Kape at Kutchinta

February 27, 2010

  

In one of my trainings, I was served this wonderful yet very Filipino combination and that is Kape at Kutchinta.  Kutchinta is a famous Filipino delicacy made of rice flour and sugar. What made this experience special is that made me recall our merienda breaks when I was still young .This fantastic coffee break gave me more time to absorb what I really need for my mind, for my stomach. The aroma of arabica gave me the soothing feeling to my tired mind.  This was my coffee experience at MMLDC. 

  

 It is located at Antipolo city, Rizal. Its a nice place to learn as well as to dine.  they have an restaurant named Ariva that serve gourmet dishes. 

  

 Even if you dont have trainings, you can drop by Ariva and experience the ambiance and the flavor of their Kape at Kuntchinta.

“ Argument is good, if there is a good brew”.  

 

Hapi Hapi Hapi Talk

January 24, 2010

 

I just wonder why is the name like that until the time I went inside.  This coffee shop has a unique coffee nook different from each other. This is a place to have a conversation with your friends, relax and enjoy a 360 degrees view of the whole of RTR ( Remedios T. Romualdez) plaza. Best time to go is during dusk. Having a soft music while the light of the sun and shadow of the night blends with each other while having your delicious cup of coffee with a friend, is probably one of the best moment that you can treasure.   

  

The Location

 

It is located in RTR plaza downtown Tacloban city.  It is in the higher ground that’s why it give a very nice view of the plaza.

  

Price Range

 

Their coffee ranges from Php 65 to as high as Php 95. You can also have your beer and some fruit juices.  Their cakes ranges form Php 55 to Php 100. They also have wine and cheese if you don’t prefer coffee.

  

Other Essentials

 

For the smokers, they have tables outside the café.

  

For their best seller, their chocolate cake is really very delicious and full of chocolates. It is something your money is worth buying, not only for the taste, but also for the price.

  

Since this café is really meant  for conversation, they don’t have a wifi. However, it is situated in front of the Bayan Telecommunication Office in Tacloban a wifi is available and can reach the café.

  

Thanks for the staff specially to Joy who accommodated my request. It was indeed a unique café where conversation and relaxation are important.   

Divine Sweets

December 13, 2009

  

Since it was my first time in Palawan, I was very curious for the coffee shop that the people in area would refer to me. They named a few, but they suggested to go first to Divine Sweets. It was a cakeshop that serves coffee as well. They really started as a cakeshop and when 2007 came, they introduced their coffee. The enhancement was right, they are now one of the known coffee shop in Puerto.

 

 

 

  

The ambiance was warm. I see the place as a hideaway to de-stress. For the sweet tooth, this promises a variety of cakes and pastries to die for. It will complete your coffee experience with their very delectable cakes.

   

 

The Location

 

 

Divine Sweets is located along E. Valencia st. near Rizal st. , Downtown Puerto Princesa, Palawan.   

  

Price Range

 

Their coffee starts at 40 pesos up to 80 pesos for hot and 50 to 95 pesos for cold coffees. They also have Frappuccino that ranges from 95 to 105 pesos. Their pastries start at 8 pesos.

  

Other Essentials

 

They have a wifi inside and outside the café. They have a wide variety of cakes and pastries that you can indulge to.  

 

They also provided tables and chairs outside for those who would like have coffee with cigarettes.

 

  

I asked what they would recommend as their bestseller when It comes to cakes and pastries. The answer was Divine Cake. It was a rich chocolate cake that stands to its name, “divine”. It was very delicious even myself can attest to the “chocolateness” of this creation. This is highly recommended to those who love chocolates. I also like the Sans Rival.

   

It was indeed a gem in Puerto that I truly recommend. Thanks to Ms. Nina Dela Cruz who enthusiastically answered every question I asked about her coffee shop. It was a real pleasure that had that coffee conversation which I truly appreciate. If you want to make reservation, you may call at 05300-4349568.  Thanks to Divine Sweet for making my stay in Puerto a complete coffee experience.

 

Jose Karlo Coffee

November 30, 2009

   

How does it feel to have a coffee in your home after a long day of work? The best way to unwind and relax in your own place is one of the most rewarding moment in your everyday life. That is what Jose Karlo brings to each and every person who pays a visit to their place. What I like about this place is that they offer a very unique coffee nook at every corner.

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Since it is an old house, you can freely walk and roam around. What more, they have decorated their coffee shop well with their vast collections and memorabilia. Not only that you will enjoy their perfect brew but you will surely enjoy the place because of its signature accent, ambiance and beauty. 

  

The Location

 

Jose Karlo is located along Juan Luna st. along the side of Sto. Nino Cathedaral, Tacloban City, Leyte. 

 

Price Range

 

Their coffee starts at 35 pesos up to 60 pesos for hot and 60 to 110 pesos for cold coffees. Their pastries start at 25 pesos. They also offer pasta, sandwiches, pancake and waffles that range from 110 to 140 pesos.

 

Other Essentials

 

Breads and a nice Ambiance 

 

 

computer area 

 

They have a wifi inside and outside the café. They also have an internet place where you can rent at Php 20 per hour. They also sell home made breads such as bagel, French bread, pan de sal, white bread. You can also buy wine by the bottle.

 

  

The smoking area is located outside and is mostly occupied during day and night.   

 

 

I asked what they would recommend as their bestseller when It comes to cakes and pastries. The answer was Chocolate Almond Ganache. The recommendation was true. It was very delicious. It literally melts in your mouth.

 

 

  

It was a very unique coffee experience that I truly recommend. It was and experience of fantastic ambiance, soothing atmosphere, gastronomic indulgence and great coffee.  I will definitely have this experience again when I go back to Tacloban city.

 

Margie’s Kitchen

October 21, 2009

  

When I was in Bicol and most of my colleagues were assigned to Butuan City, they always brought us “Food for the Gods”. Surprisingly, it was very delicious.  It came from Margie’s Kitchen. That was during the mid of 1990s. When I went back to Butuan, I noticed that they have a café. The ambiance was very warm and their brew of coffee was really great. I asked what would be the best fit for their fantastic brew, and I got at the answer,” perfect with their cookie monster cake”. It was indeed a very delightful experience.  This was full-house at night but still, they offer what the coffee aficionados , the moment, the taste and the experience.  

  

The Location

 

Margie’s Kitchen is located along Zamora avenue, Butuan City. This is a very busy thorough fare that can easily be located.  

  

Price Range

 

Their coffee starts at 45 pesos up to 80 pesos. It was very affordable. What I like there, it their variety of cakes to which they were known for. They also serve pasta that ranges from 110 pesos to 165 pesos and very good sandwiches that ranges form 75 pesos to 165 pesos.  

  

Other Essentials

 

They have a free wifi inside and outside the café. They also provide a variety of magazines to choose from. One thing that caught my attention was the interior of there café. You may sign your name on the wall. They also have a very nice carved piece on there ceiling. It was a remarkable shop that has a distinct homey ambiance and warmness.

  

The smoking area is located outside and is mostly occupied during day and night.    

 

I definitely recommend their cooking monster cake. It was so delicious.

 

  

The price is very inexpensive. It is really a value for your money. Margie’s Kitchen reminds me of the coffee shops in Malate. It was indeed a great coffee experience which I will be having again once I go back to Butuan City.

Bean Bag Coffee

September 22, 2009

   

I saw this coffee shop way back 2005 when I went back to Naga city.  During that time, the Magsaysay strip was fast becoming of a dinning and party place. Bean Bag Coffee was the first of its kind in Naga when it comes to coffee shop.  It has brought the quality and ambiance of known coffee shops in the Metro to Metro Naga. They have never failed my distinct taste for a good brew coupled with the relaxing ambiance and friendliness of the Bicolanos as well as the Bicolanas.  

   

Location

 

Bean Bag Coffee is located along Magsaysay avenue, Naga City. Now, they have 2 more branches, one in SM Nag which opened last May 2009 and another one at Panganiban ave.  

  

Price Range

 

There coffee ranges from 35 to 85 pesos for the large sizes. For those who dont want coffee, they also have tea and milkshakes.  What surprises me is their wide range of pastries and cakes that everyone will surely want to have a bite. The price range is from 25 pesos to 50pesos.  Very affordable yet very delicious.  

  

Other Essentials

 

They have a free wifi. Everywhere in their shop and they also provide a wide array of magazines and daily periodicals to choose from.

   

The smoking area is located outside the shop. It is mostly occupied at night.    

   

I asked their staff Sheila, what is their best seller and she recommended their caramel chocolate cake. It was indeed a very good suggestion. The price is very inexpensive. It is really a value for your money. Bean Bag Coffee is comparable to the high end coffee shops in the Metro but at a much more affordable price. When in Naga City, find time to drop by Bean Bag Coffee. You can surely relax and enjoy your favorite cup of coffee plus their wonderful pastries.

The Coffee Place Andalucia

September 3, 2009

    

We always pass to this coffee shop along Circumferential road going to Antipolo city proper or vis-à-vis. It was to our curiosity that brought us to The Coffee Place Andalucia.  Every time we pass at night, this coffee shop is full of people. My wife and I decided to drop by and check out what this coffee shop has to offer. We were surprised that they serve very good coffee. It was a moment to “drinking their coffee while lazily lying your back to their simple yet comfortable chair”.  The place is very relaxing and the ambiance and music quite blended well with the mood and the moment.

  

Location

 

The Coffee Place Andalucia is located at Circumferential Road Brgy. Sa Jose, Antipolo City. It is infront of the Divine Master Convent of the Saint Pauls Sisters.

 

Price Range

 

There coffee ranges form 55 to 95 pesos or the large size. They also serve milkshakes at 100pesos.  For those who crave for food, they serve sandwiches from 55 to 68 pesos and a vey delicious pasta from 85 to 98 pesos. For those who prefer rice meal, they serve it at 138 to 148 pesos. It was really a vey nice stop specially when you go to Antipolo. Very affordable yet very delicious.

 

 

Other Essentials

 

They have a free wifi. Be sure to ask for an access to which they will give you gladly.

   

They also have a smoking area and a wide variety of magazines to choose from.  My wife enjoyed reading while I went on blogging and working.   

 

 

  

There cakes and cookies are very delicious. I ordered for the chocolate cake and I had a taste of what a chocolate cake should be.  It is something you should not miss when you go to this place.

 

 

  

 

You may also do reservation.  You may contact them at 02-6306693. I would like to thank the crew of Dr. Virdi T. Esquivel for accommodating my request for a short chat about the coffee shop. Indeed, it was one of my cherished coffee experience. A revelation in the heart of Antipolo City and that is The Coffee Place Andalucia.   

Java Jolt

July 26, 2009

 

 

Man’s mind, stretch to a new idea,

never goes back to its original dimensions

Oliver Wendell Homes

Morning in the office will never be complete with the first kick of a strong brew. This morning ritual in the office has dominated most of the workplace. Coffee jolt is also preferred by those who do graveyard shift who needs to stay alert during unholy hours. 

 

The caffeine content of coffee made this psychoactive substance at the top to which 90% of all humans are consuming everyday.  This made coffee a stimulant to swell our mind and release our creativity juices necessary for us in what we do.  So coffee complements work.  Many can attest to this specially the regular coffee drinkers who needs this jolt to start the day right.  There are those who prefer it with a coffee press but the easiest way to have it is to have it right away through an instant pack. Surely, this coffee is not only for relaxation, but also as a fuel by majority of the world’s workforce.

 

Pandesal at Kape

July 16, 2009

  

Since I was leaving early for Manila, we made a quick decision to gather for an early morning meeting, since all coffee shops were still closed, we decided to have it at a Pandesalan. The result was a great conversation, good cup of coffee, delightful pandesal and a moment to cherish.  I was indeed a great time for have your “Pandesal at Kape” early in the morning and discuss things that you will do for the rest of the day.

 

As a Filipino, there is this saying “ walang matigas na tinapay sa mainit na kape”. (There is no such this as a hard bread to a hot cup of coffee).  At first you won’t understand this, until such time that you try to soak your bread to your coffee before eating it.  I was exposed to this pandesal and coffee ever since I was a kid.  “Pandesal at Kape” is a common breakfast to most of us Filipinos and it goes very well with the early newspaper or simply have it at your azotea.

 

This is common at every corner of the country. Pandesal at Kape is a perfect combination. This is evident because known coffee shops are now serving padesal to partner with their brew.  For me, there is a time that I cannot have a coffee without my pandesal. It doesn’t matter if there are no fillings, but the important thing is, I have them both at the same time. 

Ya Kun Kaya Toast

July 8, 2009

  

While waiting for my flight to Cagayan De Oro, I stopped by this unique coffee shop that offers an authentic Singaporean Brew.  The name is Ya Kun Kaya Toast.  It originated in Singapore and has been in existence sine 1944.  This is unique because they pull their coffee.  It is a unique way of coffee preparation and mixing. The brew that they serve is Hainanese  coffee. Similar to the basic coffee, you may have it straight back, with evaporated or condensed milk. The shop is also known for their wonderful toast with Kaya. Kaya is a Malayan Singaporean coconut jam and is very good with Toast.

 

    

Location

 

Ya Kun Kaya Toast is located at the departure area of the Ninoy Aquino Centennial Terminal 2 at Pasay City.  I was informed that they also have a branch at Robinson’s Place Malate which I will also visit.  

 

Price Range

 

Their coffee starts at Php 60 to 75 pesos. Their cold beverage ranges from 50 to 90 pesos. A coffee in this place is not complete with their Kaya. Their Kaya meals ranges form 85 to 175 pesos.  I suggest you try their French Toast with Kaya. It is very delicious and very good with their brew.

  

Other Essentials

 

Since this is inside the centennial terminal 2 of Ninoy Aquino Airport, smoking is not allowed.  Wifi access is common from the waiting passengers and those who will enter their café. It is possible through the paid access at the airport. 

  

They also sell Kaya and it ranges from 180 for the 290grams to 280 pesos for the 500 grams.  

 

This is a wonderful coffee experience.  They know how to pull their coffee. The way it should be.

Our Father’s Coffee

July 4, 2009

    

I came across this coffee shop that offers truly Filipino coffee. The name is Our Father’s Coffee. This is a true Filipino coffee shop that maintains the elegant atmosphere at the same time identifies your being a Filipino to it.  They offer Filipino delicacy such as “suman sa lihiya” as well as other cakes and pies. They have different brews of coffee, from the Famous Barako to the Benguet blend. This humble yet very cozy place gives an experience to anyone the value of being a Filipino.  Why? Just by trying to look at their menu will instantly give you familiar food that for sure you would like to try.  They serve the famous pandesal (local bread) with irresistible spreads and meals that ranges from Tapa and rice to Dinuguan and Pizza. 

   

Location

 

Our Father coffee is located at the lower level of Robinsons Galleria, Quezon City. It is near the entrance at San Miguel avenue and is situated near the computer shops.

     

Price Range

 

Their coffee ranges from a single shot of Php70 to a double shot atPhp180.  What I like about this coffee shop is they offer pulutan (appetizers). I was in the brink of asking for a bottle of beer because I was so enticed with the menu. The price range is form Php89 to Php200. Very affordable. With the variety that they can offer, you can have your meal and coffee all at one place.

 

Others Essentials

 

For the smokers, they have a special place where you can enjoy your coffee while smoking.  It is an enclose venue with sufficient ventilation specially designed for smokers. 

   

WIFI.  Since it is located in Robinsons Galleria, the WIFI access is free.

 

They also offer merchandising materials to which you can keep as a souvenir to complete your coffee experience.

 

For the Englishman or tea aficionados, this shop will not fail you because they also have a good variety of local tea.

    

Thanks to Margot who accommodated me during my visit to the place.  She is patient in answering my questions about their coffee shop and her service to me as well as to other customers was fast. This is one unique coffee shop that I encourage you to experience.  Very inspiring, very Filipino.

Unang Saltada

June 30, 2009

 

The Black Gold

 

Coffee is known to us Filipinos ever since we had the consciousness in distinguishing black (coffee) and what is white (milk).  It is because, in most of the house hold, this cannot be denied that it is always available during breakfast.  Time has changed and during this evolution, the breakfast liquid has turned into a social drink during occasions, meetings, gatherings, chats and during serene moment of relaxation. 

 

The Moment

           

            Places were to have you coffee have also evolved.  From the dinning table during breakfast, as a stimulant during wake, an energy drink of the barangay tanod at night, and a morning perk of the boss’ in their offices, coffee is now drank in chic atmosphere and nostalgic ambiance.

 

            As a result of this marriage, the black gold and moment have captured the souls of each and every coffee aficionados to bring the coffee experience to a different level of bliss.

 

A bit of history

 

             As a coffee aficionado, my research brought me to this article about the history of coffee in the Philippines. 

 

Coffee was brought in the Philippines centuries ago by the Spaniards while the country was a colony. They planted coffee trees on the highlands. And because of good combination of humidity, cold, soil and the tropical climate, these plantations flourished. By the 19th century, the Philippines was the 4th largest coffee producing country in the world.

Barako coffee is the Philippine term for coffee produced in Batangas. This Philippine coffee is of the Liberica variety. Liberica is rare and exotic, grown only in 3 countries out of about 70 coffee producing countries in the world. The first Barako tree was a a cutting from Brazil planted in the 1800s in Barangay Pinagtung-Ulan, Batangas by the Macasaet family. Barako coffee has strong taste, flavor, and has As a distinctively pungent aroma. All coffee grown in Batangas is generically called Barako.

During this golden times of coffee production in the Philippines, the town of Lipa in Batangas flourished and many plantation owners became millionaires. In 1887, Spain’s Queen Isabela elevated the town of Lipa into a city named it Villa de Lipa owing to its prosperity. Lipa became one of the richest cities in the Philippines during the coffee boom.

Today, there are only a handful of Barako trees and is in the brink of extinction. The title “coffee capital” of the Philippines has also shifted from Batangas to the town of Amadeo in Cavite province. The decline of coffee industry in the Philippines started when crops were plagued by “Coffee Rust”, an infestation that almost wiped out the Philippine coffee industry. South American countries took over to satisfy the world demand for coffee. In recent years, this was aggravated by the flooding of Vietnam with cheap coffee which made the world prices collapse even further. Today, world prices of coffee is a fraction of the prices during the boom years.

The recent world wide popularity of special brews and exotic blends of coffee gives a sliver of hope to the Philippine coffee industry. This new trend might be the breath of life that the Philippine coffee industry needs to savour once again the taste of Barako coffee’s golden years. (from: http://www.philippineherbalmedicine.org/coffee.htm)

 

            I invite you to have coffee with me as I travel to different cafes and places across the nation in search for the perfect coffee experience. Welcome to Brewsco!!!