French Connections: Baker J Brings a Taste of France to Quest Hotel Tagaytay

Authentic French pastries, fresh-baked artisan bread, savory and hearty dishes and bold yet soothing fresh brewed coffee, traditional cuisine with a French-inspired spin comes to the popular southern destination at Baker J in Quest Hotel Tagaytay...

The elegant yet casual and classic French café culture arrives in Tagaytay with the opening of Baker J at Quest Hotel Hotel Tagaytay. Now with three locations anchored by its first outlet in Crimson Hotel Filinvest City, a second in Mimosa Plus Leisure Estate Clark, Pampanga and soon its flagship outlet at Two Parkade in Bonifacio Global City scheduled in the pipeline, Baker J brings Parisian favorites and other French-inspired dishes using locally sourced ingredients for a unique and memorable dining experience. Helmed by Executive Chef Nicolas Pasdeloup, take your palate on a lavish culinary journey to the famed cafés of the City of Lights at Baker J...  

One of Tagaytay's newest hotel properties, Quest Hotel Tagaytay offers all the modern amenities you need for both business and leisure or simply that much needed escape from the city with its contemporary inventory of Deluxe Rooms, Junior Suites and One Bedroom Suites. Managed by Chroma Hospitality Inc., a subsidiary of Filinvest Hospitality Corporation, Quest Hotels are part of an impressive portfolio of properties including Crimson Hotel Filinvest City and Crimson Resort & Spa in Mactan and Boracay as well as Timberland Highlands Resort in Rizal (more on Timberland Highlands Resort on previous posts, Timberland Highlands Resorts Goes Live, Love Local in a Unique Collaboration with Local Brands from last year).

At Quest Hotel Tagaytay, a culinary treat with a unique French spin awaits to complete that memorable getaway...

The bright and spacious lobby with its clean and uncluttered contemporary vibe immediately makes one feel right at home, and your break from the city's hectic pace begins at Quest Hotel Tagaytay.

Tagaytay has long been known as a dining destination, and Baker J adds its own unique and lavish weave to its famed culinary scene. There are countless dining options in Tagaytay to suit any mood, craving or appetite, and Baker J cuts through these options with its elegant and hearty French-inspired cuisine. Differentiation is key, more so in the cluttered dining landscape of Tagaytay dominated by long-running as well as new local establishments. At this point, you may be wondering who or what the "J" stands for in the café's name. The "J" simply means "Je Suis" or "I am" reflecting the café's philosophy of "Je Suis Comblé" or "I am satisfied" with Baker J's repertoire of French-inspired dishes.

It's this promise of a new kind of dining experience influenced by classic French cuisine that makes Baker J a must-try when in Tagaytay. I remember my first experience at Baker J three years ago and the fresh baked artisan bread like Croissants, Prosciutto & Manchego Tartine, Pain au Chocolate, Herb Focaccia, Country Sourdough, Blueberry Bread and Pain au Raisin already provided a preview of even better things yet to come (more on that experience on my previous post, Dining in the Next Normal: Baker J Brings Classic Pastries and Artisan Bread with a French Flair to Your Home or Office from late 2020).

Inside Baker J, the warm wood tones draped in natural light becomes a comforting space and the perfect spot for a fresh brewed cup of coffee paired with intricate, buttery and flaky baked viennoiserie like croissants and other pastries. 

"We are thrilled to introduce Baker J to the vibrant city of Tagaytay," said James Montenegro, Country Manager of Chroma Hospitality. "Following the successful launch of Baker J Café in the Mimosa Plus Leisure Estate in Clark, Pampanga, we are excited to bring the unique French experience to Quest Hotel Tagaytay. Baker J embodies the essence of French gastronomy, and we are confident that the residents and visitors of Tagaytay will embrace it wholeheartedly." 

Orchestrating the lavish medley of French inspired cuisine at Baker J is Executive Chef Nicolas Pasdeloup, a native Parisian and seasoned veteran from prestigious hotels and restaurants around the world. One look at the extensive array of French artisan bread, pastries and viennoiserie at Baker J and Executive Chef Nicolas Pasdeloup's touch in the kitchen and ovens is immediately evident. And for one memorable weekend, Quest Hotel Tagaytay becomes the perfect setting for a lavish dining experience.

But first, a soothing cup of fresh-brewed coffee becomes the day's first order of business at Baker J...

...with the Mocha Latte (P 200) made from local, single origin coffee beans sourced from Mt. Apo. Another long sip switches the weekend mode as you head up to your own home away from home...

...at one of the many Deluxe Rooms in Quest Hotel Tagaytay. Plush linens, coffee and tea making facilities and fast wireless connections, this is home in Tagaytay. Soon, you'll find out your biggest challenge is pulling yourself up from the soft embrace of your bed.

Meanwhile, the lobby is filled with excitement...

...as the Baker J team prepares for the formal launch. It's a significant milestone for the brand, now with three location and fourth soon on the way. 

In just a few minutes, Baker J brings its own unique French style to Tagaytay bannered by Executive Chef Nicolas Pasdeloup's fresh-baked creations and hearty main dishes. From fresh-baked croissants and artisan bread to premium local coffee, savory mains and indulgent desserts, Executive Chef Nicolas Pasdeloup tempts the palate with his elegant Parisian style at Baker J adding to your list of must-try dining destinations in Tagaytay.  

A formal French connection is established at the scenic southern destination promising visitors and residents alike a unique dining experience transporting you to the chic cafés of Paris with each sip of fresh brewed coffee and tasty bites from Executive Chef Nicolas Pasdeloup's kitchen. 

The ribbon cutting ceremonies formally announces the arrival of refined French style and rustic flavors to Tagaytay led by Chroma Hospitality's top brass including Country Manager James Montenegro, Vice President of Operations Ria Jareno and Quest Hotel Tagaytay Manager Randie Gutierrez. Executive Chef Nicolas Pasdeloup then headed back to the kitchen to prepare and serve the first course of the inaugural lunch... 

...with a refreshing salad course of Quinoa Salad with eggplant, Feta cheese and olive oil. The whole grain seeds are the base for the flavorful salad complemented by garden-fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, pumpkin seeds, eggplant and Feta cheese garnished with edible flowers and drizzled in a rich olive oil dressing. 

The local and bountiful fresh harvests of Tagaytay are celebrated in a bowl, masterfully executed by Executive Chef Nicolas Pasdeloup and his team at Baker J. Each fresh, clean and distinct note from the various ingredients complement the other in a elegant and seamless weave, draping the palate with vibrant notes. 

A traditional French soup is served as the second course, the Crème Dubarry. Rich, thick yet elegantly smooth, the hearty and comforting soup made with cauliflower, potatoes, cream and truffle warms the palate with each long sip. The richness of the cream adds a refined and elegant silky smoothness followed by the subtle sweetness of the cauliflower and rounded out by the truffle adding depth to the flavors.

For the main course, Executive Chef Nicolas Pasdeloup shared an iconic French classic with the Joue de Boeuf Bourguignonne or fork-tender and melt-in-your-mouth beef cheeks braised in red wine. 

Like butter, the beef cheeks braised in red wine on soft yet firm handmade noodles topped with mushrooms and fresh microgreens is pure savory bliss. The rich sauce leaves lingering notes of wine on the palate adding more layers of flavors. It isn't easy to find a legit Boeuf Bourguignonne even in the metro, but you'll find it here at Baker J in Quest Hotel Tagaytay.

For dessert, Executive Chef Nicolas Pasdeloup served the Baba au Rhum with pineapple and calamansi syrup to cap a sumptuous lunch at Baker J. Moist and full of flavor, the infusion of the local calamansi adds a contrasting sweet and tart finish to the dessert. From starters to mains and dessert, Executive Chef Nicolas Pasdeloup presents just some of the French-inspired specialties at Baker J in Quest Hotel Tagaytay.

Executive Chef Nicolas Pasdeloup impresses with his four-course lunch showcasing infinite possibilities for memorable dining experiences at Baker J. And it's a welcome addition to the colorful and ever changing culinary tapestry of Tagaytay.

The café culture vibe just isn't complete without an espresso-based Americano (P 150) after lunch, and Baker J has you covered. Baker J offers a full selection of specialty coffee from Cappuccino (P 180) to Latte (P 180), Caramel Macchiato (P 220) and flavored coffees like Rose (P 230) and Strawberry Vanilla (P 230) to Hazelnut White Chocolate (P 220) and espressos, frappes and drip-based coffee. Baker J also offers a variety of refreshing beverages from their Sumer Drinks (P 120) selection like Watermelon Splash, Cucumber Mint Cooler, Raspberry Apple Sparkler and Citron Pressé.

After a relaxing swim at the hotel pool or shopping at Fora Lifestyle Mall just a few steps away behind Quest Hotel Tagaytay, the fragrant aroma of fresh brewed coffee at Baker J tempts you once more...

...paired with a light, buttery and flaky Croissant. Paris in Tagaytay? That's right. At Baker J in Quest Hotel Tagaytay.

Baker J also offers a wide selection of homemade jams and spreads like Strawberry, Blueberry and Passion Fruit Caramel also ideal as gifts. 

Later that evening, Baker J revealed yet another layer to her many moods and flavors with a sumptuous dinner. Take your pick from Baker J's tempting array of Summer Drinks (P 120) like the Raspberry Apple Sparkler, Watermelon Splash, Cucumber Mint Cooler and Citron Pressé or the refreshing line of Baker J Detox (P 190) like the BEEToxify with beetroot, ginger, elderflower tea and grapefruit; the RefocuZING with orange, ginger and cinnamon; the Baker J's Berry Breakfast with unsweetened raspberries, almonds, ginger, honey, flaxseed and lemon juice and the 'Tis the Cure with coconut water, matcha, turmeric and moringa.

The southern destination's famous garden-fresh greens are highlighted with Baker J's classic rendition of Caesar's Salad for a fresh start to a satisfying dinner in Quest Hotel Tagaytay.

For the main course, the Pork Chop, Adobo Sauce, Garlic Rice (P 600) with eggs is one of the inventive creations from the kitchen of Baker J with its inspired reinterpretation of comforting and nostalgic local flavors. Masterfully executed, the fork-tender pork chop with its clean savory notes are made richer with the distinct flavors of the adobo sauce conspiring with the soft and fluffy garlic rice and eggs for a satisfying meal. Executive Chef Nicolas Pasdeloup takes familiar local flavors adding his own French spin for a winner of a meal at Baker J. 

Other savory options at Baker J include the Coq Auv Vin with Fresh Tagliatelle Pasta (P 550), Pot Au Feu de Carabao (P 900) for bulalo with a French twist, Steak Au Poivre (P 900), Bouillabaisse (P 900), Pan Seared Salmon Steak with Ratatouille (P 750), Moules Frittes (P 900) and Beef Burger with Hand Cut Fries (P 480). 

For dessert, an indulgent Gateau filled with sweet caramelized apples paired with a Caramel Macchiato (P 220) marks another perfect sweet ending to a sumptuous feast at Baker J.

Early the next morning, the quiet stillness of a new day takes over the property...

...and Baker J becomes the stage once more for a lavish feast. And there's just no better way to start the day in Tagaytay than with a hearty breakfast and a fresh brewed cup of coffee.

Baker J offers three breakfasts sets like the Continental Set (P 600)with  assorted seasonal fruits, croissants, pain au chocolat, toast, jams and butter and the Filipino Set (P 550) with your choice of beef tapa, homemade longganisa or boneless bangus served with garlic fried rice, atchara and eggs just the way you like it... 

...with unlimited refills of coffee. Treat yourself to a slow and unhurried breakfast, and savor each sip and bite for that perfect start at Baker J. For early risers, breakfast at Baker J starts at 6:00 am to 10:30 am.

The Complet (P 550) is my pick with free-range eggs any style, homemade sausage and bacon served with roesti, sautéed mushrooms, roasted tomato, mixed greens and a waffle or pancake. That's how you start your day at Baker J...

Aptly named, the Complet has everything you need for that perfect start and then some. The homemade sausage and bacon combo paired with eggs, roesti, roasted tomato with crisp salad greens, pancake and eggs is the complete breakfast you need to begin your day at Baker J in Quest Hotel Tagaytay.

Later that morning before heading back home, one more cup to cap the Baker J experience seemed right...

...with another Caramel Macchiato for the road. 

From breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack to dinner and a late morning break, the all-day dining at Baker J presents a fresh dining experience for both locals and visitors to the famed dining destination down south. A concept established at the height of the pandemic, Baker J is now poised to expand its reach with more locations for its classic French inspired cuisine by Executive Chef Nicolas Pasdeloup.

The infusion of French style, tradition and flavors to Tagaytay's local culinary scene is one more colorful layer to its evolving and changing weave of dining destinations. And Baker J's location at Quest Hotel Tagaytay is just the beginning, with another branch soon in the pipeline at Manila's popular commercial and business district. An overnight getaway or just a leisurely lunch, Baker J hits all the right notes to make your visit even more memorable in Tagaytay.

The opening of new dining concepts in Tagaytay is a welcome and positive sign, and Baker J brings a unique flavor with its French inspired cuisine by Executive Chef Nicolas Pasdeloup to the southern destination's vibrant and diverse restaurant scene. Differentiation is key in cutting through the clutter of countless establishments, and Baker J is one more option to add to your growing list at Quest Hotel Tagaytay.

Baker J is located at the lobby of Quest Hotel Tagaytay, Fora Rotunda, Emilio Aguinaldo Highway, Silang Crossing East, Tagaytay. You can visit their websites at https://www.crimsonhotel.com/manila/dining/baker-j and https://questhotelsandresorts.com/tagaytay/ for more information and FB Pages at https://www.facebook.com/questhoteltagaytay/ and https://www.facebook.com/bakerj.ph/ for updates or call +63 46 419 8788 and 0908 863 9466 for inquiries. 

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