Lunch at Punong Gary’s Place in Silay City

Silay City in Negros Occidental is renowned for its numerous heritage houses, which stand as beautiful témoins of its rich history and cultural legacy. The city is a vibrant tapestry of traditions, reflected in its well-preserved architecture, lively festivals, and warm, welcoming community. To truly immerse yourself in the essence of Silay, venture beyond the popular attractions and explore its lesser-known paths—hidden streets lined with century-old trees, quaint shops, and local markets. Along the way, discover the city’s most beloved cuisine, from authentic delicacies to flavorful street foods that showcase the culinary artistry passed down through generations.

Having already explored our previous post about the top attractions and activities in Silay City, we’re excited to highlight one of the most charming and memorable spots from that list – Punong Gary’s Place. This welcoming venue offers a unique blend of local culture and hospitality, making it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the heart of Silay.

Nestled within the picturesque Hacienda Tinihaban, Punong Gary’s place stands out as one of the hidden gems in Silay City, mesmerizing visitors with its charming rural atmosphere and rich agricultural surroundings. Surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant plantations, this scenic location offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city life. It is conveniently situated just a 15-minute drive from Bacolod-Silay International Airport, making it easily accessible for travelers seeking an authentic local experience.

During our lunch visit here at the recent Panaad sa Negros Festival, everyone was quite impressed by the Bali atmosphere this place radiates. The vintage door at the entrance immediately gave me the sense that the experience inside would be memorable.

What’s Inside Punong Gary’s

Certainly, taking a break at the beach is a delightful idea, but experiencing the serenity and natural beauty of Punong Gary’s promises to be your next favorite getaway. Owned by Ed Ledesma, a renowned architect and prominent figure in Negros Province, this location offers a perfect blend of nature and elegance.

Within this 96-hectare farmhouse and hacienda, you’ll find well-maintained plants and trees, mainly eucalyptus, with bamboos lining the front door. There are small nipa-roofed casitas, hammocks, a fish pond, and a restaurant offering a 9-course meal from Wednesday to Sunday.

What’s For Lunch

I want to praise their visually stunning dishes, crafted with finesse. The restaurant takes great pride in its farm-to-table ingredients, prepared by a dedicated, local kitchen team. During our visit, we enjoyed the Popover Trio as an appetizer—featuring chicken, fish, and vegetable popovers with red and green bell peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, and herbs in béchamel sauce.

I strongly suggest trying their Asian Salad, which includes a combination of red and green lettuce, cucumber, carrots, singkamas, tamarind, sambal, galangal, honey, olive oil, and peanut sauce. It’s a healthy and refreshing choice!

We also enjoyed a rich, velvety Kalabasa Soup, expertly crafted with tender chunks of pumpkin simmered in a creamy, flavorful broth, followed by a selection of thoughtfully prepared main courses.

Everyone was thoroughly impressed by the diverse array of elegantly plated dishes. The standout offerings included a tender Tanigue fillet delicately cooked and topped with a flavorful Lemon Caper Sauce, accented by a drizzle of fresh lemon butter and garnished with aromatic herbs.

Also featured was a creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta, with al dente noodles coated in a rich, basil-infused pesto, complemented by tender chicken pieces.

Another highlight was the Steak Veggie Roll, a savory combination of thinly sliced sukiyaki beef rolled with crisp carrots, crunchy Baguio beans, and flavorful balagay, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. Absolutely delicious!

We capped off lunch with a very delectable Mango Cheesecake in a Jar. MUST-TRY!

But don’t worry if you bring your kids with you. The dining place also offers a kids’ menu! Comfort food is available, too! Just make sure you bring extra cash, as the prices may be a bit high, but everything we had was well worth it!

Lunch costs Php 850 per person and is available Tuesday to Sunday, 11:00am to 3:00pm. For dinner, it’ll cost you Php 1,000 per head, and is open for operation every Tuesday to Saturday, 5:00pm to 10:00pm.

Just a fun fact: The restaurant opened in 2007 by Ledesma’s daughter and her husband, Joey Benin, Side A’s bassist-songwriter. Their daughter, Clara, also runs her own coffee shop across from the restaurant. Not only a food lover, Clara is also following her father’s footsteps in the music industry. If you’re lucky, you might see them perform LIVE on weekend nights!

And by the way, Punong Gary also has a pond where milkfish are cultured. All guests can request a free tour of the farm and its surroundings.

But of course, if you really wanted to take a dip, there’s also a 25-meter swimming pool with a jacuzzi!

Another impressive note about Punong Gary’s is that everything is detailed, and the carvings are intricate. You’ll also see amazing wood sculptures and other art pieces, making this place a tourist destination like no other.

The Casitas

If you wanted to stay longer or perhaps overnight, you can check out their Casitas.

Overnight stay costs P8,500 per night for two persons and an additional Php1,000 per additional head. Each Casita can accommodate up to 4 people, and the rate includes breakfast and use of facilities.

The Verdict

Overall, this is the perfect respite for people who want to unwind and have some peaceful time for themselves. Its serene and calm ambiance gives everyone some peace of mind and a relaxing vibe, away from the hustle and bustle of the city – definitely a must-visit all year round! Not to mention, it’s perfect for intimate gatherings too!

More information:

Address: Hacienda Tinihaban, Barrio San Jose, 6116 Silay City, Negros Occidental

You may reach 0917-327-1729 for reservations or inquiries. Although they accept walk-ins for tapas night, if you’re visiting in a huge group, a reservation is highly suggested.

Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/punongsilay.

Check out our complete list of recommended Hotels in Silay City via Agoda, or you may also see available Airbnb properties in the city.

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Also see:

• Travel Guide to Bacolod City for First-time travelers
• Avenue Suites Bacolod City Review
• Tourist Attractions and Best Things to do in Bacolod City (and nearby Cities)
• Top 5 Hotels in Bacolod City