K&L Cafe by Blushing Cupcakes is a sweet respite from the bustling city. Opened by sisters Karen and Loren De Guzman whose hobby in baking and making food grew to a store front, this cafe is a homey and cozy space conveniently located along Katipunan Avenue (beside BPI and across Pan de Amerikana). My initial impression on K&L Cafe was that it only serves cupcakes and pastries. After a careful review on their menu followed by our actual site visit, we learned that there’s more to this cafe than cupcakes. π
The enthusiastic owners welcomed us and proudly recommended their craft to satisfy our food cravings. What resulted was an uninterrupted four-hours-long engaging conversation over food and drinks. Time really flies when you’re having fun!
Review of K&L Cafe by Blushing Cupcakes (White Plains, Quezon City)
Ambiance: β β β β β
After a long drive from Manila, we finally reached K&L Cafe and were totally pleased with its relaxing and charming vibe. It’s the type of cafe that will make you want to look around and just chill, just as you would enjoy a visit at a friend’s home.
The color theme of the interior makes for a refined and classy look throughout the two-storied cafe. The fixtures perfectly fit the cafe’s personality, while attractive decorations and memorabilia on the walls can easily stimulate discussion.
A rack of items from Baguio are up for sale, and we found that it’s a clever way on how Karen and Loren share their childhood memories from their hometown. All these sum up to a great visual experience which makes guests feel cool to be in the place.
There’s no doubt that K&L Cafe’s ambiance is great. However, I do suggest that they play soft music on the background to help create a nicer mood. it’s a good place to have some downtime while digging into some decent sweet treats.
Service: β β β β β
If I had to describe their customer service in a word, it would be genuine. From the people working in the cafe to the food they serve, you can feel the genuineness shining through. The staff is extremely friendly and attentive, so don’t be shy to approach and ask for food and drink recommendations.
Food: β β β β β
As a starter, the Session Salad with Strawberry Wine Vinaigrette (PhP 175) reminded us vaguely of Session Road in Baguio City. Just like Session Road, this salad came out exciting with fresh greens, Sagada orange segments, candied nuts and feta cheese. Given its fanciful name, the salad had an interesting mixture that tasted well when put together. It was my first time to sample Sagada oranges and felt glad that they didn’t overpower the dish but only added a slightly citrus twist to it.
An innocent-looking pizza, the Pizza Margherita (PhP 315) was grilled in medium crust with portion that’s good enough for more than two or three people to share. The dough was godly, just light with a little bit of chew. Overall, this Pizza Margherita is a classic done exactly right.
Next, we had Mommy’s Pasta (PhP 197) made with olive, capers, tomatoes, basil and feta cheese. While it didn’t have that zesty sauce I’m used to, the pasta was good as it was neither limp nor tasted microwaved. My dad must have liked this vegetarian-friendly pasta so much that he recalled how delicious it was once again the next day when we were having breakfast at home.
Far from being vegetarian, my mom was particularly excited about Daddy’s Bourbon American Ribs (PhP 295) which were very tender and rich in bourbon barbecue sauce. Served with mountain red rice and veggies, the ribs are guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser. I heard that this dish is the main reason why most people come to K&L Cafe. So you get the point: it is something you should not miss out.
The last course completing our lunch was Ilocos Bagnet and Tomato Salsa (PhP 265). Bagnet is deep fried pork’s meat known as a “foodie treasure” in the province of Ilocos, Philippines. Crunchy, yummy and excellent when dipped in vinegar, Karen and Loren Cafe’s version was one of the best cooked bagnet we’ve tried so far. If you haven’t craved for bagnet before, you will after you try this.
Drinks
K&L’s Hot Peppermint Vanilla Latte (PhP 105) was a more subtle variant to Starbucks’ Peppermint Mocha which is basically coffee with a splash of peppermint. I did enjoy the balance of bitterness, sweetness, and a hint of mint. The more sips I took of this drink, the more I loved it.
The Iced Cappuccino (PhP 115) had a lingering aftertaste which was mildly bitter. Bits of cappuccino powder on top really hit the spot! This cold drink will be enough to fuel you to survive a sunny day.
We know that Baguio is known for strawberry food products and strawberries freshly picked from the Strawberry Farm of La Trinidad. Now we’re not sure if the strawberries put in the Famous Strawberry Calamansi (PhP 95) were sourced straight from Baguio. Anyway, it’s worth mentioning that they were really juicy. The calamansi component didn’t taste too tart and not too strongly citrus, just the way we liked it.
With freshly squeezed lemons and pulps of oranges, the Lemon with Sagada Orange (PhP 95) was a great combo by itself. It was nice enough to merit a “wow” factor for a refreshing drink.
Desserts
For desserts, we were served with a platter of cupcakes: S’mores Cupcake (PhP 75), French Vanilla Cupcake (PhP 67), Oreo Loaf with Coffee Kick Cupcake (PhP 67) and Mangoes and Cream with Rum Caramel Cupcake (PhP 75).
Topped with a generous amount of soft cream and other ingredients distinct to each flavor, these cupcakes were so good and not too sweet. The texture of the cupcakes was just fluffy enough for my liking. Unlike the usual type which tend to be overly dry or the oppositeβmoist or dense, these felt more like cake and seemed more fitting to be called a dessert. I actually could not decide which one among the four I liked best. Each one was a mouthful of happiness, a great meal-ender. But still if you insist to ask, you may want to trust my sister’s taste. She raved the S’mores Cupcake most. π
Price for Value: β β β β β
If there’s one cafe in Katipunan that you must visit, this is it. Indeed, K and L by Blushing Cupcakes didn’t fail our expectations, with exceptional service and comfort food. Students of schools and universities in the area are most fortunate as they can come in anytime during operation hours which start as early as 7AM and end at 9PM. Prices of food are affordable. I hope they remain so in the future or until our next visit. π Check out their menu here.
Update:
K&L Cafe offers a special PRE-VALENTINE’S promotion: Pay only PhP 500 for a super delicious meal and save PhP 300!Β To avail of the offer, you just have to print this coupon and present it to K&L’s cashier. Note: You may print as many as you like. This is good for dine-in and to-go transactions.
Promo lasts until February 10, 2015.
About Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco
Health and technology freak. Food and lifestyle blogger with a large appetite for food and travel.
Wow, it is a good thing this place is near me. I want to try the S’mores cupcake and Lemon with Sagada Orange. They look yummy.
Their cupcakes are really great especially because even the icing on top is enjoyable. The cupcake and the icing have different tastes and textures yet they are perfect together.
Looks like such a lovely, clean cafe. I really like the decor. The food looks so delicious, I’d love to try it! Those cupcakes with the pink icing look so delicious!
The interior is really nice because it can be ideal for any type of occasion. Whether you dine with your thesis group, business partners, friends or loved ones, the atmosphere gives a pleasant vibe for dining.
That’s a pretty place and the food looks topnotch! Someday, I wish to open a similar hangout (in my dreams, haha) Thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome! Wow, that’s nice! Opening a restaurant/bakeshop is a good business venture today as people search for more unique places to eat. π
Oooh, I’m all about anywhere with cupcakes! The gorgeous decor and the delicious looking food would be a huge draw as well. That pizza looks so good–I’m getting hungry from your pictures!
I’m actually not a huge fan of cupcakes but not until I was able to try K&L’s yummy cupcakes. Now I’m craving for one. π
K&L looks like a great place to grab a bite or lunch to eat. The food looks amazing and the personalized message on the clipboard was a nice touch. Thanks for sharing. Again the food looks delicious!
Yup! They offer great choices of food for snacks like cupcakes and cookies and for heavier meals including rice meals, pizzas and pastas. Their drinks are also worthy to try! π
If I ever find myself in Manila, I’ll definitely drop by K&L Cafe. Love how the interiors look cozy as it appeals to families and friends. That bagnet looks so delicious, I wanna try it right now!
Hope you do! Their food and even the drinks are a must-try! And yes, their bagnet is topnotch, crunchy and very tasty. π
This place looks amazing! I love so many aspects – the menu on the roll of paper is absolutely adorable. All the drinks are presented in a very unique style. It makes me want to travel there just so I can sit down, relax and enjoy some of the great things on their menu.
Their food choices are truly amazing that would make you feel like home after a bite or feel the Filipino energy. Their drinks can also be chosen as hot or cold to fit your preferences but either way, they all taste great. Hope you could visit someday! π
What a beautiful place that is and the food and beverages look so tempting and tantalizing. Those pink cupcakes are absolutely darling. Pink is my favorite color.
Yup, they really are. And what’s even great about their food and drinks is that the impressive presentation are not to disappoint with their tastes. Especially with the cupcakes, the icing and the cake just melted in my mouth while I savor the flavor and texture. π
This isn’t fair.. I am hungry and all of this food and drinks look really amazing. I love the name of this place, very cute inside. The shelf of stuff you can buy is really neat too. Those cupcakes look too good to eat.
Hehe Hope you could visit here someday and try our great Filipino dishes and delicacies. And if you don’t want to get culture shocked, try the food menu of K&L because they offer both Filipino and Western cuisines like pizza and pastas. π
Wow, the food there looks amazing. And those cupcakes are gorgeous.
The cupcakes are surprisingly great as the cream on top has its own flavor that complements the cake very well. π
Although this minimalist store , but look pretty . Of course I’m interested to visit to enjoy food and drinks .
The interior is really nice. May it be for a meeting or just to hang out, this restaurant is a perfect choice to dine in and relax.
Wow this looks amazing! I love the decor and the food looks absolutely delicious.
The pleasing setting and presentation of their food and drinks can sure tempt anyone to dine and even order more. π
It’s nice that they are genuine with their service and products. Their food looks tasty too.
Yes, this restaurant can definitely provide a great dining experience with their service and unique menu. π
It’s so cool that they are from Baguio too. I like how they themed their foods with their hometown.
Yeah, I think you will also think fondly of your childhood memories when you visit this cafe as you’re also from the City of Pines! π
I wish we had places like this here in the UK. The presentation, the premises – everything is beautiful and I would LOVE to visit here…often! I love everything about it. There is a complete lack of cupcake inspiration here too. England needs help!
Ohh maybe you could pioneer a cupcake store in your country that offers unique flavors? Hehe But yeah, K&L’s offerings are very commendable for its diverse and delicious food and drinks.
I want to try their food when I’m in Quezon City. Their food looks very delicious! Naglalaway ako ngayon! Sarap!
K&L is really unique and highly commendable for its menu and you wouldn’t want to miss this treasure. Haha Hope you could try their food soon!
What a cute little place! The food looked absolutely delicious!
Their cupcakes are cute too! Haha But beyond the nice interior of the restaurant and the presentation of food, the taste of their food and drinks are also two thumbs up. π
First off, this cupcake shop is absolutely adorable! Second off, the cupcakes look delicious! If I’m ever in the area, I need to go here! Thank you so much for the review! I love your blog! xoxo
Thank you! K&L is truly a must-visit restaurant. You may enjoy their cupcakes, meals and unique drinks when you drop by. π
Those are super pretty cupcakes! That spaghetti looks delicious, too. I can’t wait to go eat dinner now lol.
Haha Their food are really tempting. After taking a bite, I doubt anyone can stop themselves from devouring the food. π
You look sa happy out there.
it feels me hungry but i just ate.
Yup! Good food + great company = happy me! π
Did someone say ‘cupcakes?’ OMGoodness, you go to all of the best foodie hot spots! I love the shelf display with the rope accents. Everything looks so nice and neat there…I bet this arrangement really increases sales. The Hot Peppermint Vanilla Latte is really up my alley, and I would LOVE to try that Rum Caramel Cupcake.
All their food, drinks and cupcakes are actually must-tries. Haha They offer unique flavors that would surely satisfy you. And if you’re looking for Baguio’s specialty biscuits and food, K&L also provides them so everything in there is just so great. π
Wow, the food looks really delicious! I can’t wait to try them.
You may also go there to try their cupcakes and refreshing drinks to pass time and hangout with your friends and loved ones. π
This sounds like a great Cafe. All the food looks really good. I would eat all the cupcakes.
Yup! It’s a one-cafe/restaurant-fits-all as it can serve food at any time of the day from snacks to heavy meals and drinks as well.
Looks like a lovely place to try out. Great!
They also sell Baguio City’s famous food delicacies like milk and choco flakes that makes K&L a very interesting place to visit and dine in.
Wow, not only do those cupcakes look yummy; but the food also looks so delicious!
I was also very impressed as their other offerings aside from the cupcakes were all delicious. The cupcakes are definitely not the only specialty they can provide to customers but everything else in their menu.
The food looks amazing. I love the menus on the wall. This looks like a great place to have a fantastic meal.
Yup! The ambiance is really nice accompanied by good food and service that made the dining experience a memorable one. π
What a great looking place to eat. I love everything about it. The food looks great, the decorations and the items you can buy.
Everything is almost as perfect as it could get with their cozy setting and top-notch cupcakes, food and drinks. π
Those foods look delish! If only the cafe is close to us. π
Yeah, if only it was closer to us too. But it was definitely a great experience to taste their food and drinks that make me want to visit again.
This looks like an amazing place! I would love to fine here! I like how the cafe seemed like a cupcake or maybe a bakery cafe but they also serve other kinds of foods! That is great! The food looks delicious but so do the pink cupcakes π haha, Great share!
Thanks, Michelle! I also loved their concept because it is definitely more than just a cupcake shop where they could also be known for their exquisite meals and drinks. π
Everything looks great. Your description of the pizza had me wanting some for sure!
Haha! It was really hard to choose from their menu because of the great food choices. Luckily, K&L were already the ones who chose and ordered for us.
wow…looks like a one stop gastronomic shop. If Katipunan is only near to my place i would love to try their ice cappucino and that Bagnet. surely i will drop by soon π
That’s very nice! We are actually quite far from Katipunan too but I guess their good food won’t stop us from coming back again. π
The place looks super nice and cozy! I’m sure your family loved it. Now I’m craving for that bagnet.
Yes we all loved it! The food was enjoyed more with the comforting ambiance of the restaurant and great food! And yeah, the bagnet was superb even for a non-meat-eater like me.
The place is as unusual as the food they serve. I never thought there’d be restaurants in the Philippines that still prefer good ambience and design rather than maximizing the space for tables and seats.
The interior of the place was very pleasing to visitors and diners. And with their commendable food, it is really worthy to try it out. π
What a nice and cozy restaurant. The food looks yummy!
You may also get various Baguio’s delicacies here so hope you could try dropping by this place soon.
I like the photos, food presentations were nice and the ambiance of the cafe seemed inviting!
Thanks! Hope you could visit and try their great food soon. π
I was inspired by the story of the two sisters, how I wish my two daughters will be like them also. Though they love cooking not baking.
I love their place, it feels like you are just inside your house taking a break and have time for fun eating. Food served are also yummy to look and I’m sure it also tastes good base on the pictures.
Ohh That’s a nice thought for your daughters especially since food/restaurant business offers a lot of opportunities today. And yup! This restaurant/cafe is really an ideal place to hangout and relax with good food and company.
The cupcakes are wonderful to see, how much more if they will be tasted and eaten. Great photos by the way. More like a pro π
Thank you! The presentation of food was really nice that you wouldn’t want to eat it anymore. But you also wouldn’t be able to resist the temptation with its great taste. π
I love everything you had at K & L. I’ll make sure to drop by before December ends..
Yehey! Hope you also enjoy your dining experience like I did. π
Wonderful! The place looks really nice and food amazing!
They also offer some of Baguio City’s famous delicacies that makes it a more interesting place to visit.
Aside from their great food, they also have nice juice combinations.
I agree! Their drinks are also one of a kind especially the Famous Strawberry Calamansi which we tried. The sweet and tangy flavors were combined very well to become a refreshing drink.
The cafe is something that I would love to visit. I love the homey interiors!
You’ll love this. Take as many pictures as you want. π
Cupcake is my fave desert and my mouth’s watering just looking at those pics haha! Sounds like a great place, it’s always best when the owners are really passionate with their place, you can sense the genuineness like an extra sweetener on their menus!
Yes, you are so right about genuineness. I think the business would be more successful when the owners put their heart right into it, and this one is a good example of such. π
hi roch
i just tried this the other day and i was in love with the interior and the food and the service
π
Oh wow it’s great to hear that you enjoyed your visit. π