Guests of Sonya often say that a trip to her restaurant is a feast for the senses, where a natural fragrance lingers in the air as a riot of colors come into view; where a tranquil ambience immediately relaxes the body; where the music of nature’s harmony is constantly at play, and where a medley of flavors that seduces the palate awaits. Hers is a simple country cuisine that reflects Sonya’s culinary repertoire—a mixture of Asian and European-inspired dishes served in vintage china.

           She lets her guests start off with a salad of greens—dill, nasturtium, oxalis and arugula leaves handpicked from her garden—mixed with edible flowers in season. She then advises guests to sprinkle it with a variety of garnishing that includes fresh fruits, crispy broad beans, green peppercorns soaked in olive oil, and grated parmesan. Then there’s her secret salad dressing that is her own recipe, one that she developed from her days as an expat in Europe. This is followed by warm servings of freshly baked wheat bread hot from the oven of her Panaderia, which are enjoyed with a variety of dips. Then there’s pasta with two choices of sauce, one made from sun dried tomatoes and another creamy ensemble of chicken bits and mangoes that is a favorite of those with a sweeter tongue.

           This is the set menu that has nourished her guests with memories of a gourmet meal, one that beckons many to return time and again. Sonya has also added more healthy entrees to her feast, such as roasted chicken garnished with rosemary herbs, and salmon with capers. Then there’s her special Filipino menu, which people have yet to discover, that was the result of constant requests from friends and family who have tasted Sonya’s native specialties. Her gourmet rendition of the adobong pusit, one of the most requested entrees in the menu, is cooked in olive oil. Her talbos ng sayote (when in season) with shitake mushrooms and simmered in coconut milk is an all-time favorite as well. This menu is available only for groups of 20 or more and by advance order. Part of what makes Sonya’s a desired vacation spot for balikbayans is the experience of dining in an idyllic English garden setting while indulging in the familiar tastes of home.
 
           One of the still undiscovered secrets at Sonya’s Garden is the privilege of relishing a home-cooked breakfast as early as 8:00 am to as late as 10:00 am., when the English garden is bathed in morning sunlight. Sonya’s breakfast offerings include a choice of Filipino or Continental -inspired dishes to feast on, such as crispy pork and chicken adobo flakes, fried boneless bangus, ham and cheese omelet and fried white cheese with honey and herbs on bread, frittata, cereal with fresh milk & fruits with hot chocolate or coffee. Perhaps this is the best time to take a leisurely walk in the many winding pathways that explores the secluded corners abounding in the garden, where day beds and meditation nooks invite a moment of quiet recollection after the meal. With the sound of birds twittering in the background, the overall tranquil setting that envelopes her sanctuary, one might discover how Breakfast at Sonya’s also includes an awakening encounter with nature.
   
           Take a peek at Sonya’s menus here.