SILANG, Cavite – By strict definition, a chateau refers to “an estate where wine is produced and often bottled, especially in the Bordeaux region of France” or “a large country house.”
In the Philippines, Chateau Hestia comes a little close to the French reference, notwithstanding its Greek name inspired by the Goddess of the Hearth, Daughter of Cronus and Rhea.
While grapes are not actually grown on the estate, the restaurant bottles its own wine with the use of imported rosé grapes and fermented sugarcane alcohol. The Vin d’Orange contains 13-14 percent alcohol while the more potent Limoncello packs quite a punch with its 38 percent alcohol content.
Apart from the wine, the restaurant serves European favorites such as Osso Buco, different kinds of pizza and pasta, plus more unique flavors such as Kümmelbraten (Viennese Roast Pork), Chicken Geschnetzeltes “Zurich-Style” and Austria’s famous pancake known as Kaiser Schmarrn (Emperor’s omelet or Emperor’s nonsense).
Chateau Hestia is managed by Austrian food enthusiast Johannes Zehethofer and his wife, lawyer Maria Flora Falcon. Johannes came to the Philippines to attend a wedding where he met Maria.
Eventually, he settled in the country and found a way to bring his family’s passions in travel, food, gardening and antiques to life through Chateau Hestia. The idea actually started among friends who wanted a weekend place to relax and do business.
The restaurant is not be confused with the more visible Chateau Hestia delicatessen on Sta. Rosa highway. The actual estate is located much nearer the Tagaytay road where you make a turn towards the inner road once you spot the “Dominican House of Prayer” sign. A map and menu prices are available at www.chateauhestia.com
Chateau Hestia is open only from Wednesdays to Sundays and also offers two bedrooms for those who wish to stay overnight. The main restaurant on the first floor can accommodate 100 persons. The second floor is reserved for corporate events and weddings that can hold up to 120 persons.
Nature’s breeze provides cooling and standard corporate amenities such as a projector, sound system and free Wi-Fi are provided. The ambiance is natural, homey and relaxed.
Apart from the food, the restaurant is surrounded by curious items such as heirloom pieces all the way from Austria as well as Juliana’s (8-year old daughter) paintings along with other artworks.
“Chateau Hestia is like going to a home not a restaurant.” Maria says. The couple personally welcome guests to their abode – it’s a one-of-a-kind European experience amid the Filipino countryside. (Feedback at www.joyposadas.blogspot.com.)