Cafe Orilla at Camp Riverside

This is another one of those unplanned plans that is surprisingly good experience. Earlier today we had a power outage so what better way to spend the day than to go outside.

The plan was to check an apartment and then meet an insurance agent as my partner is now interested in applying for an insurance. You can read more about that report here and some photos too. We really like the apartment unit. The environment is what we really wanted for it is quiet and there were lots of trees all around but transportation is a concern. We have until next month to decide. Our neighbors are becoming a nuisance where we stay now so we wanted a quieter place.

We passed by this cafe on our way to the apartment that we checked. We have been passing by this cafe on our walks before for this is one of the routes that we have been to. The last time we passed by this area, there is a road connecting from our place to this area. I'm not sure if that road is finished as we haven't revisited. If we had no plans next, we would have hiked that road.

Since it is nearing lunchtime anyway, we then checked Cafe Orilla and decided to eat there before heading back to the city center.

I didn't know that there is a cafe here. I am aware that there is Camp Riverside where it offers accommodation. We even planned checking in one of their units before, have a staycation one weekend. I thought these were the only units they have but there were also other units and huts available at the back of the property but we are here for the cafe.

The rooms for accommodation and the cafe reminds me of the tiny houses community. I was a bit hesitant as we approached the cafe thinking it is already full. I can see that the gazebo beside the main cafe is full. No staff approached us right away. I can see through the window inside the cafe that someone is sitting there. I can't see any other possible tables but I was wrong.

As we got closer, one of the staff assisted us and lead us to the back of the main cafe. I was surprised there was a dining area there. There were three tables and one is occupied.

We were seated and then given the menu with one of those things that has button which you press when you needed to call the attention of the staff. Once we have decided what to eat, we pressed a button and you can hear somewhere a ring and then a staff came out and took our orders.

While waiting, I took some photos. That's when I noticed another table below the gazebo. One has to go down a few steps to get there. Then I noticed a pathway that goes to the back of the property alongside the river and it goes up to the other huts and cabins.

If you notice the license plates above, those dates back as far as the 60s. That's the oldest that I noticed. Some are from our city and some from other countries.

We ordered chicken satay (bbq) which costs Php165.00 (about USD3.00). It has three sticks of skewered chicken breasts with peanut sauce, a cup of white rice and some sliced veggies. The chicken was delicious and flavorful. I have never had chicken as tasty as this. The creamy peanut sauce takes your taste to another level. The meat is tender too. Every bite is pleasurable.

I haven't had apple pie in a long time. There is only one cafe that I frequent before that I love their apple pie and I haven't been back there since pandemic. Cafe Orilla's apple pie has a vanilla ice cream on top with caramel sauce to top it off. The sweetness is just right. Everything about is just perfect for my taste that I ordered a second one.

A slice of this heaven costs Php110.00 (about USD2.00). It was all worth it. If their apple pie is this good, I wonder what their cakes taste like. That is something to try next time.

For drinks, I had pineapple juice and my partner had root beer. Usually, it would be the other way around but there are times like this.

It was a perfect meal and we are glad that we did try it. The sound of the river adds more to the senses making the dining experience enjoyable.

There was an avocado tree full of fruits which I was delighted by. I'm sure those will be served once they are ripe.

Aside from the license plates that I mentioned above, there were also wooden carvings placed around the cafe but what got my attention were the recycled lpg tanks. They were cut and/or painted and displayed around the property some even painted as minions.

There was also a vine growing on the arch at the gate which has flowers of an interesting color. It is my first time seeing such vine.

We went there not expecting much but came out fulfilled and wanting for more.

The cafe is of distance from the city center, about more or less 20 minutes travel. But for good food, we travel anywhere and everywhere just to eat the best.

I'm not sure if they accept cards or other method of payment other than cash for I forgot to ask.

They do have wifi so your stay there will surely be worthwhile. You can check their facebook page too.

Come and visit Cafe Orilla.