LAST WEEK, we thought we?d venture south to renew our ties with the food we grew up with. And what better place to do this than at a diner fabled for its ?bulalo??

Two days later, on another food foray, we discovered a fave chain?s branch in a fast-evolving community. Two different culinary ventures, each satisfactory.

Rose and Grace-Lot 3, Block 31, Barangay Don Jose, Sta. Rosa Estate, Sta. Rosa City, Laguna. Tele-fax 049- 541-1073.

For years now, Rose and Grace has served motorists going north and south with newly cooked, well-prepared comfort food. Initially operating along the Calamba, Santo Tomas highway, the resto has set up branches in many neighboring towns. The one we visited is in Sta. Rosa. This chain fills the cravings for traditional Filipino dishes.

Dining area-Always crowded with hungry motorists. Artificial sunflowers abound. We?d call their tables and chairs no-nonsense sets, meaning they are sturdy for real eating with gusto; no need to worry about messing them up. Natural sunlight brightens up the space.

Staff -Courteous and helpful

Service-Quick, no-frills, more like eating in a town square.

Suggested menu-Order the specialty, bulalo, either plain or with vegetables (pechay, basically). There?s a P30 difference in price. The carinderia-style display of food covers a wide area, and it carries nearly all the staples?Crispy Pata, Fried Chicken, Langka in Gata, Menudo, Paksiw na Isda, Leche Flan.

Ube and Halo-Halo are served as desserts. Linger around after the meal, go to the smaller building beside the resto and buy your pasalubong like pastillas, espasol and coco jam.

Usual service charges are collected. Seniors are honored with discounts.

Rating - **

Conti?s Pastry and Restaurant, Evozone, Nuvali-Lakeside Evozone, Nuvali, Sta. Rosa, Tagaytay Road, Sta. Rosa City, Laguna. Call 049-302-6050/55.

Nuvali is one of the latest Ayala Land Developments, stretching over a vast land that has an eco-friendly design.

Conti?s is in the square, away from the residential area, by the lake. It is the first eatery to open there, perhaps the only full-service restaurant in the complex at this time.

Dining area-The building has two floors, each done in the colors of the chain?chrysanthemum yellow and verdant green. On the second level are cubicles that could seat six adults, as well as a big function room for large gatherings.

Staff-Because it is the only dining place open, the tables get as much as four turnovers at lunch time, but the staff seem to be coping. Once seated, you need to ask for the menu. They are quick to take orders, are courteous and look neat in their olive green and yellow uniforms.

Service-Can still be improved; we are confident it will.

Suggested menu-If you are a regular Conti?s habitué, maybe you need not go through the menu. However, there is always excitement in choosing the right appetizer, salad and main course. Start with Caesar Salad or Smoked Salmon with Apple Vinaigrette. Follow with Pumpkin soup, then brace yourself for the main courses such as Linguini in Pesto sauce, Pasta Allegra, Beef Teppanyaki with Japanese Rice, Pastel de Lengua with Paella Rice or Baked Salmon with Paella Rice.

Servings are just right. You also can?t pass up dessert, which come in generous servings and are truly yummy. Have an Oreo Cheesecake with a big chunk of the cookie inside, Turtle Pie or Tiramisu. Punctuate the meal with Mocha Frappe in a tall, thin glass. Super!

Service and government taxes are added to the bill. Senior cards are honored.

Rating - ***