#arca's yard

[the-loiterers]

[onpagetwentyone]

22 NOVEMBER 2019 // ARCA'S YARD, BAGUIO CITY

[deirdreamer]

ARCA'S YARD (Pt. 2)

Ambuklao Road, Baguio City

So for the first part I've covered why I like this place so much in terms of the ambience. Part of the charm of Arca's Yard is it's a bit far from the city buzz, but is the commute worth it? Why would I drive up 20 minutes away from town just for a meal?

When I visited last December, I intended to stay there for at least half a day to judge it for myself.  I went there to have brunch with my friends, so when we were handed the menu, I was surprised to see that only beverages and desserts were listed down. The rice meal offerings were dictated to us by Ate Marissa, who I assume is the caretaker. They offered longganisa, sausages, and chicken / pork adobo. At the time I thought it was because these changed daily, but after a few more visits, the rice meals remained consistent.

The rice meals were served with a small salad, which was dressed with sweet vinaigrette that we particularly enjoyed. After the full meals, we ordered a slice of Docto Pie, which I believe is their specialty camote dessert. It was interesting, and definitely different from the usual blueberry cheesecakes and red velvet cupcakes offered in town.

After our meals, we went back to the attic, which was kind of a mini-library for the visitors. Although it wasn't as bright and breezy as the first floor, we still found it comfortable  while enjoying a nice classic game of sungka.

Overall, visits to Arca's Yard are worth the commute for me. The quality of the food may be the same with the ones served in nearer, more popular restaurants and there are also other cafes that have mini-libraries for their customers, but I would still go because of the fresh environment that surrounds the house. It would indeed be a change to enjoy a cup of coffee and a nice meal outside without having to inhale cigarette smoke or engine exhaust. Plus, the unadulterated view of the mountain scene was a lovely bonus :)

[deirdreamer]

ARCA'S YARD (Pt. 1)

Ambuklao Road, Baguio City

I'm continuing this review series with one of my favorite places at home, Arca's Yard. You may have read about it recently because it's been featured in a couple of articles listing down less popular places to go to in Baguio. Now some people wouldn't even bother visiting those kinds of places, but given the volume of people that my hometown had to accommodate over the Christmas break, a small joint known by less would actually be more enjoyable than, let's say, Cafe by the Ruins (where tourists line up for breakfast and lunch! (I have experienced this first-hand during my last three visits and I'm still thinking about whether I'll be writing about it or not))

On a regular non-tourist-filled Baguio day, it takes around 10-15 minutes to get to Tip-top (which is what I tell the taxi driver whenever I go) so it's not as far away from town as you may think. Arca's Yard looks like a regular house from the outside (but actually, it really is just a regular house?) and it's quite easy to miss. I suggest you look for house #777 because it's basically the same banana. Once you get there, ring the doorbell and wait for the housekeeper to let you in because like I said, it's actually a house (and also because, you know, manners). PRO TIPS: Don't get impatient while waiting to be let in. Do enjoy the genuine clean Baguio air. Do savor the unobstructed view of mountains without houses and buildings.

Now, there are very few tables inside. There are only four areas for groups, and maybe two tables for pairs, but that doesn't mean that it's not spacious. It's intimate, yes, but that's not a euphemism for cramped. Case in point, I go here to chill and to remind myself of what I love about Baguio AND NOT to just get a good meal then transfer to the next place I can think of. All the pillows and mats will definitely make you stay for at least another hour after you eat.

Based on what I learned from the caretaker, who I happened to befriend, the owner of Arca's Yard also has a wood carving business. This explains the fitting interior design, and the authentic feel of the cafe which also happens to be a bed and breakfast. However, at the end of the day, Arca's Yard still feels like a home. Before you conclude your visit, Ate Marissa will even ask you to sign the guestbook! The hospitality of the entire house, from the structure itself and from the people in it, will leave you feeling like you actually visited a close friend's Baguio vacation house than a cafe on the city border.