Over the years, HILL STATION has established itself as one of the top restaurants in Baguio (via Trip Advisor). Awarded as one of Asia’s Finest Restaurants by the Miele Guide in 2011-2013, Hill Station is celebrated for its eclectic array of Asian and Continental cuisine.
Owner Mitos Benitez-Yñiguez is no stranger to the restaurant business. She got her culinary know-how from her mother, the brains behind the famous Mario’s of Baguio. As a cook, Mitos has always been about good food. It isn’t just her extensive library of cookbooks that shaped the Hill Station menu but also the gastronomic techniques and experiences picked up from her trips around the world.
This 2016, Team OAP revisits this beloved local favorite to see how it’s been doing…
HILL STATION
Luneta Hill, Upper Session Rd., 2600 Baguio City, Philippines
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday: 7AM to 11PM
Telephone: +63 74 424-2734, 423-9100, 423-9558
Email: info@hillstationbaguio.com
Website: HillStationBaguio.com
Facebook: Hill Station
Related posts:
–HILL STATION: One of the BEST Restaurants in Baguio! (Revisited)
–HILL STATION & Mt. Cloud Bookshop, Baguio
–HILL STATION: Revisiting an Old Favorite of Baguio in 2016!
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–MELT: Affordable Steak Place in Camp John Hay by Chef Michael Ferrer
–CHAYA: Still the Best Japanese Restaurant in Baguio! (Revisited 2016)
–GOOD TASTE: Best Budget-friendly Restaurant in Baguio! (A Review)
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European travellers enjoyed the cooler climates of the Southeast Asian Colonies and built Hill Stations (or towns located at higher elevations) for recreational purposes. When the Americans came to the Philippines, they followed suit and established the only Hill Station in Baguio.
Just under the historical Casa Vallejo (a hotel opened by Salvador Vallejo in 1928), Hill Station pays homage to its place in history through its robust selection of Asian-European flavors.
Mitos used to have a small bistro business where she cooked for guests inside her home. As her reputation grew and word spread of her cooking, her family eventually stopped the business when it got too big.
The current owner of Casa Vallejo approached the family and leased her this space when he caught wind of her food, paving the way for the Hill Station we have come to know and love.
HILL STATION MENU: Tapas, Soup, Salads, Pastas, and Sandwiches | Stews, Curries, House Favorites, and Desserts | Full Dessert Menu | Monthly Specials | Cold & Hot Beverages | Alcoholic Drinks
The original ceiling in this space was so low that it would be dark by 2PM. Mitos removed the ceiling but kept the original beams, and widened the windows for a more enjoyable dining experience.
WHAT TO ORDER:
Bruschetta (P130). A medley of mushrooms, white wine, and olive oil on Melba toast.
We were happy with the generous amount of mixed mushrooms on toast.
Caesar Salad with Cold-Smoked Beef Carpaccio (P320). Romaine lettuce, home-smoked beef Carpaccio, pesto drizzle, and house Caesar dressing.
The Caesar Salad is an heirloom recipe from Mario’s. The Carpaccio was added when Mitos learned to smoke her own meats through a chef in Sagada.
This should be a staple in any full course.
Sautéed Shrimp with Asian Mango Salsa (P380). Sweet mangoes, Paella Legumbres, and summer vegetables.
The shrimp was slightly overcooked, but the sauce was tasty and went well with the rice. We liked the added touch of the summer salsa, but the flavors are quite potent, so it’s best to use a little to experience everything else on the plate.
Lamb Tagine (P460). Slow-roasted lamb with Bulgur, yogurt, and pita bread.
The team found the Lamb Tagine a bit too sweet–it distracted from the meaty flavors we wanted from the lamb. Other than that, the lamb was cooked nicely and it went great with the Bulgur.
Brownie Lenotre (P165). Made with candied citrus rinds and rum.
This brownie was developed as a substitute for your typical Christmas fruitcake. Inspired by a dead French Pastry Chef, the Brownie Lenotre is quite rich and a bit chewy. Best enjoyed with a cup of their Cordilleran Coffee!
If you’re looking for a chocolate fix, this may not be your first choice, as the dominant flavor is from the citrus rinds.
Overall, our experience at Hill Station was good, but we could tell that the restaurant has seen better days. The ambiance is different compared to its earlier years, and our orders took a while even if the restaurant was barely full. Perhaps we caught the establishment on a bad day?
In spite of this, there’s no doubt that Hill Station should still be one of your first stops in Baguio for its food born of history and travel experience.
Congratulations to Mitos (center) and her family for transforming Hill Station into more than a local favorite but a must-visit destination for foodies everywhere.
HILL STATION
Luneta Hill, Upper Session Rd., 2600 Baguio City, Philippines
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday: 7AM to 11PM
Telephone: +63 74 424-2734, 423-9100, 423-9558
Email: info@hillstationbaguio.com
Website: HillStationBaguio.com
Facebook: Hill Station
Related posts:
–HILL STATION: One of the BEST Restaurants in Baguio! (Revisited)
–HILL STATION & Mt. Cloud Bookshop, Baguio
–HILL STATION: Revisiting an Old Favorite of Baguio in 2016!
Awesome Baguio 2016 Series:
–FOGGY MOUNTAIN COOKHOUSE: Have you Tried the Best Restaurant in Baguio in 2016?
–AMARE: Best Brick Oven Pizza in Baguio! #AwesomeBaguio
–MELT: Affordable Steak Place in Camp John Hay by Chef Michael Ferrer
–CHAYA: Still the Best Japanese Restaurant in Baguio! (Revisited 2016)
–GOOD TASTE: Best Budget-friendly Restaurant in Baguio! (A Review)
–CHEF’S HOME: The Chef is Back Home in Baguio! (Revisited 2016)
Live an Awesome Life,
Team Our Awesome Planet
Disclosure: Our experience was courtesy of Mitos Yñiguez. We wrote this article with our biases, opinions, and insights.
P.S. Don’t forget to check out the awesome Hill Station products like the Davao Chocolates, Tuyo in Olive Oil, Heirloom Coffee from the Cordilleras, and their Fish Roe!
