It has been a while since Patrick and I went out on a Friday night, let a lone a Friday night in Tagaytay. But if there is one person who can drag me all the way there, it would be Tonyboy Escalante, chef and owner of Antonio’s. Tonyboy and his wife Agnes have been our friends since they were just starting to plan Antonio’s. We met through artist Popo San Pascual and Tita Sonya Garcia of Sonya’s Garden many years ago, when Patrick and I were just planning our wedding. Popo did the flowers in my wedding and his mom was my caterer. Tonyboy would tell me stories about his plans for his place. Of course since then Tita Sonya and Tonyboy have grown both their little cottages into restaurant empires and respected brands.
Last Friday May 27th, Tonyboy celebrated his birthday at Antonio’s Tagaytay in collaboration with Hennessy and Porsche. In attendance were his close friends from his hometown in Bacolod, Manila, and Tagaytay. It was like a reunion of sorts for us, the Tagaytay-Alfonso people. Yes, one day I will live there too. I hope.
Happy birthday, Chef Tonyboy! We are so proud of all you have achieved. Thank you for your friendship and generous spirit. More blessings to you and Agnes!
Raclette station
Raclette with french fries, marbled potato, gerkins, cocktail onions, chili flakes and paprika
A staple at any Antonio’s event – Steak Tartare
Beef Skewers
Oyster station
Prawn skewers spiced with lemongrass
Burger Sandwiches with bbq sauce and caramelized onions
Arugula lemon drop
Manolet Escudero, Agnes Escalante, Baba Escudero, and Paul Henares
Isabel Lozano, Eric Diaz, Tonyboy, Jinggoy Buensuceso, Wataru Sakuma, and friends.
Popo San Pascual, Tonyboy, Tita Sonya
Louie Ysmael, Claudine Trillo, Ian Dy
Patrick and I with Tita Sonya
Steve Mago and Pia Guanio
Edu Manzano, me, Tonyboy, Maui Obrero, Timmy Obrero, Jun Obrero
With Franco Tommasi of Villa Girardi wines
Agnes Hechanova Escalante and Mitchie Yulo
For more info on Antonio’s visit www.antoniosrestaurant.ph
Leave a comment