Jaime’s Family Feast: A Baguio Heirloom in Family Dining

Anyone who passes by M.H. Del Pilar Street just behind the Children’s Park in Burnham would surely notice a crisp white cottage-like façade that is made contemporary through its bright red lining. Things become even more interesting upon noticing the 50’s-inspired sign that simply reads, “Jaime’s : Ribs, Shrimp, Fried Chicken.”

Seeing this at first glance will make you feel like Alice in Wonderland peering into a looking glass whispering, “Curiouser and curiouser.” The next thing you know you’re opening the doors, welcoming yourself in, and then, after taking a good long look at everything inside, you thank yourself for satisfying your own curiosity. From the festive wooden table filled with heartening pastries, the shelf filled with fresh roasted coffee, and spacious dining tables you would find in country homes, you know for sure you have found a gem in the midst of Baguio City’s own version of Central Park.

Jaime’s Family Feast is more than just another new place to eat in the city. It is reminiscent of what Baguio used to be and feel like (not to mention, tastes like). The restaurant is named after Dr. Jaime Rivera who put up Cholo’s in the 70’s. Back in the day, they served the best barbecue in the very same spot where Jaime’s is today. Cholo’s pioneered the art of entertaining guests through enjoying good food prepared in makeshift restaurants built from container vans (the older version of today’s food trucks). Such an heirloom of celebrating life and family through food and a sense of community is more than alive today thanks to the second generation of the Rivera family, Sir Caloy and his wife Agnes – the lovely couple behind Jaime’s Family Feast.

Jaime’s Family Feast Menu: The Best of Good ‘Ole Baguio Comfort Food

While talking about Jaime’s, Ms. Agnes said something that pretty much sums up the whole idea of what the place is all about. When they were thinking of putting up a restaurant, they specifically thought of all three generations in a family – the lolos and lolas, the parents and the kids. She said, “Ayaw naming mahirapan si lola.” (We wouldn’t want grandma to have a hard time.)

True enough, Jaime’s defines “Family Friendly” in all aspects – the parking space,  dining area and the prices of their menu items. When it comes to the eating, Ms. Agnes added, “Sa bahay ni lola, wala kang iniisip na budget. Hindi ka din magluluto.” (In our grandparents’ house, you won’t think of how much meals cost. You won’t even have to cook.) You just eat your heart out with hefty portions, prepared with the best all-natural ingredients.  So, without further ado, here are Jaime’s Family Feast must-tries!

Spring Greek Salad (Php 220, Good for 2 to 4)

Salads are best enjoyed as meal starters and Jaime’s Spring Greek Salad is simply refreshing at any time of the day. The combination of Baguio’s freshest romaine lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes and julienned apples stays crisp and light throughout mealtime. One unforgettable thing about this salad is the crunch and sweetness you get from the candied walnuts that is perfectly contrasted with a touch of saltiness from some crumbled feta cheese and their homemade balsamic vinegar. (For some added trivia, this salad is one of Ms. Agnes’ personal favorites.)

Eye of the Rib Eye Steak (Php 388)

Good steaks are hard to come by, in all honesty. But in Jaime’s, steaks are simply their thing. They are always served hot and are consistently tender, succulent, and perfectly seasoned. When eaten with the velvety smooth mashed potatoes with homemade gravy and that oh-so-creamy bacon coleslaw, getting a mini heart attack might be possible. You can even end up sighing or slightly crying in such comforting bliss. It’s like a five-minute hug by a big fluffy bear or something. Believe me. You will surely want to eat another plateful. It’s that good. Plus, taking off the layer of fat and leaving just the “eye” of the steak is, as Ms. Agnes says, value for money.

U.S. Pork Steak (Dynamic Duo 200 grms for Php 148, Family Feast 400 grms for Php 298)

If you love pork more than anything else and want something a bit more than the regular pork chop, then the Pork Steak is definitely for you. Once served, you’ll enjoy how moist and tender each bite is. Plus, you get the rich and smoky flavor from the grill. Each serving comes with the choice of rice or mash and Jaime’s classic bacon coleslaw.

Ribs Three Ways: Jaime’s BBQ Ribs, Jaime’s BBQ V2, Reaper’s Hot BBQ Ribs

Say this with me (like you mean it): “It comes off the bone. It melts in your mouth. It comes off the bone. It melts in your mouth.”  Now, keep repeating these words until it becomes your mantra. Why? Well, why not? That’s what you’ll end up doing (and saying) anyway once you get your hands on these baby back ribs. You will literally NOT need ANY cutlery with this one. There is no other way to enjoy these ribs than to just get your hands on ‘em, messy and all, but who cares? Top that with the once again beloved bacon coleslaw, fries and rice.

Jaime’s ribs come in three varieties. You have Jaime’s BBQ Ribs with the tangy, smokey and sweet barbecue sauce; Jaime’s BBQ V2 elevated with some garlic Ranch dressing and crispy bacon; and finally, Reaper’s Hot BBQ Ribs made fierce with some peppery hot sauce.

Prices: 

Jaime’s BBQ Ribs (Dynamic Duo or Half Slab for Php 198/ Family Feast or Whole Slab for Php 398)

Jaime’s BBQ V2 (Dynamic Duo or Half Slab for Php 248 / Family Feast or Whole Slab for Php 488)

Reaper’s Hot BBQ Ribs (Dynamic Duo or Half Slab for Php 198 / Family Feast or Whole Slab for Php 398

Spicy Tuna Salad (Php 195, for 7 pieces)

If you’re someone who isn’t into tuna or Japanese salads, this will surely change your mind. One bite of this heavenly mouthful will make you sit and wonder for a few minutes as to what it really was that you ate, you know? Why is it even creamy when you know for sure its fish? The secret lies in the diced tuna sashimi made flavorful with some Japanese mayo, tempura flakes and some Japanese seasoning. By the way, their tempura flakes are homemade. It is important to know that bit. Enjoying the Tuna Salad also includes that needed crunchy texture from nachos. (Yes, you can smile now!)

Jaime’s Shrimp Specialties Another thing Jaime’s specializes in is shrimp. These specialties include Vans Shrimp Shack (Php 495 for 500 grms/ Php 265 for Php 265) and Shrimp and Cashew Alfredo (Php 295).

Jaime’s Vans Shrimp Shack comes together nicely and deliciously after being sautéed in some savory and slightly spicy gambas style sauce which is balanced with freshly squeezed lemon juice. You actually get schooled on Creole cuisine with every bite. This dish is ideal for a group of friends when you need to do some much-needed catching up or to simply keep the conversation going.

The Shrimp and Cashew Alfredo, on the other hand, leans more to the classy side of Jaime’s. The zesty and savory shrimp with some creamy Alfredo sauce actually works really well. Again, contrasting flavors win here and if you’re not a fan of Carbonara or creamy sauces, this would be something worth a try. (Saying this makes me remember Dr. Seuss’s “Green Eggs and Ham.” Perhaps, after trying it, it will be your new favorite)

Speaking of pasta, another genius twist to the famed Beef Bolognese is Jaime’s very own Slow Roasted Beef Bolognese (Php 280). Now, instead of meatballs or ground beef, Jaime’s chose to use chunks of slow roasted beef steak in marinara sauce. Now, this reminds me of Beef Ragu – a classic in any Italian home. Jamie Oliver and Anthony Bourdain speaks so highly of such a rich and flavorful dish. It’s good to know you can get cultured as to food with Jaime’s take on Beef Bolognese.

Butter Milk Fried Chicken (Php 180 for 3 pcs, Php 290 for 5 pcs, P420 for 7 pcs)

You cannot speak of comfort food and not mention fried chicken, right? Jaime’s Butter Milk Fried Chicken is a family favorite. What is amazing is that every bite of the chicken bursts with so much flavor even without the gravy. Once you dig in, you get a light crisp which then turns into a juicy mouthwatering bite. It is the heaven of fried food.

Something fried that the kids would also love are the Spam and Cheddar Fries (Php 138). The golden-brown phenomenon is always the go-to option for a fried-food junkie (yes, even the adult kids).

Of course, lest we forget, the value of a cheese burger in any comfort food category. Jaime’s Cailan Cheeseburger (Php 128) is all-American. It’s exquisite taste combines the smokiness of the grilled patty (50% ground beef, 50% ground bacon – yes, you got that right, BACON!); creamy, salty and faintly sweet American cheese; and the freshness of tomato, onion and lettuce.

Finally, Jaime’s has a number of options for beverages like the ball-park favorite Jaime’s (Rootbeer) Float, the refreshing Cranberry Spritzer that is sweetened just right, and of course, Tribu – Jaime’s fresh air roasted premium coffee. It is the coffee that is the perfect meal-ender (if you ask me) that is best enjoyed with a pastry of your choice. Each cup of this elixir is roasted on demand using a small batch air roster ensuring a consistent cup as to quality and taste. Now, Jaime’s premium coffee has quite a story to tell from bean to mug. So watch out for Pilipinas Popcorn’s feature on Tribu.

Surely, with such rich tasting dishes, you will have to keep going back to Jaime’s Family Feast perhaps every week to try everything on their menu. To this we say, why not? So, bring the brood, bring the gang and visit Jaime’s Family Feast at #30 Kisad Road corner MH Del Pilar Street, Barangay Burnham-Legarda, Baguio City.