Exploring Rizal: Vieux Chalet and the Pride of Antipolo

I’m not going to write a separate entry on the Vieux Chalet because much has been said about this (supposed) secret hideaway. Also, I ran out of film by nightfall and it just won’t be a complete entry with some great shots. Suffice to say, this out-of-the-way resto has great views of Metro Manila. It’s a lookout point that just happens to serve world-class cuisine- making for one unforgettable restaurant.

Created by Chef Hassig, it serves Swiss themed food at generous portions. We tried the Pizza de la Casa with home-cured ham, mushrooms, cheese and oregano. Another memorable dish is the Smoked Pork Chop with mushroom cream sauce. Aside from the ambience, this intimate 5 table resto is special because of its extremely personalized service. There is just one waiter and his name is Rico. Good thing, he’s appropriately chatty.

Before we headed there, we dropped by the Antipolo market to pick up some of the city’s goodies.  It seemed like that whole street only sold two things- kasuy and suman.

Kasuy or cashew nuts were evenly toasted and sold cheap in the bucket loads. We asked around and they revealed to us that Kasuy isn’t actually abundant in the city, but somehow the people here have found a way to process it cost-effectively.

Suman or glutinous rice cooked in coconut milk and steamed in banana leaves was served aplenty. Antipolo suman is amazing because it is delicious on its own and yet it’s so versatile. It’s a dessert delicacy that can be served with Muscavodo sugar, coconut jam, and even chocolate. You can also fry it and served with fruits like mango, strawberry, or peaches. Somehow, it reminds me of the French’s crepe.

Kasuy and Suman at the market (Photo by Knox)

Vieux Chalet Swiss Restaurant
Taktak Road, Antipolo City
Tel# +632 697-0396,
Mob# +63 917 856-5175
Email: srhassig@yahoo.com

The market is located right in front of Our Lady of Peace in Good Voyage or Antipolo  Cathedral Church