My Nervous First Step Back to Real Flavor at Josephine’s Backyard Steakhouse
After my gallbladder surgery, I was terrified to eat out—until we found this gem in Buli, Taal, Batangas. Here’s why it’s my new favorite "safe" spot:
- The Vibe: A charming restored house with AC and breezy al fresco options.
- The Signature Salad: Refreshing, low-fat, and perfect for sharing.
- Salmon in Lemon Sauce: My top pick! It’s lean, perfectly seared, and totally stomach-friendly.
- The Ribeye Steak: My husband’s favorite. Thick, juicy, and a total steal for the price.
- The Verdict: Amazing service (shoutout to Sir Arnold!) and a menu that actually works for a restricted diet.
It’s been a minute since my husband and I went on a proper culinary adventure. To say the start of the year was "rough" would be an understatement. After a first quarter spent battling constant sickness, a plate of pork adobo finally did me in, leading to a severe epigastric attack.
The verdict? A laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Yes, my gallbladder and I have officially parted ways. While I’m feeling much better, life without a gallbladder means a strict low-fat diet. Anything fried, greasy, or overly fatty now results in a "sprint to the restroom" situation that I’d really rather avoid!
Discovering a Gem in Buli, Taal
Five weeks post-op, my doctor finally gave me the green light to reintroduce some foods and try to test my stomach. Finding a restaurant that offers "safe" options without sacrificing flavor has been a challenge—until we stumbled upon Josephine’s Backyard Steakhouse.Located right along the Palico-Balayan-Batangas Road in Buli, Taal, this restored old house-turned-restaurant is hard to miss. It’s got that charming, rustic vibe with two dining areas: a cozy, air-conditioned first floor and a breezy, al fresco second floor. Given the Batangas heat, we opted for the cool comforts of the ground floor.
The No-Gallbladder-Friendly Menu
We weren't just looking for a meal; we were looking for a celebration of being healthy again. Here’s the breakdown of our 10/10 experience:Josephine’s Signature Salad (PHP 298)
We kicked things off with their best-seller. It’s a refreshing mix of crisp lettuce, sliced apples, celery, and grapes. The light seasoning helped elevate the flavors. It’s a nice, low-fat starter that’s easily shareable for two.
Smoked Salmon in Herb Cheese (PHP 350)
My husband couldn't resist this appetizer. To keep my stomach happy, he scraped off most of the herb cheese, but even a tiny taste was a revelation! The smokiness of the salmon paired with red onion was incredible. It took every ounce of my willpower not to eat the cheese too.
Salmon in Lemon Sauce (PHP 548)
For my main, I went with the Salmon in Lemon Sauce. It was the ultimate safe bet for a post-cholecystectomy diet. The portion was generous, perfectly seared (not too oily), and surprisingly lean. The fish was so well-seasoned that the lemon sauce was just a delicious bonus. If you’re looking for healthy dining options in Taal, this place is it!
The Main Event: Ribeye Steak (PHP 748)
My husband went straight for the Josephine Steak. For under PHP 800, he got a thick, juicy ribeye cooked to a perfect medium-rare. He loves eating steaks, and he noted that it was flavorful enough to enjoy even without the sauce. Plus, the mashed potatoes were the silky, creamy cherry on top.
The Grand Finale: Coffee & Cheesecake
To wrap up, he enjoyed a slice of Basque Burnt Cheesecake (PHP 108) and a Hot Americano (PHP 105). While the cake was standard, the coffee was the real star. It was perfectly brewed and a great palate cleanser.
Why We’ll Be Back
From the accommodating staff—shoutout to Sir Arnold for the top-tier recommendations—to the affordable prices and beautiful ambiance, Josephine’s Backyard Steakhouse is a winner.It’s rare to find a place where a "gallbladder-free lady" and a "steak lover" can both leave feeling completely satisfied. Thank you, Josephine's, for the wonderful food and the even better memories!
Sir Arnold made our visit so special with his recommendations. Now I need yours! Where should a gallbladder-free lady go next in Batangas for a safe but delicious meal? Drop your suggestions below!
Explore and Be Free!
Mai
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