Ozark Diner

I discovered a really great diner near our place.  The name of the diner is Ozark Diner - and it's really just within my neighborhood.  It had been raining for the past couple of weeks - and today's the first day that the sun is out --- so I decided to just walk to Ozark.  For the uninitiated - it can be tough - because - it's all uphill from the main road ( Bakakeng ) to the restaurant.  That's actually part of my plan - burn as much calories before my Sunday lunch --- so I don't feel as guilty even it is my cheat day.

Grilled Pork Chop, Biscuit with Gravy, Mac and Cheese

I love Ozark -- I don't hide it from the owners - Kevin and Albert.  Google - Ozark - so you can find out a little bit more information from where Kevin and Albert got its name.  Come back - after reading about it.  Ok?

Open Kitchen - I choose to sit by the bar - so I can see and smell all the other dishes :)

Now that you have googled Ozark - let me ask you - what kind of food do you think they serve?  Correct - Southern food ( not South American --- but Southern --- and no - it's not called SAWDERN --- you must pronounce it as SADHERN --- all together now - SADHERN ).

My Pork Chop being Prepped

The place is busy --- and that's a really good sign for the business because they have not even launched yet.  They are still on SOFT-OPENING mode.  If you're like me --- that would have driven you away like the plague.  I don't like giving an establishment my money - who uses soft opening as an excuse for bad service.   Thing is --- with Ozark - you get really good service (fast and good food).  They're staff are still on training ( kitchen, waiting, and everyone else ) - but you wouldn't notice it because Albert and Kevin makes sure you get the service that you deserve as a paying customer.   

The Sili Labuyo Chocolate Cheesecake - that's Candied Sili on Top

Pulled Pork, With Biscuit and Kale as Side Dishes

I know - I know - you're here to know if you should check out Ozark for the food.  The answer is a resounding yes from this queen.   If you want to eat - comfort food - that most of what the Southern food delivers - then you're in for a treat.

Those are the heavenly biscuits being prepped

Beautiful Biscuits

For me --- what I was really looking forward to is their biscuit - with gravy.  It's one breakfast food that I like eating when I'm in the US.  I have not seen them in the Philippines --- so discovering this in Ozark - makes me beyond happy.   

Ozark Benedict

The other specialty of the restaurant ( I'll talk about the main dishes that I tried - but you need to know this so you can leave room for dessert ).  Their Cheesecakes.  Here you will be able to try Durian Cheesecake, Dark Beer Cheesecake, ginger wasabi Cheesecake,  and others.  But their best seller - is the Siling Labuyo Chocolate Cheesecake - Yummeeeh.

Meat Loaf - with Macaroni and Cheese and Cole Slaw

Now for the mains.  The dishes I tried so far - the Ozark Benedict ( which is their take on the Eggs benedict ),  the Grilled Pork Chop ( this pork chop is juicy and thick - the way the southern folks like it ),  and Good old meat loaf ( this is comfort that really delivers ).  Side dishes that are equally interesting and good ( the ones that I tried so far ): Macaroni and Cheese,  Their Kale with Smoked Pata bits ( this is healthy food -- Kale and fat is a good combination ),  French fries, and of course the biscuits.

Ginger and Wasabi Cheesecake

If you are planning a trip to Baguio anytime soon ---- or if you are from the city of Pines - go ahead and google the place --- you can find them on Google maps.  They are on Bareng Drive --- that's next to the Saint Louis Mary Heights campus.   They don't have signage yet - but look for the red door.   I am sure - you will enjoy it.  They are open 10 am to 10 pm daily.  They can be busy --- so be early ( or late - so you don't hit the lunch crowd ).   Oh - one more thing - they are priced really well.  How do I know they are priced well?  Most of their patrons are local - and in Baguio - we don't pay an arm and a leg for food.  If you are from the lowlands ( ahem - Manila ) - this is one restaurant that hopefully convinces you that you don't have to pay a premium to find good food.

No signage yet - look for the Red Door - Diner below

Look for them in Google Maps.  Street is Bareng Drive

For more information on Ozark - visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/ozarkbaguiocity

Bulakenas Kakanin

The next time you're in Baguio and you're looking for pasalubong for your family and friends back home - I recommend checking out the Bulakenas Kakanin stalls in SM ( or Abanao square and other locations in the City of Pines ).  Don't be confused.  I did say look for Bulakenas Kakanin in Baguio.  Apparently - the owner is from the province of Bulacan - but these stalls have its roots in Baguio.

On weekends - when I go to SM City Baguio - I always pick up a box of 12.  I think they also come in boxes containing 18 pieces.  You can choose whatever kakanin you like.  They have Maja Blanca, Bico/Bibingkang Kanin, Sapin Sapin, Cassava cake and others.

My favorite is Maja Blanca and their two variants of Cassava cake.   The box of 12 is sold for 120 pesos.

Cafe by The Ruins

Finally - I was able to visit Cafe by the Ruins. It's not my first time since I had lunch at this restaurant during my pevious visits to Baguio - but it is my first time ever since I moved to Baguio.

I had Bibingcakes and Hot Chocolate. I love the hot chocolate - thick and served in a demi cup. I also liked the Bibingcakes but wished it was served with more coconut.

I also ordered black tea and fell in love with the clay teapot. I'm planning to visit another time - for merienda or just to buy bread from the bakery.

Raw Mixed Nuts

I've been eating raw food for lunch, snacks, and dinner as part of my quest to loose weight and have a healthier lifestyle.   I bought these raw mixed nuts from the US during my last trip.  I sometimes cover them in honey - and mix them up with my salad.  Mixed nuts are great sources of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.   The best thing about them - apart from being healthful - is that they're yummy!

Ketchup Food Community

When I have friends and family visiting Baguio - I tell them to try out Ketchup Food Community.  I actually throw them off a bit - by telling them to look for KFC close to Pacdal Circle.  Most of them think of the chicken fast food chain and wonder what's so special about it.  When they see the name of the place - Ketchup Food Community - most of them give me a smile - telling me that I've been a naughty boy - for making them think they'd be getting fried chicken.

Ketchup is actually composed of five restaurants.  The restaurants serve different cuisines ( Thai, Indonesian/Malay, Western ).

The following dishes is probably my most favorite to order when I go to Ketchup.  They are served by Canto.  They are Baby Back Ribs and Nachos Salad.   Wonderful dishes - and great price point too.

I highly recommend that you try this out next time you're in Baguio.  It used to be the local's secret but blogs have actually hyped it up much - that you now have a lot of tourists checking it out too.

Dinner again at the Hilton Garden Inn

Another lazy night for me.  I can't get myself to go out for dinner - since I've been sick for the past week.   Had another good dinner from Hilton Garden Inn.

Dinner -  Hilton Garden Inn

I'm currently staying at the Hilton Garden Inn.  I decided to just have in-room dining - because I've been going out for company sponsored events for the past week.  I'm happy with what I ordered.  Of course - like may in-room dining experience - you spend a little bit more when you do this (service charge and all ) --- but they really do a good job in HGI with their cooking - that I don't mind spening that money for it.

Ochado Milk Tea

I'm a milk tea addict.  I go for almost all brands - as long as they have toppings apart from pearls ( which I don't like ).   Moving to Baguio - this is one food item that I missed a lot.  Which is why whenever I visit Manila - I will go to my favorite brands in Makati and get half a litter or a full litter serving of my favorite flavor.

When Ochado opened in SM City Baguio --- I was one happy camper.  They are located on the basement level, right in front of the super market.   What flavors do I order?  I get the Matcha with Adzuki Bean or the Pudding Milk Tea.

I only wish they had Rock Salt with cheese topping.  

Infinitea

Infinitea was a referral from one of my colleagues from Bangalore.  It is primarily a tea shop with great tasting food but at the center of it all is tea.  The owners have a tea plantation and the tea they sell is grown from there.

They have a wide tea selection from oolong, to green, to floral, spicy, fruity.   However this is India so I'm here for the Indian tea which is Assam and Massala.  Both of these variety can be bought for 150 Rs for 250 gram pack.  That's a real bargain but my Indian driver still thinks I lost money on them.

If you find yourself in Bangalore,  I suggest that you check it out.  It's found on Cunningham Rd,  For more information on their tea varieties visit the Infinitea website.

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Simply Thai's Nest

I love sweet potatoes.  I also love coconuts.  When I dined recently at Simply Thai at Greenbelt five - I discovered a dessert that they have which is a great combination of the two:  Caramelized Sweet Potatoes and Coconut Ice cream.  They call it Simply Thai's Nest because the shredded potato (Camote) was put together to look like a nest.  The scoop of homemade coconut ice cream in the middle makes it look like an egg.  The presentation was so pretty that it made me think twice about destroying but as soon as I got a bite --- I told myself --- that I will just take a picture and start devouring this delicious dish.

Pioneer Center ChaTime

If you are looking for a place where you can hang out and use free WiFi, the Pioneer ChaTime - is a good place to go.  They give you a password for their WiFi network and they even have extension cords provided for each table.  If you like white, pink and purple - which I think a lot of young people like - you will dig their decor.

While you're there - try all of their tea varieties. Did I mention they also serve food?

Snacks from ChaTime

Going to ChaTime at Pioneer Center is starting to be a Sunday routine for the Queens.  Last time were there we just had Milk Team but we noticed that they serve food.  This Sunday, we tried two of their food items: the Curry Dog, and the Pepper and Salt Chicken.  The Curry Dog - is so-so - but the Pepper and Salt Chicken is marvelous.  It's like eating Chicken seasoned with crushed Chippy.

Bab House

There is a new Korean restaurant in town and they serve good food.  It's Bab House at the RCBC Plaza.  This is a welcome addition to the restaurants at our office building.  Too bad - they are not open 24x7 - so we are only able to eat at Bab House at the start of our shift.  Their dishes are the right level of hot, spicy, sweet, and umami.  

Bibimbap with Beef Bulgogi

Chicken Bulgogi

When You're Hungry - Go to Army and Navy