'd see a rustic dining area on your left perfect for a romantic date. Just a few steps down and you'll see their samgyupsal area. But if you want to enjoy a full-blown Wyndell's experience, take the best spot in the main dining area with mountains and trees as your backdrop. Trust me when I say the view is overwhelmingly beautiful, especially during sunset. If you arrive around 5pm, the sun will touch your skin, giving you an instant glow or a warm filter for a photo op. 

This al fresco dining in Tanay, Rizal offers a wide variety of dishes, catering to those who are always on-the-go, Korean BBQ lovers, and for special celebrations. As for us, we tried some of their sandwiches, pasta, and a pizza. 

Philly Cheesestake (PHP 280)

Not the usual Philly Cheesesteak sandwich that will have you give up at 3rd bite. It's good!

BBQ Burger (PHP 350)

It's small but filling. I loved how the sweet and spicy barbecue sauce matches the sourness of the tomatoes and the double quarter pounder patties that taste just right (not too bland, not too salty).

Gamberi Aglia e Olio Pappardelle (PHP 350)

I never thought I'd like an oil-based pasta at first try! 

Basil Honey Pepperoni Pizza (PHP 350)

For the pizza, I think I expected too much though. I like the consistency but it's too sweet for a pizza, for me.

Although it's a bit pricier than other Tanay, Rizal restaurants, overall, I'm completely satisfied with my dining experience at Wyndell's Al Fresco Tanay. I'll be coming back to try their breakfast menu. Hopefully soon!

If you've ever been here or just planning to visit, let me know in the comment box below your thoughts! :)

Wyndell's Al Fresco

Being home to more than 7,000 beautiful islands, the Philippines surely never disappoints. From the pristine beaches and jaw-dropping lagoons to the breathtaking rolling hills, there's something for every traveler, and that will make you want to come back for more. 

Of all the Philippine destinations I've been to, one of the places that left a mark on me was Batanes. With its lush greenery everywhere that will make you sing the hills are alive and socializing with the kindest people you'd ever meet, how can you not love Batanes?

Must-read: Batanes Through the Eyes of a First-Timer

But did you know that there is a place near Manila that almost looks like Batanes? Read on to find out where this place is.

Behold, Tanay in Rizal Province, just one to two hours away from the metro. We just saw this accidentally when we decided to pass by the Marilaque Road. Marilaque stands for Marikina (Ma), Rizal (Ri), Laguna (La), and Quezon Province (Que). It's a famous road for riders who are coming from Manila and traveling to Rizal or Quezon provinces. 

The moment I saw it, I already thought it's really like Batanes. Wherever you look (at least in the part of Tanay in Marilaque) is a mountain range and rolling hills. But it was almost dark so we didn't stop. I told myself, I have to come back and see it again. And when we did, my jaw dropped just like when I saw this road in South of Batan Island in Batanes.

Sure, it's not really 100% look-a-like but there is a resemblance. My point is, in Batanes, hills and mountains are the usual sights on the road. And in Rizal lies a somehow similar spot where you can see beautiful landscapes as you drive along the road.

And just like taking a photo in Batanes' road, it's also not easy playing patintero with the cars passing by so, in case you're planning to take a photo, be extra careful because vehicles there are fast and they wouldn't stop for your photoshoot. Luckily, the cars passing by that time were only a few.

Being a Rizal resident, I was really surprised that there is actually a place like this in our province. Even restaurants have overlooking views of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range. It's pure, divine, and breathtaking.

How to get to Marilaque Highway

Ricardo's Vista del Cielo