A Chance to Experience Baguio's Hidden Backyards

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GREETINGS FROM THE CITY FROM UP ABOVE!..



Yesterday had the time to discover and roam around the city of pines and search for hidden treasures where people can have a great time. Basically searching a new place to hang out. I dragged along my special someone to head out the streets and start searching. After minutes of thinking where to go, we decided to try out Arca's Yard.

I've heard decent responses about the place and also good reviews from social media sites and from different travel blogs. If I may visualize the place for you guys, the set up is basically a residential building converted into a mini library, mini museum, mini restaurant, mini coffee shop. There is something about this place where they keep things at a least or simply discrete. But rest assured no matter how "mini" this place is they offer a huge satisfaction to appetite and a good value for money. The place is located along the road heading out to Beckel, Specifically at Tip-Top. A cab ride from the main business district area would take you about 15 minutes. You won't miss it for sure because you'll be guided by a large white teapot at the entrance. Upon entering the premises you'll be greeted by sculptures about waist-height and a wooden door, do not hesitate to enter i think it's usual not to be greeted by any of the staffs maybe sticking to the idea of "feel at home". This three floor building is field with native artifacts from Benguet and books of different genres, large table tops for gatherings, lounges to hang out and keep it loose, verandas that offers a great view of nature, an attic that's cozy enough to lie down and relax. Something fancy with this place is the have low tables making it cozy and throw some pillows and just lie down or do Indian sit. Accompanied by the soothing sounds of ethnic music and a bit of modern instrumentals played through their speakers you can easily lose track of time trying to savor every moment this place has to offer.





Enough with the fuzzy stuff and let's get into the details on satisfying our appetite. Arca's Yard offer a simple menu of freshly cooked organic gourmet food. Though a little bit out of the budget with its array of pricey meals, you'll surely get your money's worth after trying out what their cooks have to offer. There are bells around to call out to servers if in case you want to order by the way. So shyness is greatly discouraged here, just go on and ring that bell! Waiting time for the orders is still acceptable taking into consideration the prep time for each item. I would say around 15 mins for a rice meal served hot and smokey.

I always see to it that when visiting a new place I must atleast try a house special. In this case we started out with our drinks. Since it was a bit chilly we ended up ordering the Arca's Cloud Tea. Freshly brew tea with cream, lemon and honey. The way they presented the tea was very interesting having three layers of different hues in a clear glass. Judging by the look of the tea you would simply say it's just a normal milk tea served hot in a fancy glass. But have a sip and surely your taste buds will start wondering what flavor is this? where did i last had a taste of this flavor?

Still not fully decided on whether having a heavy meal or just a snack we went on and ordered another house special, the Camote Pie ala Mode. The way this was served was very fancy. It had a very appealing contrast with violet, white, browns and greens. A yam blended to make a pie filling covered with cookie crumble mixed with cinnamon and sugar, topped with vanilla ice cream and a peppermint leaf to seal the deal. Kill me now! my eyes were glued to that pie and my mouth started to fill up with saliva just eager to have a bite of that pie. After some photos taken we went on and had a taste test while still thinking what else we would like to order. After sometime nibbling on the cookie crumble and sneaking out spoonfuls of the pie, we settled to try out their fried chicken meal. Exaggerating the circumstances, the rice meal served to us was i think good for a days meal for a single person. Three chicken legs served with Baguio Greens drizzled with vinaigrette and a decent serving of a cup of rice, it surely is a filler. The chicken legs were cooked very well, crispy and juicy. Partnered with their homemade gravy it gives off a taste of somewhat nutty and aromatic. I can't really explain it or be certain on what it tastes like. The bill was i think 400+ php. I think it is reasonable taking into consideration you had a set meal from salad, a main course, a dessert, and drink. Not to mention the peaceful and relaxing ambiance the place has to offer. Value for money is certainly reasonable.



After a the meal my senses are still at lost trying to contemplate on the explosion of flavors I had experienced. Thinking these were just simple foods i can make on my own but why does it render complexity which one person can not be satisfied by just visiting and having a munch just once. I think it is the main reason why people visit this place so often, it is to have another thrilling yet calming experience Arca's Yard has to offer.

So the next time you visit Baguio visit Arca's Yard and you might as well have a great experience like we did. Ciao!

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