“Congratulations, you’re a full-blown tita now,” N chuckles when I suggest we go to Mary Grace for the second time in a week. I open my mouth to protest, but then realise he’s probably right. So whatever. Embrace the tita-dom!

There’s something about the family-run chain of restaurants — fondly dubbed “Tambayan ng mga Tita” (or a place where titas gather) — that draws aunties and the family crowd.

Maybe it’s the smell of freshly baked goods wafting from its bakery section and the gorgeous display of cakes and pastries; or the beautiful interiors that remind one of a cosy home, from the wooden furniture and endearing decor (think floral and geometric patterns that our moms and aunts always have in their houses) to the warm, ambient lights that give a feeling of intimacy.

Whatever the case, what started off as a humble home bakery from owner Mary Grace, who wanted to find something she could do while looking after her children, is now a full-fledged F&B empire, with stores all across Luzon.

I got to try their food for the first time at Mary Grace Mall of Asia, as my in laws were going to watch Disney on Ice. The restaurant was still full despite being late afternoon, so there was a short wait – but otherwise service was efficient and we were served quickly. As expected, the place was packed with families. Decor is cosy, and no two shops look the same – but there is an underlying familiarity to the interior design across all outlets.

There is a small baked goods section at the front of the MOA store, where you can get takeaways of whole cakes and pastries.

So what does Mary Grace serve? The menu is extensive and is primarily European (leaning towards Italian) and Filipino, with starters such as Crispy Cassava Chips with Onion Dip, and Grilled Kesong Puti or Mushroom Pate with Batard Bread. Those who prefer a light meal can go for their baked goods, soups, and salads, while diners looking for a hearty meal can opt for heavier items like pasta and pizza.

N and I were planning to look for snacks around Mall of Asia, so we had a light lunch. N ordered the Chicken Inasal sandwich with tomato and wansoy salsa (P397), which featured juicy chunks of chicken meat marinated Visayas-style, stuffed between toasty French Baguette slices. The chips that came with the meal were insanely addictive, especially paired with the cream sauce, which saw me filching a lot of it from his plate.

I had Seafood Chowder (P258), which was served with a slice of garlic bread. The soup was savoury and comforting, filled with bits of dory, clam, mussels, and prawns.

While we weren’t able to hangout for long since we had to rush for the show, the experience left me with a good impression and a curiousity to try their other dishes – which is why when we were in Tagaytay a few days later, N and I went to the Mary Grace at Robinsons Tagaytay.

Their Tagaytay outlet has a more open and airy feel to it, with lots of windows, white garden-style chairs, and dozens of golden lights of different shapes hanging from the ceiling.

This time, I tried their signature Ensaymada (P145), which can be enjoyed as is or grilled. I highly recommend having it grilled. The textures and flavours are divine: you have the soft, supple brioche bread that feels like you’re biting into clouds; the slight crispiness from the hardened layer of pure butter, sugar, and Edam cheese on top, which presents a wonderful interplay of sweetness and saltiness.

We also ordered a Filipino classic ie Pork Tocino (P433) , available as part of the cafe’s all-day breakfast menu. This comes served with a beautiful pair of sunny-side ups and fragrant garlic rice.

Traditionally, pork belly is cured with anise wine, annatto, salt, and sugar. The version here is perfectly caramelised and extremely tender, and while the dish is usually on the sweeter side as it uses sugar in the marinade, the end flavour is well balanced.

Both Mary Grace experiences have been great ones so far, and I enjoyed the food, the ambience, and the service.

So. Where can I sign up for my tita card?

More info on the menu and their outlets here.

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PS2:  All food reviews are at own expense unless otherwise stated. Views here are my own and are based on my personal experience. They are not meant to endorse or disparage businesses in any way.