French Food Heaven in Baguio

I was not honestly prepared for the experience... it was like stepping into another era, another country, another destination, another place.

The first thing I felt was happiness, like a child- it was like having my own tea ceremony with a friend, it felt like being transported to a very nice place. 

The color and pattern they used in the area was light and cheerful.

The next thing I felt was pleasure from the first bite....a fusion of salty and sweet! Le Fume and Citron Tart.

 How can one tart look and taste so good? You can feel the consistency, the creaminess... the balance...

I have never tasted something like this..It is even better than the cakes I have tasted in Thailand.

The third emotion was anger... after the first bite on my  sandwich.. I felt anger surge inside me... because I finally  know what I have been missing for the last 26 years of my life....

What have I been eating, what kind of bread am I buying every day?

Comparison with other restaurants in Baguio City:

In Baguio even in some of the most expensive restaurants that charge clients 300 and above per plate I have  discovered that they have very little to offer,  you can actually imitate what is on the menu and have better food at home.

 Not because chefs here don't know how to cook- not because we don't have the ingredients... I am guessing it's probably because profit is the No. 1 motivation for some, even if chefs want to make better food, most of the franchised restaurants have forgotten to focus on the quality.

What most of them are after, is getting the profits back, never mind if the food that they are serving is memorable or not.

 I have tried  a lot of  expensive restaurants that charge you 300 per plate  here in Baguio but none of them came close to this.... 

It felt as though the food has a  mind of its own, it enters your soul and you are able to sense the idea of the one who  made it.

To me, that is just pure magic, only some chefs are able to share that kind of emotion... only the best... I have read about cooks in far away areas that are able to transfer their feelings into the food they create...such bliss...

The next  feeling was just Inspiration...I felt enthusiastic, lively, chatty. I felt really, really vibrant... its as if the food goes into your stomach, then fills your entire body with music...

About the Artist:

And then he came out.. The French Chef named Eric Chevalier. Chef Eric is french and his specialty is french pastry, he is married to Cyra a Filipina from Bicol.

*After reading the post of Calypso Alaia, we just had to visit the French Restaurant. The pastries are really heavenly. The french chef makes their own bread, croissants, cakes, eat everything from the best ingredients. Also the ambience brings back memories of the cafes and restaurants in Paris on the Tocadero Area, near the Eiffel Tower which we visited- Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda

He spoke with such anger and passion about the state of things in the city, how every food he has ever created was crafted with detail... you can see he is in love... in love with all of the cakes he was making and could not bear the idea that they will just be thrown away the next day if they are not sold...

You can see the lover's passion... the willpower he had... for every cake and pastry that he makes...

We had a chit chat with him, and together with my friend, we felt how passionate he is. He told us a story about two women telling him that they will go back because the cakes are heavenly, and he just told us, people don’t really need to talk about coming back—they just have to focus on eating the cake.

We also saw the disheartened look on his face... every cake takes several hours to make, he makes use of the finest ingredients, he could easily display cakes  that have been made there for more than a week, but he does not do that.

What is the best thing about this restaurant?

He bakes fresh cakes every day and will not allow old products to get sold--this of course will translate to lower profits or none at all- but he continues with the vision of honest business.

Together with his Filipina wife Cyra, they are making magic in Baguio.

Why do we need to support this restaurant?


We need people like him, we need his example, his words, his works, his life to energize chefs and bakers around this side of the world.

I admire this guy's integrity, he doesn't make cakes  for profit alone, he makes them because he loves doing it.

He wants clients to concentrate on the cake, to feel it, to merge with it. 

We felt the love in the food, the joy in the food, the emotions in the food..it was so strong... we felt the need to share it...

He also likes to train his staff well, expects them to be disciplined and provide them good wages according to the waitress we interviewed. 

Every cake is 100% made from fresh cocoa, dairy and butter--and you can feel na every item in that cake shop is made with dedication.

. It was truly delightful...we met a brilliant food artist--ang swerte ng Baguio to have someone like him and since ayaw ko mawala itong chance na ito sa atin..please go out there and try this experience--- 

I am 500% sure hindi kayo mag sisisi, money well spent. Feeling mo yung sweldo mo di nasayang...

 

Here is a French baker in Baguio, who cooks his own recipes, who serves fresh cakes and pastries every day, who offers meals that are cheaper, but 10x better than the expensive food sold in other restaurants, who  provides fair wages...

Here is a restaurant challenging the way we eat, the way we see our food, the way we live..take the time to try and share this experience, don't deprive yourself of the chance to feel thankful about something...

Take the time to learn in every bite... 

So we are taking this time, to share this with you...

It is not his loss, but the loss of Baguio if we are not able to keep them here. So, with everything that I got together with Ivy Buenaobra we will try to promote the place for as long as we can. Join us and feel the experience...

They are planning to move in Manila if things don't go well for them here... Baguio.. give yourself a chance to discover this blissful moment...

 Remember that we need them, We have much to learn about how to conduct an honest business, how to create breads with love- how to put back the integrity in our food--after all " We are what we eat".

 

( Fr. Ingrid Payaket)

Its a Sundate with my bestie Xylona Marla Lee. After mass we wanted to try something new in town and went to this place along Marcos Highway which was recommended by her cousin. And my gosh! Felt like we were in Paris for a day because of their authentic FRENCH cuisine (they specialize on pastries). Met the soft spoken chef Eric! Even a friend who is a really good baker herself has all praises for his cakes. Di ba ate Emerald Ventura he he..

Le Prestige cake is one of their best sellers. I was hesitant at first because all the sugar might scratch my throat but after the first bite it was surprisingly soft moist and not overly sweet! What a delightful treat! Plus the slice was actually big enough for two.

With French songs playing on the background and surely a delightful ambiance away from all the noise in town, it was an exquisite escape. A lovely Sunday at Paris, in Baguio -

Visit https://www.facebook.com/lamifrenchy

New schedule!!! Now its open at 10 am to 10 pm!! Enjoy!

Location: They are located near Baguio General hospital, near Botikang Pinoy ( Marcos Hi-way Baguio City) 

How Session Road Can be like the streets of Paris

The suggestion to ban cars in Session road and turn the main streets into pedestrian malls is not a new concept. In fact, I have already heard this suggestion in 2012.

We were still busy discussing the future of the 182 trees that are being threatened by SM City Baguio making the topic out of place during that time.

Now, the idea is being revived in social networks like Facebook. I have seen photos posted by Art Tibaldo, a well known-photographer and artist in Baguio and have read several arguments that were given by concerned individuals like Joseph Alabanza with regards to the urban planning.

Am I in agreement with banning cars in Session Road?

Of course, 100%, this is something that has been long advocated by artists in Baguio like Kabunyan De Guia. A people-friendly Session road where people can stroll without worrying about the smog and the traffic.

In an ideal setting, yes this would have been a really good suggestion.  There are too many taxi cabs and private cars and people don't feel safe in Session Road anymore.

In fact, in the recent years due to the decline of quality of the stores and the presentation of the businesses in Session Road, they were beaten by their toughest competitor SM City Baguio.

People started forgetting the names of the restaurants in Session road, even the historic educational book store CID has lost most of their customers because of this.

A lot of original stalls and shops in Session road are suffering and only big franchises like McDonalds and Jollibee are able to sustain their business.

Let us face it, Session road looks dirty, the canals near Porta Vaga stink-- and people don't even have a nice and clean not to mention free comfort room where they can go.

There is hardly any thriving plants or flowers in the area and most of areas where people are crossing are closed --for some reason...

Only a few residents in Baguio, know the best restaurants that are not owned by franchise owners...many people forgot Luisa's Cafe--perhaps because the design did not change over the years, or the quality of service was not upgraded...they still have the best coffee and siopao in town...but people rarely notice them anymore. if it were not for the media man in the City...where will Luisa's Cafe be?

Let us face it, Session Road...the focal point of the city...the identity of the city of Baguio has deteriorated and this suggestion to turn the area into something like the streets of Paris, could be one of the best ideas so far--if it will be done correctly.

Thoughts on the Opposing side:

Of course, it would be normal that the business owners won't like the idea- they feel they will be threatened and their business will be closed because of this.

Stores like CID has suffered over the years during Panagbenga festivals, a lot of stalls coming from outside areas are the ones generating income, but our original business men are suffering.

I will not condemn them for opposing. it is only but natural to feel threatened especially if your family and income is on the line.

However,  I feel that there are certain measure that we can do, in order to make sure that people on both sides will benefit.

I feel that if properly presented, the businessmen will understand that by improving Session road- they will actually gain more profits...its not the cars but the lack of creativity and cleanliness that discourages people to enter the stalls in Session Road.

The restaurants and shops in Session Road have much to learn about new types of businesses that are thriving. Nowadays, people do not merely want to purchase items in a store, they can easily do that anywhere.

A business in order to have staying power in the community, has to participate. The owners of CID bookshop have much to learn about how Mt. Cloud Bookshop at Casa Vallejo is doing business.

They are offering poetry contests, and they are accommodating interesting talks and book launching- people are talking about the activities in Mt. Cloud and they are thriving in Social media.

I for one, love the atmosphere of Mt. Cloud, if CID wants to have a share of this--they need to evolve. They should be able to offer something new to customers, something that would make them want to explore the bookstore and stay there for a number of hours.

You have to give something to the community, you have to be felt- business with a heart is what we are looking for this days and businesses with creativity.

A lot of restaurants like Mandarin and Star Cafe can learn something from the way the De Guia family is running their business. Oh my Gulay despite  being on the top floor of La, Azotea building continues to make waves even on an international level--because they are offering more than just food, people are willing to pay a higher price to see something new- a spark of idea- people want to be inspired.

We are living in a highly technological world, where people will mostly look at their iPhones instead of their surroundings, people are most likely to stay home and achieve everything they need---and if stores, shops and restaurants are not offering something worth visiting--they are soon going to die- they are going to be replaced whether Session road is closed or not.

Business owners in the area have to innovate, have to offer something. Even Jollibee and Mcdo are always thinking of gimmicks, this is the reason why most franchises survive--they take time to research and they upgrade and change their looks to suit customers--notice the new interior of McDonalds? or the ever changing menu of Jollibee?

The Session road stalls have much to learn about  this...including the Panagbenga organizers have to understand this...People go to Baguio because of the trees, the ambiance and the creativity--if all you will put are shawarma stalls and generic products that can be purchased everywhere...I assure you that there will be a steady decline in the people who are going in the Panagbenga Festival.

People just don't like getting stuck in traffic for something so plain--something that any tiangge in the country can offer.

 Teresita Enciso. JOEL ARTHUR TIBALDO/CONTRIBUTOR

My suggestions:

Saturday and Sunday experiment:

We cannot do this by force, especially in an overpopulated Baguio but what we can do--is to set an experiment and see how it will look like.

In Paris and in Thailand, they just allow musicians to bring their instruments and people can choose to donate or not- there is freedom and people are not always looking for a way to get quick money out of it.

I remember several occasions where Baguio artists are freely giving their time, remember the performance artist  wearing blue to represent the Baguio Sweepers last Panagbenga?

People can choose to give donations or not--nothing should be forced--the goal is to reduce the gas emissions in Session road and to make it people friendly.

I like the idea of turning Session road into something like Paris, where you can just sit, have your coffee and feel the breeze.

However, we also have to accept that this suggestion can quickly be a nightmare if------ the dream Paris streets we have been hoping for...will only be turned into a Session road filled with Shawarma and cheap China Products.

Suggestions...suggestions..suggestions.

I have been interacting with the community of Baguio for several years now, it has been my habit to observe projects. Most of the art exhibits and concerts in the city are attended by me, even seminars, protest rallies and any other event for that matter.

I am not promoting any political group, not promoting any activist groups either--I simply love Baguio and want to learn as much as I can about it...

Committee for Session Road must be handled by the right people:

If the committee for transforming the area will be handled by artists like Kidlat Tahimik and Vocas artists, if the suggestions of young and up and coming artists like Rey Gelo Aurelio and Rocky Cajigan will be considered then we might actually have a chance here.

Artists have a massive imagination, they will be able to create a suggestion on how the streets should be designed. I have seen the works of this artists and have traveled with them on several occasions and I will tell you--that they are truly larger than life and Baguio is so blessed to have them--if only Baguio will recognize it.

We need to get the ideas of people like Padmapani, the owner of Mt. Cloud Bookshop, the way she runs her business is something to be admired--creative and yet able to contribute a lot for the community of Baguio.

I suggest building a committee composed of artists, and environmentalists. The ideas of Art Tibaldo is already good and could be improved- I believe his collection of photos would be best enjoyed by the people walking in Session road.

This is my two cents, I think this can only be established if we will consult the right people. My worry, is that some business men will take advantage of the situation and will just turn Session into one big tiangge.

We have to do this the sophisticated way and if we want a sophisticated Baguio we have to consult the experts. I was discussing some ideas with Sir Rob Ocampo before, his idea was to have a day for artists--in Session Road...just like Paris where artists are allowed to paint on the streets, sing and just contribute their art.

To me this was very do-able, I like the suggestion...if only the councilors in Baguio will give it a chance-especially the Mayor and Congressman.

 A Day for Artists and Musicians;

We can try an experiment by allowing artists to have their day every Saturday and Sunday...we allow musicians, theater performers and street performers, let us allow them to roam the streets of Session road with no cars and see how they will inspire us.

I wish to see various bands and musicians all over Baguio, old and the new performing on the stage. I don't know-this might be a crazy dream for some, but if we talk about it long enough we can introduce it to the consciousness of our leaders.

Photographers should be allowed to showcase their wonderful collection of photos to inspire the city. Vocas Artists, Tam-Awan artists, Ben Cab--all of them can merge ideas to form this one great idea.

How about showcasing a day for the SLU Glee Club, or the UC Orchestra...they are really amazing--- it would really be good if schools will share them with the community--a place where people can present their vision. There are so many talented people from various regions in the country that came here to Baguio--I feel this is the right time to notice them.

Baguio has so many artists and musicians...we can redeem our identity.

If talented people like Rob Ocampo, Karlo Altomonte, Kawayan De Guia will be asked to draft an idea--this can turn out to be something.

The artists of every school need to be tapped about this, it has to be planned by the community and not just a few--never just a few businessmen.

I have seen the idea of UC with regards to  a new design, it was creative--I just hope they would use less cement. The cement part is what is not pleasant about this--we need breathing spaces. We can be creative, we can change our urban landscape without necessarily using cement all of the time.

If this will be handled by the same organizers of the Panagbenga--then the idea might be lost along the way. Artists should be the one to handle this together with a proper consultation with environmentalist and people who are experts on sustainable development.

2. Hire Engineers and Architects who understand Sustainable Development

The city needs to hire expert architects who can remodel session road, artists who are knowledgeable about making use of solar energy and alternative energy.

I am hoping the city will be sensible enough to hire experts who will provide ways to clean the air pollution especially in Session Road...

Who knows we might even get the help of Michael Bengwayan when it comes to putting up more plants in the area.

Perhaps, UP can fund a research and release suggestions on how we can reduce the pollution in Session road and various parts of the city. 

People who can incorporate fresh ideas-- this must not be handled by people who are just looking for a quick way to gain money--people who will just cement the entire Session road and leave it to rot.

The suggestions of students from U.P baguio, SLU, U.B, U.C as well as other schools have to be consulted.

I am one of those who are hoping for the best.

We can dream Baguio...one at a time.. we can do this, but we need to drop our differences and ego...having a Session road that feels like Paris would be wonderful...

As an added suggestion,..I would really love if the Cordilleran culture will be incorporated along the way...it is our identity after all, but we also need to  understand that the residents of Baguio is already a mixture of people--we have to be balanced.