The "new" Carlo's Bakery and Cafe

After its grand opening last February 28, I made it a point to check out the newly renovated Carlos Bakery and Cafe. From its being a rundown pasalubong center years ago which doesn't deserve a second look, it has reinvented itself not only worthy of a second look but would entice passersby to stop, look and listen ....well to their heart's desire of checking it inside out.

A sleek and colorful interior greets you the moment you enter. To the left is their baked goods and desserts section, either for pasalubong or just being part of your order in the cafe. From the usual cookies and biscuits plus breads and pastries to cakes and their famous crema de fruta, it's a treat just even to look at them.

To the right is the cafe which is reminiscent of JD at the Roadhouse (in fact the whole place is like JD, but IMO Carlo's has a much better ambiance). Attentive servers would then rush to get your orders. A good place to relax and let time take its course as you dine and watch the hustle and bustle outside.

Their placemat (and menu book) was a surprise. It showcased heritage sites and landmarks of Iloilo City. From the Aduana (custom's house) to the heritage building along JM Basa street and the Arroyo fountain, it's just fitting since this bakery and cafe is owned by the family of the mayor of Iloilo City.

It may look and feel like JD but what they serve in the cafe is almost "miles away" in comparison. Not to mention the price range. At JD an item costing PhP80 is considered to be already "expensive" but here its just ordinary. Ofcourse JD targets the students being located near schools while Carlo's being away from it all has a different target clientele. Menu shots 1 / 2

And so I ordered puttanesca and calamansi juice. It was around 11am but I had breakfast an hour earlier so a light order was just right. Didn't actually care if there were people and employees looking at me taking pictures since it was actually the reason why I went there. Eating was just second priority.

Their angel hair puttanesca was just okay. Had better ones before. The calamansi juice was too bland. Just a hint of calamansi and sweetness of the sugar. And they could have chosen a much better looking calamansi to garnish the glass. But no big complaints since I already have said the purpose of this visit.

With a slice of napoleones for my dessert, it totaled Php170. A small price to pay for satisfying one's curiosity and in my case being one of the first to feature through pictures what in and out plus what's hot and not about the newest dining place in town. And there will be surely be more (food) trips coming.

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