Despite having been based in Baguio since last year, it seems no matter how familiar the city is to me, it still reveals hidden treasures among its mists. With more people flocking to The City of Pines once again, I have had the pleasure of seeing friends and stumbling on my home turf's new discoveries.
We chanced upon a hidden gem amid the evergreens on the property, framing the 1960s American heritage house-turned-restaurant. Located just across the golf course of Baguio Country Club on scenic Outlook Drive, Craft 1945 serves nostalgia on a paellera and novelty in a beer mug.
Looking to create something different from his Manila restaurants, owner Kevin Khoe set his sights on Baguio. He teamed up with Cris Ordas of Baguio Craft Brewery fame, a partnership that would prove to be fortuitous. Now, in its new iteration as Craft 1945, the combination of the two establishments has grown into a beloved local institution.
For the curious foodies, Craft 1945 offers comfort Spanish dishes with original recipes dating back to its namesake year, passed down from the archives of the heritage Spanish restaurant, Casa Marcos.
The restaurant was named after the founder, Marcos de Guisasola, a Spanish jai alai player with a penchant for cooking. The heirloom dishes are prepared from scratch, the same way they have always been done since 1945.
Best known for paella, the restaurant also serves a variety of tapas or appetizers, as well as Spanish-Filipino fusion food like Spanish sisig (the added chorizo giving it a feisty flavor profile).
And what better way to enjoy your meal than with a pint or two of craft beer from Baguio Beer Brewery. While sangrias and wines are on the menu, you should not miss the opportunity to try the craft beer. Lagud, the medium-bodied strawberry beer, or Zigzagger, a medium-bodied dry beer with an astonishing 10.09 percent alcohol content, all made from premium ingredients that make each serving only 70 calories.
The outdoor al fresco area served them well especially when indoor dining was restricted by health protocols. The staff had suggested to utilize the area for potential customers.
Baguio locals showed their support for the establishment, keeping the restaurant afloat and employees with stable jobs all throughout the pandemic. Now nights are a certified full house of happy customers, with reservations recommended for anyone wanting to try their delectable offerings.
Like the bull and matador mural boldly displayed on its accent wall, Craft 1945 has brought a robust energy to Baguio's quiet Outlook Drive.
Craft 1945 is at 9 Outlook Drive in Baguio City. For bookings and reservations, contact @craft.1945 on Instagram.
