My trip the public market in Vigan to buy bagnet inspired me in 2010 to promote the traditionally prepared Kinuday (also called ki-ing, kini-ing) of the Ibalois. 

My dad used to make these at our backyard. Kinuday is a way of meat preservation among the Ibalois in the olden times. Meat is hung on the ceiling of the dirty kitchen or just above where they cook food and it is preserved by the smoke produced from the firewood.

The first time I tasted Kinuday, I loved it! It is similar to smoked bacon. You can can fry the Kinuday with chopsuey or add it to pinikpikan (another menu from the Cordilleras). 

As a way of preserving and promoting our Ibaloi tradition for food preservation, we made research in how Kinuday is done. We are now making our Kinuday from our backyard that we used to outsource from a municipality in Benguet. We devised a way of making Kinuday in such a way that it would not be exposed to flies or open air while it is being smoked... with that... we are re-introducing Ygolottes' Kinuday: http://ygolottes.weebly.com/kinuday.html--- you'll love it to the bones ;-)

When I saw a friend post pictures of a new cafe in La Trinidad, I got curious. So when I had the opportunity to meet with a cousin who came for a break from San Beda Law School, we went to check out Kai Cafe.

This cafe is located in Km. 4 just across the Shell station (I repeat Km. 4 and not Km 5). You will see a Japan Surplus shop at the groundfloor of the building and at the right side, there is an entrance to the second floor where you will find a spacious cafe. 

You can bring along your kids or you can just drop by to have some quiet time for yourself or just have coffee or tea with a friend. There's a corner where kids can play and there are books that you browse while waiting for your food to be served.

My favorite in kai Cafe is the GREEN TEA Ice cream! And you can't find it anywhere in Baguio or in other places in La Trinidad. This is a must try when you come to La Trinidad to visit the strawberry fields... drop by Kai Cafe.


Check out the menu... meals are affordable and I'm sure you will find one that will always lead you back to Kai Cafe ;-)

Friends who plan trips to Baguio often ask me where to find good food, what hotels or transient homes are affordable, where to shop for ukay... etc.

I had the chance to visit the Tradisyon Restaurant at the Azalea Residences Baguio. It was around 9 degrees when we arrived at Azalea. Even though it was cold, we were met with warm smiles from the hotel's staff... and I felt a more warm welcome as were entered the restaurant... the ambiance was homely... there were families dining... and I was embraced by the warm air that triggered my excitement to head to the buffet.

The green salad, pizza and pasta all-you-can is a must try at Tradisyon! I love pasta and the best part was that you can create your own pasta sauce. There are a number of herbs, spices, and other ingredients ready for cooking. You just have to tell the chef what you like (other than tomato or white sauce) to go with your pasta. It takes a bout 5 minutes for the sauce to be prepared... and while waiting you can eat pizza or salad.

Unlike other restaurants where you order food that takes them 10 to 20 mins to prepare, I was really happy with the serving time of my pasta --- 

Pizza and Pasta all-you-can is every Thursday and Saturday from 6 PM to 10 PM. With Php 350.00 you get to fill your tummy and enjoy the food while spending some quality time with family and friends.