Located in sunny Tagaytay, The Farmer’s Table introduces farm-to-table goodness through fresh, sustainable, and delicious food grown on their farm.

We’ve all heard the phrase “you are what you eat”, but what does it really mean?

Not to be taken in the literal sense (no, you are not a chicken just because you ate chicken), this means making conscious choices about what we eat. We’re talking about the nutrients and health benefits—down to the ingredients used in the dish or product. All this plays an important role in our overall well-being and will benefit us in the long run, after all.

One surefire way to guarantee healthy food is through sourcing and consuming food made with farm-to-table ingredients. Defined by The Spruce Eats as “food on the table [that] came directly from a specific farm, without going through a store, market, or distributor along the way”, this practice guarantees that your food is fresh. Plus, you’re supporting the very farmers who grew the produce while you’re at it.

What better way to get this than by going to the farms of Tagaytay, particularly at the Farmer’s Table?

Farm-to-Table, Defined

Nestled in the heart of Tagaytay, the Farmer’s Table is Raintree Hospitality Group’s answer to the growing need for better health and wellness. Here, you are not only promised fresh and healthy food, but also a holistic experience. Aside from the concept of farm-to-table dining, The Farmer’s Table is inspired by the practice of being a locavore. This refers to a person who serves and eats food grown or produced in their local area.

“We wanted to highlight all of the ingredients grown at the farm,” says Raintree Hospitality Group Vice President Mr. Martin Wisniewski. “[This includes] the products from surrounding areas such as [the] beef and seafood from Batangas, coffee and longganisa from Amadeo next door, and a local brewery named Monkey Eagle located very near our restaurant.”

“Our distinct advantage is that we have the freshest ingredients coming from our very own farm—picked just this morning,” explains Raintree Hospitality Corporate Chef Kalel Chan. “Most of our ingredients come from within the two to three-kilometer radius around the restaurant.”

Of Nutritious Food and an Innovative Menu

As a go-to destination for restaurants looking for high-quality and fresh ingredients, Tagaytay was just the right spot for this new venture. It meant both a promise of creative dishes and also serving fresh and nutritious food.

Thus, Chef Kalel, together with Cathy Turvil—popular wellness advocate and owner of Nurture Wellness Village—was able to optimize these ingredients in creating the restaurant’s menu. From the signature specials to their creative take on classic dishes, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your cravings.

And yes, it’s the kind that benefits both your minds and bodies.

A Safe Dining Experience

Given the stringent rules when it comes to dining out, the Farmer’s Table also had to make sure that it abided by the proper health and safety protocols. For your peace of mind, the area is divided into 3 sections:

• Boutique Market: serves local delicacies and signature wellness products under the Nurture Wellness category. Here, you can also find Nurture Farmacy—a weekend pop-up store for fresh produce. These come from Nurture Wellness Village’s own organic farm or from local growers within the area.
• Artisanal Baker: offers freshly baked bread and pastries, along with a coffee and juice bar.
• Al Fresco Garden Bistro: houses the main dining area and events garden terrace. These venues are commonly used for intimate celebrations or small gatherings. In some cases, you can even have your meetings here—away from the concrete jungle of Manila.

“We know a lot of our guests from our Manila restaurants could not travel abroad or even to farther provinces, so we thought this would be the perfect al fresco, pandemic-friendly kind of place,” says Mr. Wisniewski. “Tagaytay is close enough to Metro Manila to travel for the day or the weekend where most city dwellers could get much-needed breathing space and indulge in tasty, fresh food.”

Taking advantage of Tagaytay’s idyllic cool climate, the restaurant is 100% al fresco. This means that guests can safely practice proper social distancing while enjoying farm-to-table fresh, comfort food—set in a relaxed garden or even a farm-style backdrop.

Farm-to-Table Food

Breaking the stereotype that healthy food means bland vegetables, the Farmer’s Table creatively redefines its menu. Expect fun dishes like the Hothouse Cauliflower & Broccoli, a vegetarian-friendly take on buffalo wings, or even their signature Mr. Jones Tapa—a spin-off of the classic Pinoy breakfast meal. Additionally, vegans can enjoy vegan-friendly options like the Caesar Salad, Plant-based Burger, and healthy smoothies.

Other delicious menu items include the Pizza Rustica—one that’s baked in a stone-fired oven for that smoky flavor. That way, you get a satisfyingly crisp crust topped with fresh, premium ingredients. As for dessert, you can indulge in the Banana Hazelnut French Toast with Peanut Brittle and Fresh Cream. This dessert is a paradox of light but decadent—oh-so-satisfying for your sweet tooth.

“Our menu features some dishes from the region with a bit of a farm-forward twist. We also highlight kale grown at the farm as our star superfood ingredient. We even put it in our drinks. That’s the icon in our logo!” Mr. Wisniewski says proudly.

Thriving Amid the Pandemic

Although many restaurants were affected by the pandemic, the Farmer’s Market set their eyes on a bigger goal. These include providing locals with much-needed employment, boosting tourism in Tagaytay, and serving healthy food to city folk who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

“We saw a unique opportunity and took it,” shares Ms. Annabella Wisniewski, Chairperson of the Raintree Hospitality Group. “It became more meaningful during the pandemic, as we are able to help alleviate the plight of many struggling people through job creation and at the same time help lift the low morale of the community through a new and vibrant project.”

Photos from the Farmer’s Table

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The Farmer’s Table is open daily from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. It is located at Nurture Wellness Village, Pulong Sagingan, Barangay Maitim II, West Cavite, Tagaytay City. For inquiries and reservations, please contact 09053877993, 09609283142, or send an email to [email protected].

For more updates about The Farmer’s Table, you may visit the official Facebook page @farmerstabletagaytay and follow them on Instagram at @farmerstabletagaytay.