Much has been said about the link between good food and a longer, better life. Elaia by Cyma takes it further with dishes that nourish both body and soul.
“Eat your vegetables!” Not a single person past the age of three has made it to adulthood sans this heavily-veiled threat heard at the dinner table. It’s been pretty much ingrained in us that eating more greens and less of the kid-friendly fried chicken option, is the sole key to survival. Here’s the rub—our parents were right all along!
Over the past couple of decades, “whole foods,” “meatless Mondays,” and “farm-to-table dining” have gone from just being trends to actual movements reshaping the culinary scene. That list now includes “longevity food” or food that may just help you live a bit longer. This is the core inspiration behind Elaia by Cyma, Chef Robby Goco’s quaint restaurant concept ensconced in the Tagaytay hillside.
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Verdant liquid gold
In Greek, elaia means “olive.” And olives, pretty much, are the quintessential ingredient—in different iterations—in many dishes in the region. From his days at Cyma, Chef Robby Goco found inspiration in the cooking traditions of Northern Greece. He is drawn to, most especially, to its time-honored approach to longevity and well-being through food.
True to the restaurant’s name, Robby’s starting point for many of his dishes are copious amounts of the finest extra virgin olive oil. This not only provides the foundation for those craveable Mediterranean flavors, but is also a profound expression of his deep connection to the land.
In fact, he sources as much of his produce and ingredients from farms within the resto’s vicinity. Imagine everything arriving on your plate mere hours after it’s been picked. Even the feta is made just for him, crafted by a nearby shop.
A bold statement in flavors
Chef Robby dug deep in creating his menu for Elaia, playing around with the bold yet comforting cuisine of Northern Greece. He runs the gamut of hearty lamb dishes, savory pies, and vegetables cooked in, but of course, extra virgin olive oil—simple, fresh, and packed with flavor. Throw in generous handfuls of herbs, garlic, and spices, and the ingredients just sing.
His other secret weapon? “Great food takes time. This is why we embrace the low and slow cooking method. The natural flavors of each ingredient are allowed to really develop and shine, creating layers that enables each dish to reach its peak perfection.”
This approach to cooking is most evident in the Ladera dishes, which feature locally sourced vegetables simmered in extra virgin olive oil. Each bite is fresh and tasty. One of the chef’s personal favorites is the Yia Yia’s Chicken Stew, which was first cooked for him by a friend’s yia yia (grandmother). Loaded with potatoes, carrots, green peas, and oregano, he shared that the dish is as comforting as it sounds.
Other standout dishes were the skewers of tender Beef Kalamaki, the grilled lamb (in all its iterations, coz there were a few), and the Grilled Whole Red snapper. Before anyone can say that the Greek Summer Village Salad or the Roka Salata are just token veg, they are bursting with the freshness you need to cut through all that rich food.
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An idyllic escape
What takes the Elaia experience to the next level is its beautiful surroundings. Step out of the main dining area, and you are greeted by a beautiful patio area with wide couches and quaint little corners. With an icy glass of Elaia White Sangria (with olive oil infused gin) in hand, perfect for brunch or happy hour, sit and let the cool breeze wash over you. For the next few minutes, there is nothing between you, the quiet, and your cocktail. Save perhaps for the sounds (and delicious aromas) from the open kitchen running along the side. That is exactly how Robby envisioned the space to be, taking you away from the hustle and bustle of the big city.
But all that relaxing space does not always have to be enjoyed in solitude. It’s the perfect spot for pre-dinner drinks, or even an outdoor feast. Greek food under the stars – sounds pretty good right about now.
Nourishment for the body and soul
As you get up from your table at Elaia by Cyma, there is an undeniable feeling of satisfaction. From one glorious meal, you taste each and every flavor so clearly, but beneath it all you, you also sense the heart that went into every component on the plate.
From the farmer who carefully nurtured vegetables from seed to plant, to the chefs who carefully crafted the dishes, to the stories and the inspiration behind every dish on the menu. Where you feel how deeply nature is woven into every aspect of Chef Robby’s thoughtfully-imagined menu. And how this one meal has brought everyone together for a few hours of gustatory delight. Tummies and heart made happy – isn’t that what our parents have always told us is the key to a long happy life?
Elaia by Cyma is located at Buenavista Ave, Silang, Cavite. For reservations, call +63 917 163 7287.
