Last Friday, our much-awaited lunch date at “Charley’s” with Charley Leviste-Antonio finally materialized after nearly two months of planning and postponements. The timing was perfect - right after a grueling week of submissions, deadlines, and an important event. It was indeed a welcome respite . . .

Two hours away from the hustle and bustle of Manila, the Levely Manor, located in Lipa City, Batangas, is an impressive property accessed by a mahogany tree-lined driveway covered with pebbles and reminiscent of grand country estates. The backdrop is a spectacular ranch or better yet - a “horse hotel & spa” as Charley explains. Thoroughbreds grazing on green grass add to the welcome experience. The ranch also doubles as training ground for Charley’s younger sister, Olympic Equestrian Toni Leviste who runs the “horse hotel & spa.”

Inside the Main House, we were treated to a delightful midday cocktails of red wine and Charley’s very own Rosemary Roasted Cashew Nuts prior to a grand tour beginning with the Manor’s main facilities.

After an interesting peek into the Manor’s superb and luxuriously-appointed accommodation facilities [which eventually become available in early 2007], we were ushered to the intimate main dining area [and restaurant] called Charley’s, named after our host herself.

Charley’s is a newly opened restaurant at the Levely Manor where guests experience unique brand of hospitality - of dining in a luxury family estate, either al fresco in a nearby gazebo, on the trellised terrace, or inside the home’s air conditioned dining area. Whichever one chooses, all venues offer expansive refreshing views of the estate. Every meal here is the perfect balance of fine dining and a gracious, familiar atmosphere void of pretense.

Each weekend it is as if the owners were throwing a wonderful party for friends. The table is set with the warmest of luxuries and guests enjoy a glass of fine wine or a cocktail served on the verandas. Soft sounds from piped-in music or the grand piano float off with the breeze as you realize this is no ordinary place.

To complete the dining experience, guests are served not by waiters but by the Manor’s ever-smiling and charming uniformed maids. Dishes are served family-style in a casual ambience where requests for second helpings [or other condiments for the typical Pinoy diner!] would always be accommodated.

Here’s a sampling of Charley’s delectable cuisine . . .

Mixed Salad Greens with Tomatoes and Apples with Charley’s own concoction - “Dijonnaise” [Dill and Dijon] and Pesto Dressing.

Tomato-Potato Soup with Basil and Parmesan Cheese.

Succulent Pan Seared Mahi-Mahi Fillet with Coriander-Olive Salsa.

Steamed Rice with Blanched and Seasoned cubes of Carrot, Turnip and Celery.

A plateful of Charley’s delectable dishes: Roasted Pork Steak with Rosemary jus Lis on Steamed Rice, Pan Seared Mahi-mahi Fillet with Coriander-Olive Salsa, and Blanched & Seasoned Vegetable Cubes.

Lemon Grass Iced Tea and Red Wine.

Sinfully delicious sweet ending: Italian-Style Cookies and Cream.

Charley’s superb setting is the canvas for Les Roches-educated Executive Chef Popit De Leon’s delectable, cool culinary creations. Charley’s prix fixe, table d’hôte menus, changed on a weekly basis consist of a complete five-course meal inclusive of cold and hot beverages such as lemon grass or pandan iced tea, mint or tarragon tea, and Batangas’ own kapeng barako.

The menu follows a very French approach with influences from other cuisine like American, Italian and Thai - blending to create a truly unique and ‘cool’ cuisine. Careful preparation of the individual ingredients and simple execution in their combination is the key to Chef Popit’s creations, reflecting the very best Batangas has to offer. The courses are decidedly light and flavourful using only the freshest local produce and ingredients. The hallmark of Charley’s cuisine is the onsite greenhouse where fresh herbs are picked. It is the most favourable feature in seasoning and flavouring every dish served – an essential factor to the authenticity of their cuisine.

As flexible restaurateurs, every detail and refinement is catered to at Charley’s, so that guests can relax and enjoy the delights of every meal in a warm and convivial environment.

For those who want to take back home a taste of Charley’s, fresh and dried herbs and pre-bottled dressings are also available to purchase. They can be perfect ‘food gifts’ for the holidays.

Charley’s, located along Gov. F. Leviste Highway in Lipa City, Batangas, is open for lunch and dinner on weekends only. All visits must be strictly pre-arranged. For further details and reservations, please call Charley Leviste-Antonio at +63-920-9507032.

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