Ugu Bigyan Potter’s Garden in Lusacan, Tiaong, Quezon, is a two-part experience. The different forms of pottery displayed all over the place is a feast for the eyes, and the tasty meals are definitely a unique gastronomical delight.
Despite being an out-of-the-way destination, Ugu Bigyan Potter’s Garden is worth the long travel time from Manila and the hassle of finding where exactly it is! You forget all that once you finally settle in and take in all the beauty, quiet, and calmness emanating from the zen-like garden with its strategically placed and beautifully decorated huts. I swear “ugly” or “tacky” are not words guests will ever associate with Ugu Bigyan’s Potter Garden.
Ugu Bigyan Potter’s Garden offers a set meal for lunch or merienda that must be reserved one day in advance.
Lunch is priced at P500/person, minimum of 10 persons, but if there are a lot of guests coming that day, smaller groups can be accommodated.
An added bonus is that the artist himself, Ugu Bigyan, prepares the food for his guests.
Our lunch consisted of Paco (fern) salad, a mix of paco leaves, carrots, tomatoes, sibuyas and dressed with vinigrette (Caesar’s Salad? What’s that? This is the real deal!); a stew with tulya (clams); tahong (mussels); shrimp in chili sauce; tender calamares; fish fillet topped with mango/tomato salsa; grilled chicken; and lastly, the food that everyone on our table was raving about, Kulawo, a specialty at Ugu Bigyan. For beverage, we were served ice-cold fresh buko juice. (Quezon Province grows coconut trees all over).
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Kulawo is made from finely chopped puso ng saging (banana bud or blossom).
What makes it unique to the taste buds is its smokey flavor, which likely came from cooking it over charcoal, with a hint of coconut milk, spices, and vinegar.
It is a vegetable, but tastes like meat and has a texture similar to tuna.
We finished off the meal with a dessert of sago in sweet coconut milk. After that full meal, you can also order kapeng barako, sweetened with locally made toffee.
Savor the food that only gets extra special as it is served on Ugu’s hand-made plates, cups, and bowls. 🙂
For lunch reservations, call (042) 545-9144 (landline) or 0917 560-5708 (mobile). Driving directions are available here.
Related post: Ugu Bigyan Potter’s Garden
i know i know, i had fern salad in baguio and that had me hyperventilating! the best ever!
Beautiful place. Are Walk-ins allowed? We just want to there to see some ceramics. Thanks! =)
Yes, you can walk in. The reservation is only if you want lunch.