in

Calle Jose, Bulacan: Gourmet Heirloom Dishes, Minus the Gourmet Price Tag

Photo by Calle Jose

Every home has its own unique and delicious kitchen recipes and traditions, some passed down from generation to generation. For some families, sharing them with others in their own restaurants can be a great way to keep these traditions alive, though these heirloom recipes sometimes can be on the pricier side – and understandably so. 

In bustling Baliuag, a new kid on the block serves a fresh take on collected heirloom recipes from across the world by giving them a modern spin, sans the hefty price tag: Calle Jose.

Menu

Longganisa Aglio Olio. Photo by Calle Jose

The homegrown restaurant and events space is the brainchild of chef and restaurateur Vic Manuel, who shares his love for innovative dishes by reinventing what he calls “kitchen-to-table” meals from various cuisines – Italian, Spanish, Asian, Korean, English, Chinese, and Filipino.

Fried Chicken Caldereta. Photo by Calle Jose

Thus, you’ll find fun fusion dishes like Longganisa Aglio Olio, Sisig Dumplings, Tinapa Caesar Salad, and Fried Chicken Caldereta – all best sellers. 

Roast beef. Photo by Calle Jose

For those who want to take the more traditional route, house specialties like seafood arrabbiata, beef bulgogi, house-smoked bacon, gambas al ajillo, chicken parmigiana, and roast beef are sure-fire wins. Sample their homemade sourdough bread and nacho fundido, too. 

Chocolate cake. Photo by Calle Jose

End your meal on a sweet note with their signature desserts – OG Tres Leches and chocolate cake – then wash it down with their mimosas. These refreshing drinks come in perky flavors: home blend, green tea with lychee, or peach.

Mimosas. Photo by Calle Jose

Affordable gourmet food

Aside from keeping things fresh, Calle Jose also keeps it pretty pocket-friendly too. Dishes, which come in generous, heartwarming portions, range from P130+ to P250+ on average. Extras like nacho chips, mashed potato, and potato wedges are between P38 and P70.

USDA T-Bone Steak. Photo by Calle Jose

You can score a 250-gram serving of Canadian triple-A graded striploin steak for only P876, and USDA-grade T-Bone for P1,252 (350 grams) – a good deal for a taste of gourmet. No wonder Calle Jose’s amassed a loyal customer base. 

The dishes are also available in party trays good for 6-8 persons. Price per tray range from P765 to P1,155.

Fit for foodies from all walks of life

Photo by Calle Jose

Whether you’re dining with family or friends, or just craving a good meal while finishing a work report, you’ll find Calle Jose’s amenities suitable. There’s good complimentary WiFi, as well as a kids play area (yes, kids who are accompanied by adults are welcome!). 

Photo by Calle Jose

The main dining area is fully air conditioned. But if you like it al fresco, outdoor seating is available too. 

Private events

Photo by Calle Jose

Lined with Machuca tiles, timeless Spanish-inspired decor, and romantic night lights, Calle Jose is ideal for private gatherings. You can book the entire restaurant for events for 30 heads (minimum), inclusive of consumable food and drinks. There’s plenty of parking space for guests.

Calle Jose is located in Baliuag, just beside Baliuag University. It’s hard to miss.

Rewards for patrons

Photo by Calle Jose

If good food isn’t enough of a reward, customers also get added perks with the Calle Jose Loyalty Card. Every minimum purchase of food worth P350 entitles you to a stamp on your card. You get a free beverage of choice (juice, iced tea, or cafe americano in hot or cold) on your sixth stamp, and on your 12th, you automatically enjoy a 10 percent discount on your total bill.

Best of all, you don’t have to dine in to get a stamp. Card privileges also apply to delivery and takeaway.

Mango cheesecake. Photo by Calle Jose

Delivery options

If you’re a bit wary of dining out, Calle Jose offers to-go, curbside pickup, and delivery services via Foodpanda, Order Mo, and Pabitbit app. 

Gambas al ajillo. Photo by Calle Jose

Call them via their numbers or send them a message on Facebook to order. Details are in the The Essentials section at the bottom of this article.

The Essentials

What do you think?