i stayed at my cousin's home in Parkwoods, Pasig last friday night. (we watched a concert at the music museum that night.) i planned to go back downsouth (where i'm based) after waking up in the morning..however,my cuz, being a very gracious hostess, invited me to join her family to hit antipolo and try the cozy resto her house's interior designer has recommended..."Crescent Moon Cafe" ...we got going around 10 am.

we actually had a hard time getting there.Advertising is very limited. we relied on the info we got from the website.we asked directions from the people of antipolo,and of course, called the person who recommended the place.after going around antipolo for about half an hour, we finally found the place...whew! It is situated practically in the heart of Antipolo City. The entire surrounding is a very big garden with so mcuh trees and pond full of goldfish. There is also a "Studio Pottery", where you can see ceramics of different designs.

The landscape surrounding the cafe is superb. it spells tranquility and serenity...a relaxing place indeed! The Cafe/Resto is situated exactly in the middle of the garden.

Crescent Moon cafe is owned and managed by, Ceramicist Lanelle Abueva-Fernando.A niece of the National Artist for Sculpture Napoleon Abueva.

We were welcomed by the owner herself. She was very warm and friendly. She treated us like old friends. We were told that we can check the scenery, watch the pottery making and she will just call our attention when meal is served. Very homey! the feeling was like you're home with your own mother preparing your food.

Full set lunch meal at Crescent Moon consists of appetizer of an alagao leaf... a mixture of various local filipino spices:sweet thick sauce with grated peanuts, diced onions & ginger, fried shrimps(hibe) green chili pepper, diced kamias & shredded coconut, and chopped basil leaves.topped it with a liitle salty and sweet sauce.what makes it special is you get to prepare it yourself...wrap-your-own- appetizer kind of thing. MAIN COURSE...creamy chicken soup, ginataang chicken curry ,native vegetables, steamed fish (carpa) and for dessert, special suman (rice cake) with sweet mango...AND OF COURSE..Lanelle's signature plates and bowls and mugs added an attraction to our dining experience.It was a great..to-die-for lunch.YUMMY..!!

so, what are you waiting for? TARALETS sa Antipolo!

NOTE: This is not a paid advertisement of Crescent Moon Cafe. This is a just simple appreciation for the warm welcome of Lanelle.