dekaphobe.com | Food, Travel, and Lifestyle Blog

Six years ago, I went to Isabelo Garden Restaurant for one of the most memorable dinners I ever had. On the same year, Portia Dee Baluyut (the owner) opened Rustic Mornings to cater to walk-in customers during the day while keeping Isabelo Garden open for dinner and for reservations only.  Eventually, the owner closed Isabelo Garden and focused on Rustic Mornings. I remember that the garden looked almost magical at night, but it looks just as majestic during the day. My friends and I got seated in the outdoor area, but there's an indoor area if you prefer a more private space to dine. 

I wish I know the exact words to describe how I felt when I heard the news that you were gone. I keep on wishing that it was a horrible joke, but at the same time, I have to accept the truth.  Tony, why? I cannot remember when I started watching your shows, but I remember you drinking a bottle of San Miguel Pale Pilsen while eating sizzling sisig in Pampanga and lechon in Cebu. On how I badly wish that I can take Augusto's place.  In a world where the most mediocre people disguise themselves as celebrities when all they can do is use Photoshop and Snapchat filters heavily, you showed that even the most admired people have flaws. In fact, that is exactly what you did until the end.  Although I don't agree to everything you say, I admire your courage in calling things as you see them, not caring about going against the grain or calling bullshit on outrageous food trends.  I can still see how your eyes twinkled when you finally met your culinary hero, Chef