An enchanting evening at The Ruins

I admit, I fell in love with the place the moment I stepped down the car. It was enchantingly captivating and breathtakingly majestic. More than the façade, it boasts of a history that could make you believe in eternal love.
 Coined as the Taj Mahal of the Negros and acclaimed as one of the 12 most fascinating ruins in the world, The RUINS sits right in the middle of Mariano Lacson’s 440-hectare sugar plantation in Talisay City, Negros Occidental as a faithful remainder of his burning and eternal love for his wife, Maria Braga.
 The Pizzeria sits at the right most of the lot facing the main building. Tables and chairs were made available outside to allow the feeling of magnificence as you eat your way to a night of blissful experience. However, that night, it was drizzling so we opted to settle inside the pizzeria and peek through the opened windows instead.
 The interior was simply captivating. Paintings of the Ruins line the walls and a nice tall cabinet of wines welcomes you by the door. However, what strikes the most, was the piano at the corner where an in-house player plays while you eat. I had the opportunity to talk to him and even asked him to play “Bakit Ngayon ka lang?” and believe me, I felt like it was my wedding day. I was even one to joke around that I would have my wedding here and have him play the piano while I walk down the aisle.
 While trying to envision my wedding, I was disrupted by the smell of the food coming out of their quaint kitchen. We ordered their best sellers, as per advised by the staff, and it was indeed a feast.  
 First out was their Buffalo Chicken Wings. It was subtly spicy but a tasty way to begin the night. We munched on them while talking and forgot that the plate was almost finished. It was that delicious that we opted to order one more plate.  
 My friends feasted on their Lumpiang Shanghai and sweet and spicy sauce. They said that the filling was tasty and the crispiness of the lumpia made a magical melody in their ears. As much as I wanted to join in the parade, I was satisfied to witness them gobbling every bit of crumble away like children on a hot summer day.   
 We were all in awe with their Shrimp and Tomato Pasta. It looked bland at first but it was different when tasted. The moment you take a bite, it transforms you to a magical world. The shrimp paired well with the tomato and the olive oil made a big impact in the marriage of flavors. The pasta was al dente and was just perfect for the sauce.  I advise you eat it while its hot.   
 Nevertheless, of the dishes that were served, their Indonesian Shrimps really caught me. I love how the cream, ginger and tomato explodes in one bite. A slice of the shrimp and you would get to taste the different flavors of the sauce. The spiciness was tolerable enough that you would end up craving for more.
 I opted for a Banana Shake instead of coffee. I wanted to feel the smoothness of the shake in my throat and it did. The banana was not too sweet thus it was just perfect to cap a night of magical moments.
 As we bid The Ruins goodbye, I felt like I left a part of me in there. I cannot forget the glow of the place and how it sent chills over my spine. I will be  back. Indeed I will.
 May each and one of us have a happy Christmas
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