The perfect fusion of fine dining and driving
Last May, Kia Philippines curated a VIP experience where I had the chance to take my partner, CJ, on a culinary adventure down south in the electrifying Kia EV6 GT-Line Long Range. We were bound for Tagaytay, home to the scenic restaurant, 180° by Chef Sau. As the name suggests, the restaurant offers a picturesque 180-degree view of Taal Lake—just the perfect backdrop for a scrumptious meal. It serves up a delicious fusion of Filipino and Mediterranean cuisines. But we’ll get to that part later.
Every turn felt like an adventure. From the moment we hit the road, we rediscovered the beauty and power of the EV6. I got behind the wheel of this stunning EV, and the drive was nothing short of exhilarating. Its instantaneous acceleration and agile handling made it an absolute joy to cruise along highways and twisty roads. It’s also equipped with smart safety and advanced driver-assist features that gave us peace of mind throughout the journey.
For most of the trip, I settled into my role as a passenger princess—and boy I never thought that title could be taken so literally. In the EV6, that’s exactly what you get. You’re spoiled with plenty of tech features and next-level comfort, headlined by the expansive 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and paired with a premium 14-speaker Meridian surround sound system.
What added to the road trip fun was the large panoramic sunroof. Personally, this has become one of my favorite aesthetic features especially for out-of-town getaways. We also cozied up in the black suede seats with white leather accents. And with the hot Philippine weather? Guess who got to maximize the seat’s cooling function. Yes, that would be me.
We started our drive with 77% battery (346 km) and arrived with 53% remaining (222 km). Thanks to this long-range variant, range anxiety wasn’t even on our radar.
Similar to EV6, 180° by Chef Sau had an equally stunning and inviting facade. Stepping inside, we were greeted by the elegant interiors and VIP service from the hospitable staff. My partner and I were led upstairs to our seats, where the best view in the house was waiting for us.
Before the main course, we were served delicious appetizers: Pulpo with Chorizo, Garlic, & Potatoes and Hand-picked Greens, Candied Walnuts, Apples, & Gorgonzola. Our tastebuds were swimming in the flavor and freshness of the chef’s picks.
For the main event, we had Tagaytay’s finest—180-way Bulalo—paired with Lamb Shank Caldereta, a dish that combines Mediterranean touches with Filipino flavors. The lamb was cooked to perfection, delivering that melt-in-your-mouth sensation.
We ended our culinary adventure on a sweet note. They prepared two rich chocolate-flavored desserts—just how I like it. Of course, my bias was the Flourless Chocolate Cake.
Living in the metro and facing time-consuming traffic on a daily basis, made me appreciate this refreshing, soulful food trip. Often, we fixate on arriving at our destination that we forget to enjoy the ride. But with the Kia EV6 (PHP3.788M), it was a chef’s kiss from start to finish.
