A new day in Baguio City found us hunting for our morning chow. We were looking for something we haven’t tried before and our feet (or taxi) led us to Leonard Wood Road and into PNKY’s driveway.

This is actually the second time we’ve visited PNKY (pronounced Pinky, but taxi drivers it seems are not familiar with   either PNKY or Pinky, so just tell them its in front of the Haunted Laperal White House in Leonard Wood Road) since they were closed on our previous visit. We got lucky this time; we caught them open at last.

This café is a traveler’s haven; everything inside speaks about movement. The tissue holders are shaped like lomo cameras, the counter is wrapped with a wall of travel lomographs, retro suitcases act as sidetables, a bulletin board of postcards is tacked on one wall, and then there’s their menu which is so so wonderful I’m dedicating my next post entirely about it.

After ogling and photographing all four corners of the café, we finally settled down on the outside benches and ordered our breakfast. I asked for their Filipino Breakfast (fresh fruit in season, rice, egg, coffee and Baguio longanisa - Php145.00) while L had the American Breakfast (fresh fruit in season, wheat bread, butter and jam, egg, coffee and ham - Php175.00).  We also ordered their Belgian Frites (Php85.00) for appetizers.

The outdoor dining area was comfortable, especially with Baguio’s chilly weather; parasols, wooden furniture, graveled floors all under the cool shades of huge trees. I can imagine sipping hot choco at night under this setting; it must be so nice to do an overnighter here.

We were too busy taking photos of their artful menu when our food arrived. Both meals were lacking fruits, which was indicated on the menu, but we really didn’t mind.

I liked the Filipino Breakfast. The longanisa were a mix of garlic and sweet ones over salad and mountain rice, I would have preferred if the sausages were all garlic but I forgot to ask the waitress if it was possible to have it that way. The egg was runny which was just right for my taste. On first glance, I thought the serving size looked measly but it was surprisingly filling.

The American Breakfast was okay too. It had double eggs, which was not indicated in the menu and which we specifically asked to be scrambled but were not. I’m not really into continental types of breakfast so I didn’t dig it that much.

The complimentary coffee that came with both meals was so-so, but the sugar and creamer jars made up for its ordinariness.

The Belgian Frites which was supposed to be our appetizers was late in coming. This is easily one of the best potato wedges I’ve ever tasted. It’s like a subtle version of KFC’s french fries (which I love dearly) with mayo and ketchup dip; very very tasty and very very filling.

One thing the café can definitely improve upon is their service. The staff were too aloof and unwelcoming, their minds seemed elsewhere.

Despite this, I can definitely say that PNKY Travel Café is one of the best places we ate out in Baguio. The ambience was very laid back, the outdoor setting soothing, the café’s theme interesting (especially for those into traveling and photography), food’s priced just right, and most importantly, the dishes are superb.

 

 

PNKY Travel Café
Address: 18 Leonard Wood Road, Baguio City
Contact Number: (074) 444-5418
Open Hours: The restaurant unfortunately has permanently closed since June 2014