Nov 30

Nov 30 Lovely Breakfast in Rustic Mornings

METRO MANILA, PHILIPPINES. Tucked along the narrow Isabelo Mendoza street in Marikina is this lovely place called Rustic Mornings. The place was established 5 years ago and was more known as Isabelo Place. Though it also functions as a restaurant, it was more famous as an event place back then. Reservations were a must if you want to dine there until two years ago when they converted it as a full-fledged restaurant where people can just walk in and enjoy the place and the food whenever they please.

NOOKS AND CRANNIES OUTSIDE

The traverse to Rustic Mornings is not a walk in the park. It is not even close to it. A 30-minute drive from Makati City on a Sunday afternoon, it was a relatively long drive given that the place can still be found in the metro and the traffic is basically non-existent during Sundays. But despite it, all of the hassles you encountered while looking for it seemingly evaporates in an instant once you step inside the establishment.

Rustic Mornings is a hidden gem. It was as if I was transported yet again to a dimension I did not want to leave soon. It was as if I just want to spend the rest of my Sundays there with my feet propped up one of their colorful chairs or on one of their massive tables in one of their themed nooks and read or contemplate away. I do not think anyone would mind at all.

I never knew that al fresco dining can be this magical. All the shabby chic detailings, flowy curtains, dainty-colored furnitures, distressed wood, mosaic tiles and the greens magically united to form a peaceful haven that would be appealing to anyone who is in dire need of some deep thinking and self-restoration.

Gourmet Hotdog Sandwich with Chili con Carne and Sunny Side Up Egg (Php 250)

THE POTIONS TO GOOD HEALTH

If great food is what you are after, you can never go wrong with Rustic Mornings. It is that restaurant that has it all. Though they have great design interiors, they still made sure that their food offerings do not lag behind. Good looks is not everything, you know, and this restaurant knows well that it is good intentions that will prevail in the end. And I could not agree more. It is the great flavors that will get some word-of-mouth up and running from its customers. I am sure that the Gourmet Hotdog Sandwich (Php 250) will spark some because of that spicy, lovely stew of chilli con carne and the tasty, big sausage in-between the buns.

Crunchy Pinoy Burrito with Creamy Mushroom Sauce - Beef (Php 185)

The Crunchy Pinoy Burrito (Php 185) had been a treat to eat. A meal packed in a wrapper then fried to perfection, this one was definitely something unique.

Country Omelette - Bacon, Potato, Cheese and Leeks (Php 220)

Beef Ribs with 2 RIce (Php 380). This is good for two persons.

You could not go wrong also with the Country Omelette, Boneless Breaded Bangus, Chicken Salad Sandwich and the Beef Ribs. Typical delights maybe but they were so delicious, clean and unpretentious that it reminded me of home. The Beef Ribs (Php 380) was also so tender that this had been gone in a minute! Add a serving or two of the rice and this would still be good for 3 to 4 persons. That is how big this bowl of stew is.

Cap-off your dining experience in Rustic Mornings with their lovely cakes and desserts. They are simply amazing that a bite would already be enough to content you the fullest. The Old Fashioned Chocolate Cake (which was said to be the best in the metro because of its fluffy inside), Banana Cream Pie and the Frozen Brazo de Mercedes with caramel on top will surely be nice endings to your lovely meal.

Frozen Brazo de Mercedes (Php 150-slice / Php 700-whole)

Like I said, I would be more than happy to let a day pass by sitting and thinking and daydreaming in this place. The best part is that Rustic Mornings lets you do just that. If you want to go somewhere quiet and peaceful with some good food and nice surroundings without leaving the metro, this restaurant would be your best bet. Being there is pure bliss. It just clears your mind out of unnecessary things. It lets you breathe in some fresh air, bathe in some sunlight, enjoy the current moment and be grateful for what you are and what you have right now. I know it did for me.