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Ozark Diner

A review by Edwin I. taken from Looloo.com.

Ozark is a worthwhile long drive from the City of Pine’s center. Mid and Southern-American comfort dishes done perfectly with affordable price to boot.

I’m loving Ozark’s Nashville Fried Chicken and Pulled Pork Sandwich.

The Nashville Fried Chicken is a spicy, butter milk coated fried chicken. Deliciously crunchy crust with the chicken meat nicely moist. Nicely seasoned with spicy heat perfect for the weather. Perfect with their freshly baked Biscuits. What I loved too was that their biscuits seems to be done the right way— crumbly, dense, with a light crust. Smearing the biscuits with the wild honey simply added to the eating pleasure. Yummy with their coleslaw and huge side order of creamy -buttery mashed potatoes topped with gravy. A huge serving , good for two, just under 300 bucks.

Their BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich was also delicious. Loved the smokey, spicy, tender, and flavorful pulled pork stuffed in a sesame seed bun. The huge sandwich, just 150 bucks.

Their in-house brewed iced tea was perfect with the mains. Unlimited helpings, just 90 bucks.

American comfort food at best brought by the owners. An American and Fil-Am couple from the said American region who decided to relocate to Baguio and offer “authentic” mid/Southern American comfort dishes. More than just bringing good food, their noble mission of opening this establishment was to help local out-of-school and homeless youths in the area , who were interested in food service, by giving them jobs with the establishment.

The place is easily some 10 km from the city’s center. Unusually far from where the “action” is. It sits right across St Louis University.

When in Baguio, try hickory-smoked chicken and fries

This is an excerpt of an article written by Elizabeth Lolarga originally published by Inquirer.net.

A couple– who became known for cheesecakes in Makati weekend markets–is now behind one of the more popular restos up north serving American southern food

KEVIN Mize and Albert Sotelo Photos by Ev Espiritu Read more: http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/225538/baguio-try-hickory-smoked-chicken-fries#ixzz49S7VC21K Follow us: @inquirerdotnet on Twitter | inquirerdotnet on Facebook
KEVIN Mize and Albert Sotelo Photos by Ev Espiritu

You can tell that guys, gays and gals in Baguio’s hospitality industry know each other.

When our team informed one of the owners of Ozark Diner on Bearing Drive, Bakakeng, that we may be running late because we would be coming from The Country Place run by Mrs. Baylon (aka Mrs. B), Albert Sotelo texted right away to say “Mrs. B is a friend and a regular here.”

As for criticism from social media reviews that Ozark is too far from downtown and one can get lost and end up with hunger unappeased, Albert said tell the cabbie to take us to Goshenland, a condominium development, which is “right next to us. We are directly behind St Louis University’s track field.”

He added: “People make it sound like Ozark Diner is way too far or difficult to find. Perhaps it’s because we are in unfamiliar territory for most Baguio City residents. They’ve written off Bakakeng as ‘provincial.’

“Where we are is what Baguio City should be—spacious surroundings, friendly neighbors and lots of trees. Frankly, part of our allure is just that. We are ‘provincial’ just like a true southern cuisine diner.”

Upon arrival, we asked the man working in the open kitchen where Albert was. He was the one frying a customer’s order. He quickly introduced us to a smiling Kevin Mize.

Asked if they are business partners, Albert replied, “No, we’re better than partners. We’re husbands!”

You could hear our (the photographer’s and my) jaws drop from Bakakeng to La Union. But the couple’s candor about their relationship and sexuality (they’re active in the city’s LGBT scene) set us at ease.

Click here to read the rest of the article.

Apple Pies always remind me of the Holidays. 8? pies at P900.

What is so special about Ozark Diner, you ask? Our menu is carefully selected from the best local providers without compromising the integrity of our dishes. Our team aims to bring you the best American Experience through great food and relaxing accommodations. Our revolutionary Private Table, a restaurant-within-a-restaurant concept, shall feature local and international chefs. We have chosen a select list of chefs that will entice everyone from the local Baguio City residents to the constantly adventurous foodie tourist. We are perpetually on the path of learning about and perfecting each product we offer our customers. Read More – “Apple Pies always remind me of the Holidays. 8? pies at P900.”

Christmas Party

Happening at 7pm: Ozarkdiner’s crew party.

More pictures to follow. Organized by our crew, we are about to have Chinese ham, Kare-kare, pancit, pinoy spaghetti, BBQ on a stick, pandesal, buko pandan and this chocolate cake with vanilla buttercream icing.