LIVING LA VIDA LAGUNABgy. Santa Cruz, Putol, Laguna, Tel. 049 2466878/2466879 Cel. 0920 9101665
If you find your stomach rumbling in the jungles of lush Laguna, aim your compass towards Kusina Salud (right). Set in the country home of Filipiniana fashion icon Patis Tesoro, Kusina is probably the classiest act this side of the South Super Highway. Operated by Nina Tesoro-Poblador (of Salud Bistro, Baguio) and husband Chef Paul Poblador, they serve fabulous Filipino food with a cosmopolitan twist. Some dishes I recommend are the Lechon Kawali with three kinds of sauces, the Karabaw beef Tapa, and their ultra-rich homemade avocado ice cream (which in itself is worth the hour and a half journey from Manila). Aside from the fantastic food, Kusina Salud pulls out all stops in the ambience department with it's eclectic architecture and accoutrements (The house was featured in Marie Claire Maison). Spa services are also available upon request (Try the foot massage while lounging on a chaise right beside their remarkably clean creek - it's decadent). Parking is plentiful. Call if you need directions.
From South Super Highway, turn right at the final exit. Head down Maharlika Highway towards Lucena City. Once past San Pablo, keep an eye out to the left for Sta. Cruz turnoff. Large Kusina Salud signs will guide you.
