Chef Didier's Table

Update: Chef Didier's Table is now located at 134 Upper Loakan Road, Liwanag Subd., Baguio City.

I met Chef Didier and Merna some three years ago when Joy Felizardo invited me for an intimate merienda at the couple's condo. Then a year after to try their Brazil Spa in Makati.

Earlier this year Merna asked me to like an FB Page, Chef Didier's Table. I dutifully liked it but didn't expect they've finally moved to Baguio.

It has been 2 or 3 years since we last went to Baguio because, using my kids' words, "we're sawa na". Then I saw Merna's post Chef Didier's Table Baguio post. To cut the long story short, the #Mendiolables went to Baguio to support Chef Didier and Merna's new bed and breakfast business.

Chef Didier’s Table is a short distance from the Philippine Military Academy (PMA). The concept is different from a typical restaurant, in France, it would be called “table d’hôte” (hosted table). It is only open for one group at a time, from minimum of 4 to 15. Reservations are required 36 hours ahead and confirmed with deposit. More than 20 menus are available, from regional French, to various European offerings, American, Asian, Moroccan. They can also create a customized menu according to your preferences. Breakfast, Lunch, Merienda and Dinner menus are available. In addition they also offer catering services and Chef Didier can be your private Chef in your own home for any event. Last but not least, they also offer 4 rooms for nightly stays (will soon expand to six), with choice of traditional Filipino or International Breakfast.

Reminders:

1. Serves merienda (minimum of 8 pax) for non-staying guests
2. Serves breakfast (minimum of 8 pax) for non-staying guests
3. Offers combination of plated and buffet for International breakfast and Filipino Breakfast, minimum of 8 pax for non-staying guests
4. Lunch and dinner starts at P249 up to 399 per person for in house guest only (minimum 4 pax).
5. If you prefer to stay at Chef Didier, overnight accommodation is P500/person with Filipino breakfast and  P600/person with international breakfast.
6. They also offer more elaborate menus and works around the clients' budget as well as dietary preferences.
7. At least 36 hours minimum advance reservation (48 is best) if you have request for certain dishes.
8. They also cater for special events at the clients' preferres venue.
9. They make cake for Free if you reserve for 12 guests.
10. For pricing and menus, consult them by calling at 0921 572 8408, or message Chef Didier's Table in Facebook.

As for the accommodation, they have 6 big rooms on the second floor that can accommodate friends and families who wish to stay overnight without the noise of the city. I must tell you honestly, if you're particular about the aesthetics, this is not the place for you because this is a simple house and it's a bit far from the commercial center. We, the #Mendiolables though love the warm accommodation, the endless talk about life, family and food with Chef Didier and Merna. More than the facade, Chef Didier's place is about great food and great company. 

I like that they do not have television on the second floor because Julia and Juan had fun with John while I watched and laughed.

About Chef Didier:

Chef Didier was Born in Paris France, but grew up in a small village where nature was generous with fresh produce, eggs, dairy and poultry. An apprenticeship in Pastry Arts in 1976 at the young age of 14 was the beginning of a long and fruitful career. The program consisted of working long hours at a nearby Pastry shop, while also attending classes at a school in the city of Versailles.  School curriculum was more on theory, math, science.

After graduating 3 years later, Chef Didier moved to the city of Nimes in the south of France, where he was employed as a commis for a prestigious Pastry, Chocolate and Ice cream shop. After returning to his home a year later he worked for 2 years in a large pastry and bakery facility supplying desserts and breads for hotels and restaurants.

With a strong desire to travel and explore the world, Chef Didier applied and was accepted for his first Pastry Chef position in Studio City California, for a high end pastry shop, he was 20 years old. Once the contract ended, returning to France was difficult and when another opportunity presented itself to go back to the US, he did not hesitate. What was supposed to be a 1 year contract turned into 21 years living in America. 

Mostly working for 5 star hotels, from Detroit, Houston, to Washington D.C, his experience matured. It was in his last 10 years in the US, that while being Executive Pastry Chef, for the prestigious St Regis Hotel that he started developing his cooking skills.

Nominated 5 years in a row as Pastry Chef of the Year by the Washington Restaurant association as well as many press reviews, TV interviews and shows, propelled him at the forefront alongside the local and national elite of celebrity Chefs.

Often the Pastry Chef chosen for Charity dinners, as his course was the last he would spend time with the other Chefs, observes and absorbs their techniques.  Surrounded by the best Chefs in America from all over the world, spending time by their sides was an amazing experience.

After leaving the US in 2005, Chef Didier’s international experience grew with jobs in North Africa, the Middle East, where he met his wife Merna, and the Philippines. 

Chef Didier was hired as Executive Pastry Chef in the pre-opening stages of Raffles/Fairmont hotel in Makati. After a year of Sabbatical to help Merna open her business, Chef Didier was brought in to open Novotel Araneta Center.

But big city stress, pollution, noise started to take its toll, and looking for a more independent lifestyle, brought Chef and Merna to the City of Pines, Baguio. 

Chef Didier's Table

134 Upper Loakan Road, Liwanag Subd., Baguio City.

 0921 572 8408