Baguio Bliss: Waking Up to a Mountain Masterpiece

 

Imagine waking up to a cool mountain breeze blowing through your window. You peek outside and see a sea of emerald green pine trees stretching out before you. In the distance, you can see the faint outline of the Cordillera mountains shrouded in mist. The air is crisp and clean, and the only sound is the chirping of birds. It's a perfect way to start a day in Baguio.

Our mornings in Baguio was nothing short of magical. As we drew back the curtains, a wave of cool, fresh mountain air washed over us, instantly chasing away any lingering drowsiness. But it was the view that truly stole our breath away.

Our cozy Baguio accommodation boasts a front-row seat to God's wonderful creation. Nature unfolds its beauty right outside my window. It's a scene straight out of a painting, a calming panorama that washes away the stress of everyday life. This is the perfect way to start a day of exploring - already feeling rejuvenated and inspired by the breathtaking scenery.

We can't wait to share the rest of our Baguio adventures with you, but for now, we're going to savor this moment, sipping on a cup of hot coffee while basking in the beauty of this mountain paradise.

Baguio Budget Bites: New Good Taste Restaurant Review

Ah, Baguio. The City of Pines, known for its cool climate, breathtaking scenery, and...supposedly cheap and delicious eats.

(Dry?) Chicken Curry

Well, on our recent trip, my brother, his girlfriend, and I decided to try a place called New Good Taste Cafe & Restaurant. The name promised a delightful culinary experience. We have high hopes thanks to local recommendations, we ventured to New Good Taste for what promised to be a delicious adventure but let's just say it left us feeling a little disappointed. 

Buttered Chicken 

Saving on Flavor?

Look, I get it. Budget travel is all about finding those hidden gems that won't break the bank. And yes, New Good Taste is undeniably cheap. The portions are decent, and the prices are rock-bottom. But here's the thing – cheap doesn't have to mean bland.  The food, well, it wasn't exactly bad. But it wasn't good either. It fell somewhere in the realm of "meh." We ordered their recommended best sellers- grilled spare ribs, shrimp tofu, chicken curry, and buttered chicken. Everything tasted a bit...off. Like maybe the ingredients weren't quite fresh, or the recipes were missing that special touch.

Spare ribs with rice 

The Hot Water Fiasco

Then there was the whole hot water situation. We politely requested hot water to sanitize our utensils before digging in (a standard practice in many Filipino households). To our surprise, the waitress informed us there would be a 10 peso charge for the hot water! Now, 10 pesos isn't a lot, but the principle of the thing just rubbed us the wrong way. We weren't asking for a fancy broth, just hot water to ensure cleanliness. After a brief discussion with the waitress, I politely asked her to ask her manager. The manager ultimately waived the charge.

The Verdict: Save Your Stomach (and Maybe Your Money)

Look, if you're on a super tight budget in Baguio and just need to fill your stomach with something vaguely resembling food, then New Good Taste might do the trick. But honestly, with so many other amazing options in the city, I'd recommend skipping this one. For a few pesos more, you can find fantastic local eateries that offer both delicious food and a welcoming atmosphere.

The Silver Lining

The one positive takeaway? The long line outside. Maybe we just ordered the wrong dishes, or maybe our taste buds were having an off day. Who knows? The point is, if you're feeling adventurous and want to give New Good Taste a try, be my guest. Just don't say I didn't warn you about the hot water!

Lesson Learned:

Sometimes, the cheapest option isn't always the best. When it comes to food, especially in a place like Baguio, it's worth doing a little research and finding a place that offers both affordability and flavor. Next time, we'll stick to the tried-and-true recommendations or explore a local market for some street food – now that's where you can find the real budget-friendly gems!

Shrimp tofu 

Fortune Hongkong Seafood Restaurant: A Baguio Gem

Walking into Fortune Hongkong Restaurant is like stepping into a world of refined elegance. Large windows bathe the space in natural light, while the décor exudes a subtle sophistication. The real magic unfolds when you delve into the menu. It's a treasure map leading you through an array of fresh seafood specialties and mouthwatering dim sum options.

Prepare for a dent in your wallet. This is a fine-dining experience with a price tag to match. But, oh boy, was it worth it! 

Let's talk deliciousness!

We dove headfirst into the Fortune Seafood Spinach Soup. The flavors were incredible - a rich, savory broth brimming with fresh seafood and perfectly complemented by the earthy notes of the spinach. Every spoonful was a symphony of taste. For those with kidney problem and high blood pressure make sure to request for less or no salt and less or no msg! The portion of spinach soap I received was much smaller than what I've got from other Chinese Restaurants in Manila. In Manila, apparently the soap is served up to the brim. I wonder if this is the typical portion size for the spinach soap in Fortune Hongkong Restaurant in Baguio or if there might have been a mistake with my order.

But the true pièce de résistance was their Yang Chow Fried rice! The flavors were an orchestra on the tongue. The fluffy rice subtle smoky flavor complimented the Char siu (叉燒) or Chinese BBQ pork addition, giving it a meaty and savory note playing in perfect harmony. Every bite was a revelation, leaving me yearning for more.

Finally, we ventured into the realm of spice with the Minced Hot and Spicy Chicken Fillet Sze Chuan Style. This dish was a fiery explosion of flavor! The chicken was perfectly cooked, tender and juicy, and the Sze Chuan peppercorns packed a real punch. Be warned, this one isn't for the faint of heart, but for those who love a good kick, it's pure heaven.

Now, here's where things got a little disappointing. When it came time to box up our leftovers, it felt like we received less than half of what we actually had on our plates. We paid in full for the entire meal, so it was a bit of a bummer to see a significant portion seemingly disappear.

I sincerely hope this was an isolated incident and they won't pull this on other patrons.

Overall, Fortune Hongkong Seafood Restaurant is a place for those who appreciate exceptional flavor and don't mind paying a premium. Just be mindful of your leftovers (if any)!

#FortuneHongkongSeafoodRestaurant