I'll be perfectly honest here. This is the review that I did not want to write. I prefer to keep…read morethis perfect experience secret, known only to me, and the few others lucky enough to have discovered it. Because if you knew, there would never be space for me here again, whenever I visit the region. And I do plan on visiting, just to stay and eat here: Baguio I can take or leave, but this establishment has felt like a second home.
However, as it does feel like home, everyone here feels like family, after my two-week stay. So I want them to thrive and get the business they so clearly deserve. Everyone in the industry already knows that the cuisine here is as good as it gets, anywhere (which explains the high demand), but perhaps they and you don't know that the overall experience and atmosphere while staying here perfectly compliments the food. Again, this is the best it gets.
There are really two different aspects of this business to highlight: the food and the lodging. The amazing customer service and personalized attention is common to both offerings.
The meals are by reservation only, unless you are a staying guest, and they book quickly. Guests are offered a menu in advance to select from, then the staff locally sources all the ingredients needed, fresh each day, providing a custom, unforgetful experience. Staff will, as able, will go out of their way to accommodate special requests. I, for example, have a couple food allergies, and they were very careful in preparing my meals. From my conversations with the chef, the menus are themed around a cuisine or cultural fusions, as her passions carry her; and from what I experienced in my many meals here, all meals are unique and masterfully balanced. A blend of tradition and artistic interpretation. They even make the condiments from scratch. I am not Filipino (let alone part of the elite set), and feel no "shame" in taking home leftovers. I promise you, if you don't finish your meal, and decide to leave food behind, it will be your great loss.
This brings me to the coffee. I am sorry to say, finding good coffee in the Philippines has proven a tremendous challenge. Everyone seems to have espresso machines in their establishment, yet no one knows how to use them or where to source good coffee beans. This kitchen, offering several brewing methods and high-end beans/roasts (which the chef finishes in-house) has been my "coffee mecca". Whether it be espresso, cappuccino or Americanos, I finally felt like I could begin my day relaxed and content. I cannot overstate how amazing that feels.
The atmosphere, the suite and the single room (I spent time in both, throughout my stay), feature real wood furnishings and architectural features, making it feel like you're staying in a regal, yet cozy, chalet, complete with functional fireplace for the damp, foggy Baguio nights. From the fresh lime or cucumber-flavored water, to the soothing music playing in the background, to the personal attention you receive from staff, this experience was the only customer service I experienced in the Philippines that met, and often surpassed, what I have found in the finest resorts around the world. It's so very clear to see why the chef is in such high demand, and often sought out to instruct other professionals around the world. There is laundry service on site, pre-arrangements with local transportation, connections with other high-end dining establishments in the area, and beyond...everything you need to have the experience of a lifetime. The location is a very short walk to a busy road, yet feels completely isolated and private.
I have been reviewing establishments for thirty years now, and I don't think I have ever given an endorsement this enthusiastically. Even if I still want to keep my secret, the staff deserve every good thing in life. Be kind to them. Don't ruin this special place for me.
