Looking for that perfect getaway this Mother’s Day weekend without leaving the city? There’s a secret oasis right in the heart of Quezon City that provides respite to busy bees and those who travel for food.
Located at Yakal St., Tivoli Royale Country Club offers something one would normally find from places that are a few hours away.
Dine with a view
Sitting at the highest peak of Batasan Hills in QC, it gives guests unobstructed views of the Sierra Madre mountain range, including views of the Marikina valley, Montalban, and Antipolo.
Built in the ’90s as a leisure and recreation center for residents of Tivoli Royale Subdivision, it underwent a P300 million renovation — to restore its prime shape and ensure it is well fitted both for intimate and grand events — right before the pandemic hit, and finally opened its doors just over a year ago. And this time, it’s open even for non-club members.
“After two years of missed weddings, birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, vacations, and other special occasions, we want to offer everyone the opportunity to unwind with their loved ones in wide-open spaces with amenities that will help them enjoy fun activities with their loved ones.”
The club amenities, views and fresh air aren’t the only reasons why people — near and far — come to this enclave. They also come here for the food.
Dining options include the all-day restaurant Royale Lounge, the Grid Sports Bar, and The Grand Royale.
Royale Lounge serves hearty breakfasts, casual but comforting Filipino food, and a la carte dishes.
The Grid Sports Bar is a hotspot for those who want to spend a carefree night of interactive billiards with karaoke. Large TV screens also allow guests to cheer for their favorite sports teams.
The Grand Royale is where executive chef Emmanuel “Jonnel” Roxas and his team transform the highest-quality local ingredients into artful degustation dishes. Its elegant vibe makes it an ideal venue for intimate events, luncheons, cocktail parties, or gala dinners.
“At Tivoli Club Royale, we try to elevate familiar and comforting flavors of family favorites like kare-kare, grilled salmon, even carbonara with five-star service,” he enthused. “Our drive for whipping up delectable dishes is fueled not by fancy food items or decor, but the basics: our passion for food, and using quality, seasonal ingredients.”
Rising from the ranks, chef Jonnel brings with him 10 years of sous chef experience at Pan Pacific Hotel Manila and two years at Sheraton Manila Bay.
His passion and expertise make Tivoli one of the exciting resto openings this year, making some noise for its food offerings.
It’s a date with mom
For Mother’s Day, the Grand Royale treats moms to “Wonder Moms,” a brunch fit for a queen — from brunch to sundown — on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
ln partnership with Komida Foods, enjoy a delightful spread of classic brunch favorites with the whole family. Also, be one of the firsts to partake of all Mom’s favorites, specially prepared by Tivoli Club Royale’s five-star chefs.
For P1,000 net, the special brunch buffet features Croque Madame, Sun-Dried Tomato Frittata, Za’atar Manakeesh, Cheese Manakeesh, blueberry muffins, mimosa muffins, French toast, butter croissants, homemade soft rolls (with strawberry jam, mango jam, butter, and chunky peanut butter made in-house).
For starters, there’s Beetroot with Hot Smoked Salmon Salad, Mango-Kani Salad, a hot bowl of Seafood and Corn Chowder, BBQ pork maki roll, and California maki.
Mains include Honey-glazed Roast Pork Belly, Pan-seared Dorado in Fresh Citrus Salsa, garlic baked potato, scallion scrambled eggs and garlic fried rice.
Cap your meal with Apple Crumble Tartlet, Waffle Cinnamon Pudding with Fruit Compote, and assorted mini cookies.
Post your Mother’s Day photos (taken at the photo booth) on your social media accounts and use the hashtag #RoyalWonderMoms for a chance to win a special prize.
Kids 12 years and below can avail of the brunch menu for only P600, while toddlers dine for free.
Eat up, shape up
Behind the fun and active lifestyle at Tivoli Royale Country Club is a food culture that openly embraces familiar and straightforward dishes.
Its banner restaurant, Royale Lounge, introduces a new menu designed to bring the whole family to the table.
Specializing in Mediterranean fare, executive chef Emmanuel “Jonnel” Roxas is slowly but surely introducing plant-based meals into the menu as part of the lounge’s “Eat. Up, Shape Up” specialties for 2023.
“Rich in phytonutrients, fiber, and vitamins, the plant-based menu is designed to invigorate your mind and body,” explained chef Jonnel. “The Power Bowls are the perfect after-workout treat for gym rats.”
I couldn’t get enough of chef Jonnel’s Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with lemon vinaigrette. It goes well with Melba toast and the rich and creamy avocado shake.
More than just clubhouse food
Tastes and food trends are constantly evolving. And so, country clubs and clubhouses constantly strive to stay-up-to-date to set them apart from competitors that only sell burgers, pizza, shakes, and fries.
At Tivoli Royale Country Club, they give people options. Here, healthier food isn’t limited to salads. The kitchen team focuses on meals that use natural, unprocessed, wholesome ingredients.
If it’s sandwiches that people want, chef Jonnel’s Louisiana-inspired Po’ Boy (P420) is a must-try. A hearty submarine sandwich with crispy chunks of deep-fried freshwater shrimp coated in Cajun spice blend is so good I could eat it for days.
The Beef Steak Sandwich (P400) has sirloin beef smothered with onions, pickles, and smoked cheese sauce.
Rice and shine with a delicious serving of nasi goreng (P550) with chicken satay and atchara (pickled papaya) on the side, or the Mediterranean Lamb Stew (P1,050) which is cooked with TLC for three hours.
But what’s sensational for me is chef Jonnel’s chicken inasal. It’s tender, moist, and packed with so much flavor.
“Our menu is a collaboration of our chefs, and what diners are looking for,” said Cherryl. “We don’t want our restaurant to remain a secret and patrons can surely expect the same consistency and quality in our banquet menu.”
At Tivoli Royale Country Club, you will never be on the lookout again for a dining destination that puts a premium on value-for-money, and five-star hotel quality in every dish that it offers.
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Tivoli Royale Country Club is located at Yakal St., Tivoli Royale Subdivision, QC.
For reservations, call or SMS 0917-7081445, visit www.tivoliroyalecountryclub.com and like Tivoli Royale Country Club on Facebook and Instagram.