Something New is Cooking at Restaurant Verbena

Make sure to put Restaurant Verbena in your Tagaytay food trip check-list because they’ve got a revamped menu with new exciting selections.

Seafood lovers are in for a treat with the Prawn Linguine, Tuna Burger, Fillet of Barramundi and Spanish Sardines Pasta. For those with an insatiable appetite for meat, the hearty Double Pork Chop or Braised Beef in Red Wine will satisfy any craving. It may be tempting to indulge, but leave room for dessert! Your sweet tooth will be spoiled with the Walnut Pie, Chocolate Orange Tart and the Classic Chocolate Cake!

Chef Jay Jay Sycip keeps his creations simple while spicing up the menu and offering more variety. Sycip also keeps dining casual but refined, with high quality ingredients at prices that give customers value for their money. He also stays true to his vision of sustainability, with a selection of Restaurant Verbena’s produce for the new menu items sourced directly from partner farms. Make sure to try the Kale, as well as the Thai Roast Beef Salad, with all ingredients sourced from neighboring farms. Not only does the new menu fit well into Sycip’s vision but he believes

More exciting dishes await you at Restaurant Verbena, so be sure to book a table today to get first dibs!

Insider Tip: Book a table online at https://www.discoverycountrysuites.com/best-restaurant-tagaytay/ and get a 10% discount.

Restaurant Verbena is located at Discovery Country Suites, 300 Calamba Road, San Jose, Tagaytay City, and is open daily from 7:30 AM to 9:30 PM. For inquiries and reservations call +63 2 529-8172, e-mailreservations@dcs.discovery.com.ph, or visit https://www.discoverycountrysuites.com/best-restaurant-tagaytay/

ABOUT RESTAURANT VERBENA

Restaurant Verbena is the multi-awarded gourmet gem of Discovery Country Suites, serving the culinary creations of Executive Chef David Pardo de Ayala. Set in the cozy elegance of this lakeside retreat, Verbena pairs the rich, stimulating flavors of contemporary fusion cuisine with the comforting ingredients of farm-fresh country food. The menu is complemented by a prestigious wine list of renowned international labels. Verbena's hearty country breakfasts are a highlight of every stay at Discovery Country Suites, as are the sophisticated selections of wine and cheese served at sundown. Stay up to date & follow them:

Make sure to put Restaurant Verbena in your Tagaytay food trip check-list because they’ve got a revamped menu with new exciting selections.

Seafood lovers are in for a treat with the Prawn Linguine, Tuna Burger, Fillet of Barramundi and Spanish Sardines Pasta. For those with an insatiable appetite for meat, the hearty Double Pork Chop or Braised Beef in Red Wine will satisfy any craving. It may be tempting to indulge, but leave room for dessert! Your sweet tooth will be spoiled with the Walnut Pie, Chocolate Orange Tart and the Classic Chocolate Cake!

Chef Jay Jay Sycip keeps his creations simple while spicing up the menu and offering more variety. Sycip also keeps dining casual but refined, with high quality ingredients at prices that give customers value for their money. He also stays true to his vision of sustainability, with a selection of Restaurant Verbena’s produce for the new menu items sourced directly from partner farms. Make sure to try the Kale, as well as the Thai Roast Beef Salad, with all ingredients sourced from neighboring farms. Not only does the new menu fit well into Sycip’s vision but he believes

More exciting dishes await you at Restaurant Verbena, so be sure to book a table today to get first dibs!

Insider Tip: Book a table online at https://www.discoverycountrysuites.com/best-restaurant-tagaytay/ and get a 10% discount.

Restaurant Verbena is located at Discovery Country Suites, 300 Calamba Road, San Jose, Tagaytay City, and is open daily from 7:30 AM to 9:30 PM. For inquiries and reservations call +63 2 529-8172, e-mailreservations@dcs.discovery.com.ph, or visit https://www.discoverycountrysuites.com/best-restaurant-tagaytay/

ABOUT RESTAURANT VERBENA

Restaurant Verbena is the multi-awarded gourmet gem of Discovery Country Suites, serving the culinary creations of Executive Chef David Pardo de Ayala. Set in the cozy elegance of this lakeside retreat, Verbena pairs the rich, stimulating flavors of contemporary fusion cuisine with the comforting ingredients of farm-fresh country food. The menu is complemented by a prestigious wine list of renowned international labels. Verbena's hearty country breakfasts are a highlight of every stay at Discovery Country Suites, as are the sophisticated selections of wine and cheese served at sundown. Stay up to date & follow them: Facebook: /DiscoveryCountrySuites/
Twitter: @DCSTagaytay
Instagram: @discoverycountrysuites

Discovery Hotels and Resorts Cooks Up Their First Culinary Cup

The Discovery Leisure Company, Inc. (TDLCI), a homegrown group of hotels and resorts, held the first Culinary Cup, which would be an annual event, at the Columbus function room of Discovery Suites Manila. The friendly inter-hotel competition allowed TDLCI’s various Food and Beverage teams to showcase their culinary skills. The event was sponsored by Wine Warehouse, San Miguel Beer and Meliomar, which provided fresh, sustainable seafood.

All five hotels of TDLCI - Discovery Shores Boracay, Club Paradise Palawan, Discovery Country Suites Tagaytay, Discovery Suites Manila and Discovery Primea Makati - competed for the Culinary Cup trophies in three categories: Culinary, Bartending and Table-setting.

Judges were renowned foodies: journalist Cheryl Tiu, accomplished restaurateur Happy Ongpauco-Tiu, social influencer Spanky Enriquez and lifestyle blogger Chuckie Dreyfus. TDLCI president John Tiu and chief operating officer Jun Parreño attended the event.

“Our F&B teams are a source of pride for us,” said TDLCI corporate chef and Food and Beverage director Anthony Raymond. “Our bars and restaurants have the best local talents who are innovative and pioneering. I’m happy to say we made history with our first Culinary Cup.”

Winners of the first Culinary Cups were chefs Ricky Bernas and Bernard Lauron of Discovery Shores Boracay, who won gift certificates for a stay in Discovery Country Suites Tagaytay. Albert Cartagena of Discovery Primea won the bartending competition, while Brienard Alavado of Discovery Suites Manila topped the table-setting contest.

Visit www.discoveryhotels-resorts.com for restaurant bookings and inquiries.

Discovery Hotels and Resorts Cares for Communities Through Clean Water

What if you can do what you love while helping along the way? Such is the philosophy of The Discovery Leisure Company, Inc. (TDLCI), the Filipino hospitality group behind some of the finest award-winning hotels and resorts in the country. It is a sentiment shared with their international NGO partner Waves For Water, which works on the frontline to provide clean water access to communities around the world.

TDLCI chief operating officer Jun Parreño said, “We want to inspire our employees by letting them travel to remote places and meet the friendliest people, while making a difference at the same time.”

TDLCI’s maxim “Service That’s All Heart” applies not only to how they care for their guests and clientele, but it is also the guiding principle as they touch the lives of those in need.

After all, the hospitality industry not only provides gainful employment, it also generates substantial economic and social impact for partner communities, no matter how far-flung they may be.

Forged in 2016, the partnership between TDLCI and Waves For Water resulted in its project #TogetherForWater, with an initial outreach program in Nagtipunan, Quirino. Located in the mountainous northern part of the Philippines, the local indigenous Agta community finally gained access to clean water via 10 water filters, potentially benefiting close to 1,000 people.

Access to clean water is a basic human right. It reduces poverty and increases opportunities for education and employment, thus contributing to the advancement of individuals and their communities. To ensure the long-term sustainability of this program, TDLCI’s group of hotels and resorts—among them Club Paradise Palawan, Discovery Shores Boracay, Discovery Primea Makati, Discovery Suites Ortigas and Discovery Country Suites Tagaytay—has pledged to raise Php 200,000 each for their respective neighboring indigenous communities where clean water is needed the most.

A series of unique fundraising events were organized by employees of TDLCI in the spirit of giving. From Discovery Suites’ fun spin classes in Ride Revolution, where donors “ride” for a cause in an exciting workout environment, to the full-house Seasoned to Perfection Charity Dinner at Flame in Discovery Primea, where chef-turned-GM David Pardo de Ayala stepped out of the boardroom and back into the kitchen to specially curate a six-course menu.

Other activities include Adopt-a-Household, where one can donate a water filter set for a family, to Change for Water, where guests’ loose bills and change were collected – a little goes a long way, after all. All these were set into motion towards the noble cause of providing such a basic necessity as clean water, which for many in remote areas has become a precious commodity.
“The hospitality market employs a huge workforce from local communities,” says Carlo Delantar, country director of Waves For Water. “TDLCI is one of our valued partners in the Philippines as they saw the need for clean water while integrating a campaign that embodies their values as a workforce and social champion.”
Today, this life-changing partnership has seen the donation of 60 water filters in Sitio Carla, Malay, Aklan; 60 water filters in Sitio Camanga, Coron, Palawan; 30 water filters and two 1,000-liter tanks as a rainwater harvesting system in Sitio Suha, Norzagaray, Bulacan; and 60 water filters in Sitio Yangka, Capas, Tarlac.

 “Corporate partnerships are integral to the advancement of the Waves For Water advocacy of providing clean water access” says Jenica Dizon, director of operations of Waves For Water. “They enable us to implement large scale projects that benefit whole communities.”
Apart from the impact these initiatives have had in the aforementioned communities, a change in TDLCI’s employees was also realized. “Waves For Water requires a deep commitment from our employees as it is an exercise in getting out of their comfort zones”, says Didoy Fullon, corporate director for human resources of TDLCI. “The experience grounded them, touched their core, and made them better individuals”.

What’s next for TDLCI’s partner communities? “While clean water access is at the core of our CSR program, it can only be a truly meaningful and sustainable initiative if we can help our partner communities holistically,” TDLCI’s chief operating officer Jun Parreño said. “Once we’ve covered all our beneficiaries’ basic water requirements, we’ve made a commitment to consistently visit them to address their other needs, whether it be medical, dental, educational, or livelihood-related. We’re here to stay for them. That is what Discovery’s ‘Service That’s All Heart’ is all about.”

For more information on TDLCI’s #TogetherForWater project, and to take part of this laudable initiative, please visit https://bit.ly/discoveryadvocacy.

Jayjay Sycip is new Executive Chef of Discovery Country Suites

Discovery Country Suites proudly introduces its newest addition to the family: Executive Chef Jayjay Sycip. Leading the team behind Restaurant Verbena’s delectable offerings, his vast knowledge and experience is sure to stimulate growth towards sustainable, hearty dishes that are sure to satisfy the taste buds of loyal patrons.

Chef Jayjay is proficient in Classical French, Mediterranean, American, and Asian Cuisines, around which he builds concepts and develops them all the way through operations. An expert in the field, he will supervise various culinary aspects including menu development, kitchen workflow, management, research, and strategy.

Since 2008, Chef Jayjay has worked in the kitchen as a chef, and recipe consultant for several hotels and restaurants. He even co-produced and co-hosted a travel cooking show for a few years. In his early years in the industry, Chef Jayjay was always looking into the trends—following what was cool and new—but these days he’s more into mastering the classics and really enhancing it.

As he takes on the role as new executive chef of Restaurant Verbena, Chef Jayjay looks into sustainability—sourcing fresh, quality ingredients from the local farms in Tagaytay. His direction is headed towards knowing where his food is coming from, as well as supporting the local farmers of Tagaytay.

With over a decade’s experience, Chef Jayjay is eager to set on a new journey of teaching, learning, and a good deal of cooking at Restaurant Verbena of Discovery Country Suites Tagaytay.

Restaurant Verbena is located in Discovery Country Suites, along 300 Calamba Road, San Jose, Tagaytay City, 4120 Philippines.

For inquiries and reservations, call (02) 5298172, email reservations@dcs.discovery.com.ph or visit http://www.discoverycountrysuites.com.

*This is Press Release

Enjoy Irresistible Summer Deals from Discovery’s Hotels and Resorts

Have a Happy Summer with The Discovery Leisure Company. Create blissful memories on bright sunny days, whether it’s a city escape or an island getaway.

Dive into the stunning beauty of Club Paradise Palawan, a private island resort in Coron. For a minimum of two nights, enjoy a Garden View room for P11,200++ or a Sunset Villa for P12,800++. Delight in buffet breakfast for two adults and two children below 12 years old, roundtrip Busuanga Airport transfers, and a serving of Firefish Restaurant’s “Bowl of Happiness” – different flavors of homemade ice cream, ideal for sharing. Stay date is until June 1, 2018.

Revel in a Week Date Dream at Discovery Country Suites Tagaytay, with special rates for a Deluxe Suite for only P6,354.38++, and a Premier Suite for just P7,169.04++. The generous offer comes with complimentary set dinner for two and Country Breakfast for two at Restaurant Verbena, wine and cheese platter at sundown, and milk and cookies before bedtime. Use promo code DREAM. Stay period is until November 28, 2018, Sundays to Thursdays except long weekends and holidays.

For a truly unforgettable summer break, book a room at the Discovery Primea Makati’s Business Flat, Business Suite, Executive Suite, or Primea Suite at 10% off the Best Available Rate. The room package includes tempting culinary offerings such as daily gourmet breakfast and one order of pizza of your choice at Restaurant Tapenade, one round of cocktails for two at EDGE, and 20% discount on food and beverage. Take a dip in Discovery Primea’s iconic infinity pool, or break a sweat in the hotel’s 24-hour gym.

Tech-savvy guests will love the complimentary use of Handy smartphone and High Speed Internet Access. Don’t forget to use the promo code DISCOVER. Stay dates are from April 10 to June 30, 2018.

Not to be missed as well is the Weekend Steals deal at Discovery Suites Manila, with rates starting at PHP 3,665.99++ for a Junior Suite Deluxe. This offer includes breakfast buffet for two at Restaurant 5, access to the swimming pool, fitness center, and children’s playroom, as well as weekend kiddie activities on Saturdays, 4pm to 5pm. Stay Period is from April 6 to July 1, 2018, Fridays to Sundays. My Discovery Elite members are entitled to a complimentary upgrade from Junior Suite to One-Bedroom Suite, subject to availability. Use the promo code LEISUREWEEKEND to enjoy this special deal.

For more information on these irresistible summer deals, visit www.discoveryhotels-resorts.com.

*This is Press Release

Discovery Supports Sustainable Food Sourcing

The Discovery Leisure Company, Inc., the homegrown hospitality group behind luxury properties Discovery Primea, Discovery Suites, Discovery Shores Boracay, Club Paradise Palawan, and Discovery Country Suites Tagaytay joined the recent Sustainable Seafood Week held at the Marriot Manila Grand Ballroom. With the theme “Inspiring Solutions for Change,” the Sustainable Seafood Week aims to serve as an open and dynamic platform in discussing the challenges that the local seafood industry is facing to ensure a sustainable future. Shown in photo are (L-R) Meliomar, Inc. CEO Christian Schmidradner, TDLCI Corporate Associate Director of Food & Beverage Ross McGregor, and TDCLI Corporate Director of Food & Beverage Anthony Raymond.