This Hidden French-Asian Resto Features a Ham and Cheese Sandwich Glazed With Condensed Milk

An hour and a half from Metro Manila, tucked away in Silang, Cavite, lies a dining destination that feels more like a secret garden than a restaurant.

Imagine trees all around, a lavish garden setup, and a space that seems to whisper, “Slow down, stay a while.”

The property is divided into three unique concepts: a cozy café and bakery where you can drop in for coffee and light bites, a reservation-only dining room for intimate meals, and a main restaurant designed for grander gatherings.

Each has its own identity, but together, they create a seamless experience that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into another world.

And at the heart of it all? A chef who has woven her global journey—Bangkok, Ubud, Napa Valley—back into her Filipino roots, serving food that isn’t just eaten, but remembered.

A chef with a story to tell

Chef Rhea Rizzo’s path to the kitchen wasn’t straightforward. In an exclusive chat with When In Manila, she shared that she had dreamed of owning a restaurant since she was eight years old. Life, however, led her to different paths: motherhood, marketing, and eventually, a return to her first love—cooking.

Her journey took her from staging at a celebrated restaurant in Bangkok to becoming certified in raw vegan cuisine in Ubud, and then learning the importance of seasonality in Napa Valley. With such a rich culinary background, it’s no surprise that her food blends diverse influences.

“My foundation is classical French, but living and training abroad exposed me to different cuisines and cultures,” she says. “Now, I feel this strong urge to go back to my Filipino roots and let that shine through in the menu.”

A feast to remember

The appetizers set the tone right away. The Thai chicken wings came out spicy, crispy, and flavorful to the bone.

Then came the Monte Cristo, a ham and cheese sandwich glazed with condensed milk that struck that surprising balance of salty and sweet.

At first bite, it’s familiar—soft bread, melty cheese, savory ham—but then the sweetness hits, adding an almost dessert-like twist that makes you pause for a second.

It’s indulgent without being heavy, playful yet comforting, the kind of dish that sparks curiosity and keeps you reaching for another bite.

We were also served yakitori chicken liver, so clean and refined in flavor that it almost didn’t feel like liver at all.

Right after, the wagyu tongue with wasabi stole the spotlight—soft and chewy like takoyaki, yet smoky with a barbecue-like bite. The beef empanada brought us back to childhood spaghetti nights with its garlicky marinara, except this version was far more elevated.

Rounding out the appetizers was a sweet roll egg sandwich made with Kewpie mayo—creamy, a little sweet, and comfortingly simple.

For the mains, the panfried mahi-mahi was easily the star for seafood lovers. Served on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes with a generous helping of what seemed like cheese sauce, it also carried a garlicky note that elevated every bite. As someone who enjoys fish, I couldn’t get enough of this dish. It was buttery, flavorful, and absolutely satisfying.

The braised oxtail was another standout, tender enough that a knife slid effortlessly through it. Its richness was balanced by a cheese sauce that brought the right touch of salty comfort, making it both hearty and refined.

Meanwhile, the lamb rendang delivered a bold, spiced punch. Salty, aromatic, and unapologetically flavorful, it was the kind of dish that warms you up and demands that you savor it slowly.

Finally, the duck confit with potato and orange demi-glace felt like a story in itself. With crispy golden skin that instantly reminded me of lechon or Peking duck, the dish was balanced by creamy potatoes and a tangy-sweet orange finish that tied everything together beautifully.

Dessert, of course, was another story altogether. The chocolate mousse was rich and indulgent with bits of Toblerone for an added surprise crunch. Meanwhile, the chocolate tart with hazelnut ice cream had a bold boozy kick — definitely one for the grown-ups.

The honey butter toast with whipped cream cheese was like French toast reimagined: sweet, creamy, and absolutely unforgettable.

Why it stands out

Dining here isn’t just about the food. It’s about the atmosphere, the warmth of the staff, and the personal touch of Chef Rhea herself.

Every detail feels thoughtful, from the lush garden setting to the way each dish carries a story.

“Our guests often tell us they feel like they’re transported to places they haven’t been to when they come here. That’s something we truly value,” Chef Rhea says.

This wasn’t my first visit — and it won’t be the last. Each time, the experience feels fresh, the flavors linger, and the stories behind the dishes stay with you long after the plates are cleared.

So if you’re looking for more than just a meal, make the drive down to Silang.

At Mrs. Saldo’s, dining becomes something unforgettable.

ALSO READ: Savor the Flavors of Singapore at This Epic Food and Bar Takeover

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