Some moments are made memorable by the people we spend them with, not just the places we travel or the cuisine we try. My first visit to CDLM, a warm and inviting café-restaurant hidden in the heart of Castillejos, Zambales, was one of those unforgettable experiences. I had the pleasure of sharing the meal with two beautiful people: our close friend Cecile and our great buddy Konica, who had just arrived from Canada. It was more than just a casual dining experience; it was a welcoming meal for our friend.
The streets of Castillejos grew quieter as the sun set, and the evening was calm and wind-swept. We chose CDLM as the place for our mini-reunion after reading great reviews about its cuisine and drinks. We felt at home because of the warm lighting, welcoming ambiance, and peaceful music. The interior was thoughtfully outfitted with a pleasant combination of modern and rustic design elements, making it an excellent spot to reconnect with old friends.
We could all see the excitement in our faces as we took our seats. Konica discussed her time living in Canada, the adaptations she had made, and the things of the Philippines she missed the most. Cecile and I, on the other hand, were happy to have her back.
Now let’s talk about the highlight of our visit: the food. CDLM didn’t disappoint. I started with their frappe, which was not only visually pleasing but rich, creamy, and satisfyingly cold—just the perfect blend of sweetness and coffee flavor. It was refreshing, especially after a long day, and it added an extra boost of energy and happiness to the evening.
But what truly blew me away was their baked sushi. I’ve had baked sushi before, but CDLM’s version was on a whole new level. Every bite was flavorful—the rice was perfectly seasoned, the toppings were generous, and the sauce had that delightful balance of creaminess and umami. It was the kind of dish that made us stop mid-conversation to savor the taste and nod in approval.
Not to be outdone, their pasta dishes were also a culinary delight. We ordered two kinds: a creamy white sauce pasta and a classic red sauce spaghetti. The white sauce pasta was rich but not overpowering, with a smooth texture that complemented the well-cooked noodles. The pasta on the other hand, had that nostalgic Filipino twist—sweet, savory, and comforting. Both plates were finished to the last bite, which was proof enough of how good they were.
More than the delicious food and drinks, it was the feeling of togetherness that made that night special. We laughed a lot, took dozens of photos, shared updates, and made memories that we know we’ll keep forever. CDLM became more than just a restaurant for us that night—it became a setting for reconnection, for warmth, and for genuine happiness.
As we stepped out of the café that night, our hearts were full, not just from the food but from the love and friendship that filled the room. It was my first time at CDLM, but it surely won’t be the last. From the satisfying frappe to the heavenly baked sushi and pasta, and most especially the joy of welcoming Konica back home, everything was perfect.
