Catalino’s Restaurant at Villa Javierto

Travels and Leisures: Catalino’s Restaurant at Villa Javierto
Located at Brgy. Gulang Gulang, Lucena City, Quezon Province, Philippines

This restaurant was recommended to my boyfriend by his friend. And since we are looking for something new to celebrate our monthsary. We have decided to visit this place which is 2 rides away from my house if you will take jeepney. Catalino’s Restaurant is an innovation made by the owner to their Antique Shop named Villa Javierto. Before, it was just a plain antique shop. It is a family business, used to be known as Pillar Plants and Novelties, because the owners love plants and antiques.

Upon entering the restaurant, you will be amazed with the old-fashioned ambiance. I am not an antique lover, but it fascinates me a lot seeing all those preserved antiques in the site.

The place is cool and the view from their window is ecstatic. I just feel that I have returned back to yesteryears. Those years that buildings and environmental noise is not routinely involved on your daily life.

The primary reason why we visited this place is to eat. So we started the experience by asking one of their server what is their restaurant’s best seller. He confidently recommended “Inalamangang Baboy” (Shrimped Pork) to us. My boyfriend is allergic to shrimp, but for us to experience their so called best seller. We ordered it. Well, the server did not disappoint us. It is indeed delicious and a little crunchy. A little spicy and saucy. Honestly, it became my instant favorite dish in Catalino’s. And this may be the reason why I will return back to this restaurant. You should also try it.

Our next dish is our all time favorite Pork Sisig. There is nothing special on their Pork Sisig as compared to other sisig recipes we have tasted. It is not that palatable to remember. Oh! Before I forgot, they have the most unique and interesting table set up I have experience on a restaurant so far. Very classic.

For our sweets, we ordered mango shake and halo-halo. Both desserts are very satisfactory on my taste. Especially their halo-halo. It is also a must try dessert in Catalino’s.

On the day of our visit, their Antique Shop is not open. Sad but true. We did not get a chance to enter the shop. Just to give you an idea how the Antique Shop looks like. Here are some of the pictures on their antique shop taken from a blogger named cristta. I felt really sad when I saw these pictures. I should have seen it in person. Well, there is always a next time.

Image Courtesy of WordPress: cristta

Image Courtesy of WordPress: cristta

Back to Catalino’s Restaurant, here is the view of the restaurant on night mode.

Isn’t it a romantic place to date? I think so. I don’t know why this place is not that popular in my place. Or is it just me who does not know about this extraordinary restaurant? I don’t know, but I am telling you. It is a must visit restaurant, especially if you are an antique lover.