delightful flavors – Jellybeans in the City

When it comes to dining out, my family’s heart belongs to places that not only serve delicious food but also offer a warm and inviting atmosphere. And that’s precisely why Conti’s Bakeshop and Restaurant has been a family favorite for years. Not only does this Filipino restaurant chain have an uncanny knack for making us feel right at home even when we’re dining out, it also gave us our first tastes of what would become our go-to dishes.

What sets Conti’s apart from other restaurants is the comforting feeling it evokes. It’s like stepping into the home of a dear friend, where the air is filled with the aroma of delightful dishes that await our taste buds.

The roots of Conti’s run deep, founded in 1997 by sisters Cecille Maranon, Carole Sumulong, and Angie Martinez, whose maiden names were Conti. They started their enterprise accepting orders by phone from their home in Paranaque and later grew the business into an national chain. This family legacy is part of Conti’s identity, and is centered on creating an environment where people can relish good food and wonderful company.

Discovering the Sierra Valley Branch

One of Conti’s newer branches is located in the Sierra Valley Commercial Center in Taytay, Rizal. As this is quite close to my home, I did not hesitate to bring Hubby and Son there for our Saturday brunch to fuel us up for our weekend errands.

This particular branch boasts a spacious and airy setting, complete with ample parking at the back. A few tables are situated outside for al fresco dining but its main dining area and bakeshop are located in the ground floor, while the second floor is occupied by function rooms well suited for private parties and celebrations.

Taking advantage of the chance to unwind and indulge ourselves in a cozy setting, we treated ourselves to a meal that include our Classic Favorites and New Discoveries.

Classic Favorites:

Our family has a knack for gravitating towards our tried-and-true favorites, and Conti’s can always be counted on for Classic Favorites always hit the spot, such as:

Molo Soup (Php135). A hearty broth with wontons filled with a delightful mixture of pork, shrimp, and veggies.

Conti’s Baked Salmon (Php545). My personal weakness, thanks to the symphony of flavors from pink salmon and cream cheese topping perfectly complemented by buttered veggies and Paella rice.

Lengua Estofado (Php485). Hubby’s viand of choice consisting of tender slices of ox tongue in a mushroom sauce, served with buttered vegetables and garlic rice.

Italian Supreme Pasta (Php355). A medley of Italian sausage, tomatoes, bell peppers, and light cream that brought a pizza-like joy to my son’s taste buds.

New Discoveries:

Part of the fun of dining at Conti’s is exploring its new dishes, such as:

Salt & Pepper Calamari (Php285). Well-seasoned crispy battered squid pieces accompanied by a tangy lemon garlic aioli.

Classic Caramel Cake (Php995 whole | Php165 slice). A pillowy-soft sponge cake with silky caramel icing, crowned with white cream kisses and a caramel drizzle.

Delightfully Ours, Delightfully Yours

Our brunch at this Conti’s outlet reminded us of the joy of sharing good food and heartwarming moments. It’s an experience that’s “delightfully ours.” And you know what? it can be “delightfully yours” too!

Drop by this Conti’s Bakeshop and Restaurant at Sierra Valley Commercial Center, Barangay San Isidro, Taytay Rizal, open daily from 8am to 8pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 917 8091563 or +63 917 8099798.

Conti’s delivers via its website, GrabFood and FoodPanda.

Stay updated on Conti’s products and offers by following it on Facebook and Instagram.

Check out my previous posts about Conti’s:

A get-together that’s delightfully ours at Conti’s, Greenbelt

Comfort food at Conti’s, Century City Mall

7 instances to indulge in Conti’s new Choco Puff and Quattro Formaggi Puff pastries

Hubby and I recently took the fam on a much-deserved break in Baguio, the charming city known for its cool weather, scenic landscapes, and delightful dining experiences.

Aside from the sightseeing and the meet-ups with family and friends, the family certainly looked forward to the foodie adventures that the City of Pines has to offer.

Fortunately, Hubby’s cousin, who we make a point of meeting up with whenever we’re in Baguio, suggested Chaya – the hidden culinary gem nestled in a peaceful suburb just 10 minutes away from Session Road – for our dinner rendezvous.

Discovering Chaya’s Allure

Goin to Chaya feels like stumbling upon a well-kept secret. This little haven exudes warmth and coziness, making it the perfect place for an intimate family meal. The quaint residential area sets the stage for an unforgettable dining adventure.

Once inside, you’ll find yourself transported to a charming Japanese abode. Every corner is adorned with personal touches – from unique Japanese-themed decor to handcrafted quilts adorning the walls. Potted plants add a touch of nature, creating an inviting atmosphere that makes you feel right at home.

While we missed the chance to dine in its al fresco area due to the rainy weather, we still found its interior just as enchanting. The sprawling wooden communal tables made us feel like we’re in a big family gathering. For a more intimate setting, there are also circular tables and couch seating.

The heart and soul of Chaya

The driving force behind Chaya is its chef and co-owner – Sonoko Taguchi. Her culinary journey started with her aunt and grandmother, who ran a restaurant in Japan. Their traditional recipes have been passed down through generations, which she then brought to Baguio for the enjoyment of its locals and visitors.

Drawn by the cool weather and the allure of fresh produce at the local market and inspired by her dream of creating Japanese dishes with a touch of the town’s supplies and flavors, Sonoko opened Chaya in 2010, which became a much-loved dining destination in Baguio.

One of the things that set Chaya apart is its commitment to green cuisine – contemporary Japanese dishes that are both authentic and delicious. The restaurant boasts a diverse menu, catering to various preferences, including vegetarian and vegan options. Here, foodies can indulge guilt-free while relishing the flavors of Japan.

Indulging in Chaya’s Culinary Offerings

Now, let’s dive into the highlight of our visit – the delectable dishes we enjoyed at Chaya.

First up, the fresh and succulent Tuna Sashimi (Php490) and Salmon Sashimi (Php490), both served with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger were a perfect start to our meal.

We also freshened up our palate with the Chaya Salad (Php400), made with greens topped with fresh fruits and drizzled with a fruity vinaigrette dressing.

Next on our meal was the Chicken Karaage (Php420) – Japanese-style fried chicken that was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, a true comfort food delight, and a true favorite for my son, especially when accompanied by rich Japanese mayo.

The Ebi Tempura (Php480) showcased perfectly battered and fried shrimp, while the Vegetable Tempura (Php400) presented a medley of carrots, zucchini, pumpkin flowers and onions in a light and crispy coating, both served with the sweet-savory tempura dipping sauce.

The Sukiyaki (Php560), a delightful Japanese hot pot dish, simmered thinly sliced beef, vegetables, and tofu in a savory broth, left us feeling warm and satisfied despite the chilly weather.

The Agedashi Tofu (Php295), is Hubby’s favorite treat, thanks to its crispy outer layer and sweet-savory sauce.

For Hubby, no Japanese meal is complete without some classics like Edamame (Php220), those steamed soybeans served in their pods, and the heartwarming Miso Soup (Php130) with tofu, seaweed, and scallions.

While the rest of the fam opted for plain rice to go with our Japanese viands, I couldn’t resist treating myself to some flavorful Chahan (Php360), Japanese-style fried rice.

Service with a Smile

The experience at Chaya extends beyond just the food. The attentive and friendly service made your visit even more enjoyable. The staff thoughtfully served complimentary side dishes and hot tea while we waited for our meal, and then bite-sized green tea ice cream for dessert afterwards, ensuring that we left the restaurant well-satisfied.

Chaya is definitely a culinary haven where authentic Japanese dishes meet heartwarming hospitality.

(A word to the wise: be sure to arrive early or schedule your visit during off-peak hours as the limited parking may be an issue.)

Whether you’re visiting Baguio for a special occasion, or, like us, simply seeking a casual meal withfamily and friends, Chaya promises an unforgettable dining experience. So, if you find yourself in this beautiful city, make sure to add Chaya to your list of must-visit restaurants.

Green Chaya Restaurant and Cafe is located at 72 Legarda Road, Baguio City, Benguet Province, open daily from 10am to 8pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 915 9054820.

Another branch is located at SM City Baguio, along Luneta Hill, Upper Session Road, Baguio City, Benguet Province. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 945 4388495.

Stay updated on Chaya’s menu and offers by following it on Facebook and Instagram.

Tag: delightful flavors

Delightfully Yours: Classic Favorites and New Discoveries at Conti’s, Sierra Valley