La Terasse: A Dining Gem

Everything is locally-sourced and green

My first stopover for my Puerto Princesa foodtrip was the gourmet restaurant La Terasse Restaurant along Rizal St. The place was almost inconspicuous from the highway because the area is covered in plants and bamboo trees, which serves as walls for the ground floor.

The insides are homey and cool. It gives off a relaxing secluded island vibe, primarily because it shuts off the sounds of roaring motorcycles despite its proximity to the national highway. On an early Saturday afternoon, the place is calm and sleepy, with only a few tables occupied by patrons and tourists.

My companion, local journalist Serge Pontillas, and I were greeted by our host, Ms. Angie, the sister of the owner. I was here for InFlight Traveler, on assignment for Monica. After a few introductions, the plates rolled in and we found ourselves face-to-face with the appetizer: duck confit rolled in mandarine crepes.

Each roll has a generous amount of cucumber slices and stripped duck meat lavished with oyster sauce. It was heavenly--something I'd succumb to every now and then.

After we finished the meal, the salad plate came:

Of course its another heavenly treat since its Palawan and the greens are fresh from the farms and combined with our chef's masterful work, Serge and I found ourselves dining our hearts out. But the best ones have yet to come...

The main courses were served in one go and the table was filled with three dishes--all created by resident Chef Mark Magnaye. Serge and I laughed when we saw this dish:

Poached prawns

We can't help but think of something lewd and not just because of the position; another angle (which I will not post here) will trigger the same chuckle from just about anyone. That or our playful writer minds are playing tricks on our peepers. Haha.

La Terasse has a very flexible and extensive menu, which is still being refined by the owners. The choices are not only limited to European fusion meals but there are also Asian plates to suit any cravings. One of the new ones to be added is the this Chinese noodle dish:

And the pork belly is oh-so-yummy and oh-so-sinful. Crunchy on the outside but soft in the inside, the bestseller is worth the calories.

The star: Pork belly

Alas, all good things must come to an end, as the usual cycle goes. Our luncheon finished with scoops of organic ice creams, perfect for the languid breezy afternoon.

Homemade ice cream: Kahlui coffee

La Terasse is popular in the island for its desserts, says Serge. I'd go back anytime I'm around because its so worth it. - 3/10/12