unique dining – Jellybeans in the City

Ernest Hemingway once cited The Manila Hotel as “the perfect representation of the city, if not the country’s resilience, vitality, versatility and hospitality.”

This certainly is true as the iconic Grand Dame not only evokes the prestige and nostalgia of the old city, but, as its current president Joey Lina put it, it also “is a repository of culture and history.”

And one of the exciting facets of Filipino culture that the hotel regularly sheds light on is Pinoy cuisine.

Fresh off its successful homage to Laguna’s annual food festival, Anilag or Ani ng Laguna, the hotel’s legendary dining destination, Cafe Ilang-Ilang highlights Western Visayan cuisine for the whole month of August.

A Collaboration in Heritage Cuisine

For this month’s feature on regional culinary traditions and innovations, Cafe Ilang-Ilang collaborated with Chef Rafael “Tibong” Jardeleza, Jr. Hailing from Western Visayas himself, Chef Tibong is a champion of heritage cuisine and brings the region’s diverse culinary delights to join the cafe’s buffet offerings.

Western Visayas, known as the Food Haven of the Philippines, boasts a vibrant food culture that reflects its rich history, geography, and cultural influences. The partnership between Cafe Ilang-Ilang and Chef Tibong showcases a tapestry of flavors, offering a contemporary twist to classic dishes as well as the region’s local recipes, distinct ingredients, and time-honored cooking techniques.

Top Picks Among the Flavors of Western Visayas

Together with fellow bloggers, I attended a special preview of the Flavors of Western Visayas at The Manila Hotel’s Cafe Ilang-Ilang.

Curious about the heritage dishes to be savored there? Check out my top picks below:

These are just a sampling the delicious flavors of Western Visayas, available on rotation at the Filipino food station of Cafe Ilang-Ilang until August 31.

The International Buffet

If you want to venture out from our homegrown flavors, you can also check out Cafe Ilang-Ilang’s extensive array of cuisines from around the globe. Brace yourself for a mouthwatering journey as you visit each station:

Salads and Breads Station: Vibrant, crisp salads, freshly baked bread, an assortment of cheeses, and delicatessen treats await your eager taste buds.
Churrasco Station: Portuguese-style grilled beef, pork, chicken, lamb, sausages, and seafood skewers, accompanied by a variety of delectable sauces, promise to satisfy your cravings.
Pan-Asian Station: A delightful selection of dim sum, sushi, sashimi, noodles, dumplings, and stir-fries will transport you to the streets of Asia.
Italian Station: Indulge in mouthwatering pizzas and pastas, freshly prepared and cooked to perfection.
Mediterranean Station: Refreshing salads, fresh seafood, halal dishes, and perfectly grilled meats evoke the coastal charm of the Mediterranean.
American Station: Sink your teeth into juicy steaks and tender roasts, epitomizing the hearty flavors of the United States.
Dessert Station: Satisfy your sweet tooth with luscious cakes, pies, pastries, and creamy ice cream that will leave you longing for more.

The dinner buffet at Cafe Ilang-Ilang is available daily from 6 pm to 10 pm. On Sundays to Wednesdays, it is priced at Php3,145 for adults and Php1,572 for children. On Thursdays to Saturdays, the price is Php3,790 for adults and Php1,895 for children. To secure your table, make inquiries, or reservations, contact +632 8527 0011 or +632 5301 5500, or send an email to restaurantrsvn@themanilahotel.com.

Stay updated on The Manila Hotel’s news and offers by following it on Facebook and Instagram.

Check out my previous posts about The Manila Hotel’s Cafe Ilang-Ilang:

Unveiling the extraordinary: An exclusive preview of the Kurobuta Showcase at The Manila Hotel’s Cafe Ilang-Ilang

A culinary journey at the International Buffet of The Manila Hotel’s Café Ilang-Ilang

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: unique dining

Top 12 Dishes to Savor this August as Cafe Ilang-Ilang Celebrates the Flavors of Western Visayas