REVIEW: Rancho in Ketchup Food Community and Cafe by The Ruins, Baguio City

I visited Baguio City last January 23, 2016. Baguio is not only known for their flowers, strawberries and cold climate but with their food as well. So,this year we took the chance to explore and checked out two of their known restaurants. 

We visited Ketchup Community. There are varieties of restaurants to choose from. It was lunch time and the only restaurant that is not too occupied was Rancho. They serve Filipino food. Nothing special. But that is what i love simple food. It doesn't have to be complicated. As long as it is good, it is a real food.

Photo by: Diana Arcas

We ordered Sinigang (Pork Tamarind Soup), Sisig and Pakbet (stir-fry mixed vegetables). 


VERDICT: I have eaten in Gerry's Grill and other famous restaurants. They say they offer delicious Filipino food. But this restaurant,it is just the real deal. Cheap, delicious, fresh. Again, nothing really special about their menu. But the food they serve are just on point.DELICIOUS.



I will definitely come back here!



-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

photo by: Diana Arcas

 We arrived at the restaurant around 7'o clock. You can see the long line outside. We were told they no longer accept guests that night and we should come back by tomorrow. Likewise, reservations are not accepted during weekends (it was Saturday). 

This made us so disappointed but excited so we came back the next day.

photos by: Diana Arcas

It was 4pm that day. We were told it is the best time to visit. When you enter their restaurant, you can see their freshly baked bread displayed in their bakery

photo by: Diana Arcas

The ambiance is really beautiful. Very quite and relaxing. 

photo by: Diana Arcas

That day I am craving for pasta. So, I picked a creamy pasta dish. They claim they make their own bacon (haven't tasted fresh bacon) so I chose Carbonara and their classic Espresso Coffee. I love croissants so i picked one for myself too.

photo by: Diana Arcas

 I ate the croissant right way HAHA. It was really good. Just like how it should be. Flaky, buttery and warm. PERFECTION!it was served with strawberry jam and butter. But with a croissant,for me, it is good on its own. 

When my order arrived I can't wait to taste the dish. They were very generous with the bacon (which is AWESOME....who doesn't love bacon?!) My assumption,just how it looks, this will be superb.But it will always go down with the TASTE.

VERDICT: it was good. but not how i expected it. I had high expectations with their food. The long lines last night gave us an impression of perfection about it. The carbonara was bland. and there was a thin slice of FRESH garlic which is so unappetizing it just over powered the dish. The bacon was good but i am looking for some more flavor and smokiness. To think it is 245pHp ($5) it is just not worth it. I am not a fan of coffee. I don't know if it is just how it should be ( i mean that strong-roast coffee taste ) but I just didn't like it. Very strong to my liking. 

photo by: Diana Arcas

It was Diane's order, my boyfriend's cousin. She picked Crepé in lemon curd. I don't know where did the lemon curd go but I did not taste it all. The mango sauce was good though but there were no lemon curd in her crepe. 




My experience in this restaurant is not bad after all. The people and ambiance is really nice. However, the food will always be the highlight of every restaurant. Perhaps, I should try other dish next time. 




Have you eaten in these restaurants before? How was it? Share me your experience :)