Hidden Cafe in Novaliches - Corretto Cafe

I'm taking a break from writing our long drive in Luzon and writing this unlikely posh cafe in Novaliches.

I've live my entire life here ( 28 years as of today ) and never have I thought that there is a cafe here that is not in Fairview. When someone says Novaliches I think of public markets, wet market, street foods but as they say awesome places to visit are hidden. So how did I discovered this? I saw a blog post about this By The fat kid inside. I was excited when I read it. I told myself I have to try this soon. I feel like me living my whole life won't be complete without eating here. Hindi ka-tiga-Nova-pag-hindi-mo-to-alam feeling. So one weekend I ask Slim to eat lunch there. In Corretto Cafe, google maps says it's in San Bartolome.

Waze guided us to the place. We headed to Mindanao Avenue and took the back door route Fx drivers are familiar or SB ROAD that commuters pass by when its traffic in Quirino Ave.

The place is easy to find. When we got here there were only 2 people. The cafe is quiet and small but there is a lot of space to slouch.

We ordered Baked Mac, Linguini Marinara in Red Sauce, Chicken Vegetable Soup, Cottage Pie and Hot chocolate. I didn't order any desserts I felt like I won't finish this.

Linguini Marinara in Red Sauce

Baked Mac

Cottage Pie

Chicken Soup

Hot Chocolate

Slim loved the pasta; he said he felt like eating at City of dreams again. The sauce is so rich and tasty he says. I on the other hand didn't like the Baked Mac maybe it's because the pasta wasn't cook that much. I like the soup it felt good in my tummy. The Cottage Pie is baked mash potato with bacon bits that is good with the bread. I didn't finish this because I was too full from the soup. I forgot the exact price but each meal is under 200php. 

The hot chocolate is just right as a dessert.

Will I go back? Yes.
Starbucks is too crowded nowadays and if you want to have a good talk that is quiet while having coffee I recommend this place or if you want a me time with a good book that is near NOVA I'd definitely go here. Our route home is via Bayan and in 5 minutes we are in Buenamar Subd.

Ligaya

Dinadiawan beach the road less traveled in Aurora

Aurora became a popular destination because of Baler and its all year surfing conditions. It's also accessible from Manila so a lot of local tourist goes there but unknown to many there is a hidden gem called Dinadiawan in Dipaculao which is just an hour away. Just be prepared for the twists and turns, ups and downs because we will be driving on Sierra Madre.

Road to paradise

Ampere Beach Dipaculao

Early Roadtrip

This is my third time to Aurora. I think this is going to be a birthday ritual since we went to Baler for the past 2 years it's just that this time we will go further.

BioBreak

I checked Dipaculao last year because my bday trip fell on a Holy Week and was scared of trafficgeddon and accommodation issues. I was hesitant as I don't see blog post about it last year and I wasn't sure if it can be traveled by car. I got a place in Baler so I said this is going to be a part of my bucket. Then this year my Kuya wants to go here. Looks like I can mark this off my bucket list.

We were supposed to go Thurs morning but Papa was ill. They went to the hospital Wed afternoon. I knew our trip will be postponed. But he felt better. We couldn't leave without him. We drove to Aurora by 4am. By 7am we had bfast somewhere in Nueva Ecija which is like the worst breakfast ever but I was hungry, still we didn't finish our meal.

My lugaw is better

The roads to Baler are better compared to last year. There are only a few unpaved roads. We got to Baler by 11am. A few strolls but it started to rain so we drove to Dipaculao.

They have a Baler signage now that everyone takes a pic

Waiting for our turn

The scenery to Dipaculao is better, mountains and trees and a view of the sea at times. The road is 100% paved it's just that it's all zigzag just like Kennon Road x 10.

Sample of the road

We checked a few resorts. La Sunshine is our first stop it looks really nice but they don't have a slot because they have a team building activity. They don't have a restaurant too but there are eateries near the resort per management so we went ahead to Dinadiawan Agri.

View at La Sunshine

Another Resort we checked I forgot the name but no available rooms

Dinadiawan Agri rooms

The room we got 4700 for 10 people and you can order a meal 500 per dish. What we noticed here is you have to bring your own food to cook. If we will be having 500/dish we might spend 1500 per meal which is so expensive. The place is nice it's not exploited compare to other beaches, the water is calm and clear. The sand is not that white but the view of the mountains plus sea is perfect.

Clear waters

More swim pics

Calm waters that we can leave him floating

Mountain meets sea

A portion where you can take pics.
My baby Niece.

The kids enjoyed swimming. For dinner Slim and my Brother went to the market they were able to buy Blue Marlin 1kilo for 180, kaldero and uling for cooking. Our neighbour tourists were kind enough to lend us salt and even gave us eggplant for dinner.

Chilling by the beach

The next day my brother decided to go to Cagayan to visit Palaui Island. We were having issues with the map as Smart has no signal. Looking at the map it looks near just 4 hour travel but our neighbour who is from Isabela advised us that it is not for a Sedan car there is a short path which is unpaved and you will be passing through a river. So we decided to go back to Cabanatuan then take the Tuguegarao Route to Cagayan. I was excited because I wanted go to Palaui Island.

Drive would be short if we drive via Maddela - Quirino Route but our car won't survive.

My Parent enjoyed the place

Breakdown of Expenses (Some of this I will divide by 3 since Kuya, Mama and I are splitting the bills)

GAS = 1350
Toll Nlex Min Ave. = 45
        Nlex Dau = 173
        Sctex = 89
Accommodation 4700 for 10 split to 3 = 1567
Bfast Day 1 = 300
Lunch = 700
Dinner = 500
Bfast Day 2 = 500


Total Expense we spent for Day 1 = 3567
Total spent for 3 persons. (SLIM, Nanay and I)

* * Approximately 13k for 9 adults and 3 kids with 2 cars * *

For the love of Cars and Food: Turbo Cafe in Fairview

It's my birthday and before heading to our long drive series we decided to pamper Ligaya since she will be staying at home for my birthday drive. Slim has been loving this Car Wash place and ask me to join him so we can try the Cafe. I tagged my sister along since she wants to try burgers. Turbo Cafe is in front of Brittany Neopolitan Fairview.

My Birthday Suit. #awkwardat30

My driver

Car Wash here is 90 pesos. They have a barber shop, per Slim haircut is 120 pesos and a cafe so you can have a haircut, eat while having your car cleaned. I like the concept of not getting bored while having a Car Wash. It's good for the business too. What I like about the place is how our car is clean inside after their job. I don't see any dust on the dashboard or the gear area.

Water jug.

Chicken Afredo in white sauce

Spaghetti Bolognese

Cheese burger

This is the sample of their Menu.

Relax

Everything about the Cafe is cars, the decorations, the furniture's, their magazines even the menu. We tried Chicken Afredo, Spaghetti Meatballs and Burger. I haven't tried their drinks yet. I really like Chicken Afredo, the size of the serving is okay a bit pricey for 185 but it's delicious so it's okay. Spaghetti is okay too. The Burger is ordinary, the patty is big but I find 185 not worth it. Celebrities like Coco Martin or Lovi Poe chills in the cafe so if you're lucky you might bump into them. My birthday lunch is fantastic. I really enjoyed it.

My Birthday Cake. I ate this at the office. Happy 30th!!!

Here is the damage:


Chicken Afredo = 185
Spaghetti Bolognese = 180
Cheese Burger = 185
Car Wash = 90
Haircut = 120
Tip = 90
TOTAL = 850