‘Mama’ comes to Baguio
Nowie and Odette Potenciano of the much-loved Sunny Side Cafe in Boracay—along with their shibas Mari and Luna—have opened a new cafe in the summer city of Baguio!It is the latest addition to the iconic Camp John Hay but it is not inside the Manor; they have opened a standalone cafe! It is called Berry Mama Baguio, an offshoot of the Boracay and La Union favorites of Coco Mama, Ube Mama and Mango Mama.
Berry Mama continues the thrust of the ‘Mama’ shops but instead highlights Baguio’s famous strawberries. They use it for their signature Crumble. You can make a signature version for yourself because you are given the options for your own fruit compote, crumb, custard and topping. You can make it fruity, sweet, milky, floral and you can choose to make it crunchy, creamy, or smooth.
Fruit options include strawberry rose, strawberry and balsamic, green apple and cinnamon. Crumb options include the classic shortbread, vegan shortbread and homemade granola. Custard options include warm dairy custard, cold dairy custard, frozen dairy custard, warm vegan custard and cold vegan custard. Toppings include Auro chocolate sauce, homemade caramel, Berry Mama’s signature strawberry sauce, rose syrup and dried rose petals.
So my vegan advocate friends, Justice Marvic Leonen and Jemps Gallegos, and vegetarian advocate Fr. Anton Pascual, will be happy to note the vegan-friendly options mentioned above— the plant-based custard and shortbread options. This is a consistent advocacy as well of the ‘Mama’ group!
Coffee lovers will be happy to note that they also have specialty coffee. They are the first and only specialty coffee shop at the Camp John Hay and Baguio Country Club area. They mooch off of a bespoke blend of beans that is roasted by EDSA Specialty Beverages exclusively for The Sunny Side Café—isn’t it great to have sister restaurants? They also have exclusive specialty coffee creations on the menu such as The Death Cream, which is a double espresso shaken with their signature custard; Strawberry Cold Brew; and the Custard Affogato, a glorious espresso poured over frozen custard.
In this end-of-the-world feels scorching hot weather, I will take any reason to go to Baguio for the cooler weather. Berry Mama is now one of them! INQ
Berry Mama. Baguio Technohub, Camp John Hay, Baguio City
