Cafe by the Ruins, Baguio

My mom claims that she is the oldest longest patronizing (what? please correct my grammar) customer of Cafe by the Ruins, and I do think there is a bit of truth in that. I remember eating at Cafe by the Ruins whenever we'd go up to Baguio. As a child, I did not understand the concept of rustic decor and thought it was a dirty place (probably because I associated the ambience with other dirty places?) but I've grown to love it more with each visit, and have come to look forward to it.

So here's what we had:

Mushrooms and chives stuffed wantons served with mango chutney

We actually ordered two of these :D

Shrimp and mango curry plate:
A thick rich coconut sauce with dried mango, turmeric, and ginger with white rice. 
Served with condiments of chutney, hard boiled egg, coconut pineapple-mango chutney, 
spicy sambal, and papadams

Tortang talong at kesong puti:
Omelet of grilled eggplant and carabao cottage cheese

Zucchini patties:
Grated zucchini, grated parmesan and carabao cheese, egg and flour. Served with a dab of fresh tomato sauce

Baguio bagnet and padas bagoong:
Fried pork cubes with padas (small fish bagoong), and dayap juice, with a siding of chopped tomatoes and shallots

Strawberries and cream

Strawberry shortcake: A scone topped with cream and strawberry sauce

Everything was absolutely tasty. I had the bagnet, and I ate it all up, including ALL THE RICE! Food-wise, you can't go wrong with Cafe by the Ruins. I think it's because all ingredients are fresh and carefully sourced. Last year, there was a mini organic market at the Cafe, and Chloe went absolutely berserk with glee. This year, the Cafe was "celebrating strawberries", thus the many strawberry items available on the menu. They usually don't offer such wonderful strawberry treats-- only when strawberries are in season!

My only (tiny) complaint is that the service isn't too great. They didn't give us our takeout! And they weren't too friendly. Maybe they were unhappy at the prospect of working so close to the New Year (but we went on the 30th, which isn't a holiday anyway) ? They were all unsmiling and very un-cheerful! Food:10/10. Service? 6/10! Haha!

P.S. Happy new year, everyone!!! :D

P.P.S. From Rent: There's only us, there's only this. Forget regret, or life is yours to miss!