Dining deep in the woods
By Rory Visco
Contributor

It may take at least one-and-a-half to two hours from the metropolis to get there but the rare rural culinary dining experience it offers makes the trip truly worthwhile.

As you make your travel plans to the Philippines in time for the Christmas holiday, why not put Kusina Salud , with its lush greenery, serene environment, and delightful and hearty gastronomic concoctions, in your must-see list?

Nestled deep in the woods of Brgy. Santa Cruz (Putol), about 30-45 minutes away from rustic and picturesque Laguna’s San Pablo City, lies Kusina Salud , a restaurant that knows what good service-and exceptionally good food-is all about.

With its sizzling and delectable assembly of rural and modern culinary choices, Kusina Salud -- just like its sister outlet located in cool and cozy Baguio City, the Bistro Salud! -- resembles no other restaurant in the country today. It is truly a work of art, with its bamboo flooring that resembles the traditional bahay kubo’s “silong (basement).”

The wooden enclave is originally owned by internationally-renowned fashion designer Patis Tesoro and her husband Tito before it was delightfully transformed into what it is today. The name of the restaurant was derived in honor of Patis’ mother-in-law, the matriarch of the Tesoro family.

Feasting at Kusina Salud ’s repertoire of outstanding cuisine results in utter gastronomic satisfaction, as you would discover soon. Owned and managed by the husband-and-wife tandem of chef Paul Poblador and his wife Nina, Patis’s daughter, there is no other way except to come out fully satisfied after an encounter with Kusina Salud ’s carte du jour.

Before you devour their exciting menu, it would also be fun reading them aloud. Exotic names like Kare-Kareng Dagat, Nilasing na Pusit, Ensaladang Pakó (one of their bestsellers), a fern-like vegetable topped with grated salted egg, tomatoes and onions, and Adobong Antigo, plain fried chicken marinated in rum and coco juice, is truly a tongue-twisting experience. But after giving Chef Paul’s culinary masterpieces a try, it’s quite sure that couples who will experience Kusina Salud ’s top-quality menu will truly drive them wild with excitement. The aroma alone wafting through the quiet provincial air already makes one hunger for more.

But the enthralling dining experience does not end there. The relaxing spa service upstairs is something that only “legitimate” rural folk can bring forth. A project of the Putol Livelihood Development Program, the spa service includes whole and half-body massages, facials, foot and hand massages, all for a minimal fee.

Usually, it’s hard to resist going horizontal after a hearty meal, so there’s the traditional “papag” that’s so inviting that you would feel instantly relieved once you lie down. We really can’t blame you if you end up going on a “sleeping” date with your family or loved one.

And for art admirers, you can visit Galleria Esperanza within the Kusina Salud compound that features various works of art from 12 of Manila’s finest artists.

Kusina Salud is located at Brgy. Santa Cruz (Putol), San Pablo City, Laguna. For reservations, call the Manila office, 7265059, 0921-7726985, or email kusinasalud@yahoo.com.

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