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Category: Café and Tea Hubs

  • Café 305: A Hidden Gem in Banawe for Foodies and Coffee Lovers

    Café 305: A Hidden Gem in Banawe for Foodies and Coffee Lovers

    Stepping into Café 305 is like entering a realm of simplicity and tranquility. The looks and feel of the café are carefully curated to embrace a clean and minimalist vibe, exuding a sense of modernity and elegance. The owners have masterfully combined sleek lines and uncluttered spaces with a tasteful touch of green and neutral hues, creating an inviting atmosphere that immediately puts guests at ease.

    Café 305 just had their soft opening last June 19, 2023. It’s location address is at the Banawe Square Building corner G. Roxas Street, Quezon City. For inquiries, You may contact them at +63 918 919 1305.

    I had a chance to have a group dinner with my family last week. Let me share with you our fun and memorable experience here. 🙂

    Discover Café 305: Where Minimalism Meets Culinary Delights

    Ambiance and Aesthetics

    The café’s color palette predominantly consists of soothing neutrals such white and warm beige tones. These muted hues provide a perfect backdrop for the splashes of green incorporated throughout the space. Potted plants and leafy arrangements are thoughtfully placed, infusing the interior with a refreshing natural element that adds to the café’s overall charm.

    Upon entering, customers are greeted by a cozy seating area, adorned with plush seating and dining tables, where one can enjoy their drinks and desserts in style. The main dining area features a mix of cozy booths and stylish marbled tables paired with contemporary chairs, offering guests a comfortable and chic setting to savor their meals.

    The clean and uncluttered design also extends to the counter area where the café’s delectable pastries and sweets are on display. Glass cases showcase an array of mouthwatering treats, tempting visitors to indulge in their favorite desserts.

    One of the notable features of Café 305 is its dedication to ensuring customers’ convenience. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the café, catering to those who wish to catch up on work, study, or simply stay connected while relishing their time in the café’s serene environment.

    Furthermore, Café 305 goes above and beyond by offering its entire second floor as a versatile function area, capable of accommodating private events and gatherings. Whether it’s a birthday celebration, corporate meeting, or a social get-together, the café’s spacious second floor can host up to 50 people comfortably. The same clean and minimalistic design ethos extends to this area, providing a sophisticated and intimate setting for special occasions.

    The thoughtful design and versatility of Café 305 make it an ideal choice for different events and gatherings. The warm and welcoming ambiance, along with the attentive staff, ensures that guests feel right at home, making their dining experience truly memorable.

    As the day turns to evening, the café subtly transforms with ambient lighting, creating a cozy and intimate atmosphere that invites patrons to unwind and enjoy the company of friends or loved ones. The soft glow of pendant lights hanging from the ceiling added a touch of sophistication to the already elegant space.

    Food

    As an appetizer, we had the Truffle Fries and Shawarma Nachos, both of which were excellent choices to whet our appetites. The Truffle Fries were crispy on the outside and perfectly seasoned, while the aroma of truffle oil added a luxurious touch.

    The Shawarma Nachos were a unique fusion of Mediterranean and Mexican flavors, with tender shawarma meat, melted cheese, and a medley of fresh toppings that provided a burst of zesty goodness with every bite. These appetizers were so satisfying that we almost wanted to order another round.

    One of the highlights of the main dishes we tried was the Beef Morcon, a traditional Filipino-style roulade cooked to perfection in a rich tomato sauce. The beef was tender, succulent, and bursting with flavors, complemented by the hearty tomato sauce that elevated the dish to a whole new level. Each bite was a delightful symphony of taste and texture, making it a must-try for anyone visiting the café.

    For those craving a rich and creamy dish, the Lengua in a creamy sauce is a must-try. The lengua, or ox tongue, is my mom’s favorite. We loved that it was incredibly tender and bathed in a velvety sauce that was both savory and comforting. This classic Filipino dish was a delightful reminder of home-cooked meals, prepared with love and passion.

    Next on our culinary journey was the Pork Menudo, another beloved Filipino classic. The dish was a harmonious medley of bite-sized tender pork, potatoes, and carrots, cooked in a savory tomato-based sauce that was seasoned to perfection. It was a hearty and satisfying dish that paired wonderfully with steamed rice, leaving us with smiles of contentment.

    Seafood lovers will find delight in the Rellenong Bangus, a Filipino-style stuffed milkfish. The bangus was filled with a flavorful mixture of ground pork, vegetables, and spices, creating a delightful interplay of tastes. The dish was both aromatic and mouthwatering, showcasing the café’s commitment to offering authentic and delightful Filipino cuisine.

    For those with dietary preferences, Café 305 proves to be accommodating and thoughtful. They prepared a vegetarian-friendly Truffle Pasta for my dad, who is a vegetarian. The pasta was cooked al dente and generously coated in a creamy truffle sauce that exuded sophistication and refinement. I think even non-vegetarians will like it! It actually surpassed our expectations, proving that vegetarian dishes can be just as indulgent and flavorful.

    To wash down our delightful meal, we ordered a range of refreshing and comforting beverages. The Melon Smoothie and Avocado Smoothie were a burst of freshness and natural sweetness, perfect for the tropical climate. The Hot Chocolate was rich, velvety, and decadent, offering comfort in every sip. Meanwhile, the Hot Latte was a symphony of robust coffee flavor and velvety milk, a treat for any coffee enthusiast.

    Wrap Up

    If you’re a food enthusiast on the lookout for a new gem to tickle your taste buds, look no further than Café 305, the latest sensation that has taken the Banawe area in Quezon City by storm. This quaint café, named after the very street where the owner’s parents used to frequent, offers a delectable array of dishes that will leave you craving for more.

    From sweet treats to hearty meals, Café 305 has something to satisfy every palate. With the convenience of free Wi-Fi and the option to host private events on the second floor, this café proves to be a versatile and cherished destination for locals and visitors alike. Check it out!

  • Kurimi Milk Tea Bar, The First 2D Café in the Philippines

    Kurimi Milk Tea Bar, The First 2D Café in the Philippines

    Unique interiors, delicious and refreshing drinks, and affordable pricing—these are the three main reasons why you should check out Kurimi Milk Tea Bar in Sct. Limbaga Street in Tomas Morato area. 🙂

    Cafe Yeonnam-dong 239-20 in Seoul has been in our travel bucket list for the longest time. Now that we’re on lockdown and couldn’t really fly to Korea, Kurimi Milk Tea Bar is the closest we can visit to experience being inside a real-life drawing. Black lines along corners and edges and just all-white furniture look so creative. The two-dimensional effect will easily catch anyone’s attention. Even their bathroom has doodles and still consistent and seamless with the concept!

    When we look back at our photos, we seemed like characters out of a comic or sketchbook. It’s a fun place to chill with friends. Architecturally, it’s impressive, even if you’re not a fan of milk tea. 🙂 Note that the limit capacity inside is 8 people, following social distancing and safety protocols. We were the only customers at that time, so it was calm and quiet and service was fast.

    Kurimi Milk Tea Bar, The First 2D Café in the Philippines

    Kurimi offers different variants of milk tea sourced from Taiwan and brewed fresh daily. They have the Cream Cheese Series, signature milk teas, Brown Sugar Series, Cheesecake Series, fruit teas, and specialty drinks. If you’re not into milk teas, fantastic options of fruit teas with tropical flavors like passionfruit, lychee, lemon, grapefruit, watermelon, and peach can match your preference. What’s also special about their drinks is the popping boba, a little juice ball filled also with fruit juice and pops when bitten into. It’s a great spin-off from traditional boba.

    We got the following: Jasmine Milk Tea Cream Cheese, Jasmine Tea Cream Cheese, Blueberry Cheesecake with Pearl, and Watermelon Fruit Tea with Mix Popping Boba. Everything was delightful and enjoyable. The ones with cream cheese are the creamiest, certainly living up to the name “kurimi” which is Japanese from “creamy.” Yum!

    Kurimi Milk Tea Bar now has three branches. They are open for dine-in, take-out, and delivery. If you’re just near Tomas Morato and feel safe going out, this one-of-a-kind café is worth the trip. Take as many photos as you’d like while enjoying cool drinks. 🥤

    Address: 88 Scout Limbaga Ext, Diliman, Quezon City, Metro Manila
    Contact Number: 0920 916 1078
    Email: kurimimilkteabar@gmail.com

  • Presotea is Now in the Philippines! (Robinsons Magnolia, Quezon City)

    Presotea is Now in the Philippines! (Robinsons Magnolia, Quezon City)

    What’s Presotea? Nope, it’s not just another milk tea store from Taiwan! Presotea serves milk tea but not only that. It specializes in serving brew-to-order tea based beverages with unique flavors and cocktails that bring out the distinct tea flavor every time.

    Presotea is Now in the Philippines! (Robinsons Magnolia, Quezon City)

    We met with the owners today and learned that what sets it apart from all the rest is its brewing technology. The name “Presotea” is derived from espresso-tea, since it uses a high-temperature and high-pressure espresso machine to extract the essence of tea. Each cup is freshly made in front of the customer giving them a fresh tea flavor and a healthier way of drinking tea with a bittersweet aftertaste.

    With an excellent technological background in tea orchard management, they have a meticulous tea selection process and professional R & D team in its process and preparation. The espresso machine they use in the store is inspired by the Western technology and Eastern tea culture. The management from Taiwan even flew here in Manila to train the staff on how to use their espresso machine.

    We tried all sorts of different tea variants and flavors. Each one was delightful! Truly, picking a personal favorite took me some time. What I also like is that the teas they serve aren’t concocted and made from powder form or the artificial kind. Presotea’s teas are brewed from actual tea leaves.

    The top sellers are Japanese Milk Tea Macchiato with Red Bean, Blueberry Aloe Vera, Signature Fruit Tea Fusion, A-li-shan Iced Tea, Signature Tea Latte with Pearl, PPJ (Pearl, Pudding, Jelly) Milk Tea, Matcha Latte with Red Bean and White Pearl, QQ Passion Fruit Tea, White Peach Tea Macchiato, and Apple Passion Yakult. The teas can be served either hot or cold, depending on the customer’s preference. Sugar and ice levels can be adjusted. Also, there’s an option to go for a zero-calorie sweetener (liquid stevia). Additional toppings are optional: black pearl, coconut jelly, grass jelly, pudding, aloe vera, white pearl, red bean, and cheese macchiato.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BtFWTtfDEkr/

    I ordered the Japanese Milk Tea Macchiato with Red Bean and Louie got the Wintermelon Milk Tea. The taste of milk tea and red bean together is heaven for me. The cream macchiato lends an extra smooth and creamy finish, with an appealing taste of fresh cream that lingers on the palate. I got 50% sugar and it was just sweet enough for my liking. Wintermelon Milk Tea was another great choice. Unlike in other tea shops, this one has real wintermelon in it (not sugar). The end result is a milk tea with a sort of haunting soft sweetness resembling caramel with a twist. 🙂 Love it!

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BtF3yNgl2Xy/

    Here’s the Presotea menu, for your reference. Prices are affordable!

    Launched in the first week of January 2019, Presotea in Robinsons Magnolia is the first branch in the Philippines. But internationally, it has over 300 franchise stores. Presotea has been well established and successfully launched in Taiwan since 2006. Through its outstanding management and product quality control, the brand has become one of the well-known tea shops in Taiwan and the business is still growing. It’s also present in countries like Indonesia, Canada, China and Australia.

    [schema type=”review” url=”http://www.presotea.ph/” name=”Presotea” description=”2nd Floor Robinsons Magnolia” author=”Roch Sioco” pubdate=”2019-01-26″ user_review=”5″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”5″ ]

  • Review of Third Space Studio Cafe (Banawe, Quezon City)

    Review of Third Space Studio Cafe (Banawe, Quezon City)

    It’s been a while since I last blogged about food reviews. Work has been very busy lately, but our interest in visiting interesting and unique restaurants hasn’t waned. Two weeks ago, we came across Third Space Studio Cafe in Banawe corner N.S. Amoranto, Quezon City and thought the place looks artsy and cozy. Call it a collector’s haven, if you may. The cafe has trinkets of treasures: vintage pieces, odd decorations you wouldn’t imagine would look good when put together, and different sets of dining tables and chairs in one setting. There’s no wonder why it’s called “Third Space Studio Cafe” in the first place!

    Third Space Studio Cafe, Banawe

    Review of Third Space Studio Cafe (Banawe, Quezon City)

    Ambiance:

    We came here out of convenience (its location is near our home) and mostly because we wanted to try more of their food. Apparently, the ambiance is such a great considerable factor to why this cafe is a must-visit. The owners like collecting things like frames, old furniture, lighting pieces, and various carefully curated decors that can certainly pique one’s interest. There’s also a jukebox, toy vending machine, and vintage wooden horse.

    Third Space Studio Cafe is a good venue for a casual first date. Natural lighting is ample, and the tables are spread out enough that you don’t need to listen to the group next to yours. It also works well for a family dinner. Seats are comfortable so patrons can stay a longer time going down memory lane together over food and drinks.

    Food:

    Food in Third Space Studio Cafe turned out pretty average for my taste but it was fine for Louie’s. Fish and Chips (PhP 195) weren’t as crunchy as I liked, the Roast Beef Rice Meal (PhP 175) served in beef broth gravy wasn’t anything to be excited about, and their Okinawa Milk Tea was too sweet for my liking. An iconic dish we saw on Third Space Studio Cafe’s menu was the lechon burger, but it wasn’t readily available. It could have been a good candidate for being the star of our meal! We hope to try it next time.

    Price for Value:

    While the cafe decors didn’t look cohesive, they strangely work. “Third Space Studio Cafe is the result of random and pleasant coincidences. It is a product of being given the chance to create, being presented with the opportunity to do something very fun, and the will to collaborate with other artists.” We enjoyed the concept and creativity put in the exhibition. As a whole, this cafe in Banawe is worth going to. The food and price for value could be better.

    [schema type=”review” url=”http://www.thirdspacestudiocafe.com” name=”Third Space Studio Cafe” description=”Banawe Street, Corner N. S. Amoranto, Banawe, Quezon City” rev_name=”For inquiries, contact 0956-1253000 or email thirdspacestudiocafe@gmail.com” author=”Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco” pubdate=”2018-02-24″ user_review=”3.8″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”5″ ]

  • Grand Launch of Fredley Banawe Complex (Banawe, Quezon City)

    Grand Launch of Fredley Banawe Complex (Banawe, Quezon City)

    Fredley Food and Beverages, Inc. has been introducing exciting food concepts for the past four years. This year, they’re proud to have built their own complex with three of their brands—Macao Imperial Tea, Shabu-shabu Ichiban, and Mitasu Charcoal Yakiniku—all housed at Fredley Banawe Complex. Today was the grand launch, and we were honored to take part in the event, witness the ribbon cutting ceremony, and try out their food specialties.

    Macao Imperial Tea Philippines

    As one of the fastest-growing cafe chains that’s proudly born in Macau, Macao Imperial Tea takes a deeply-rooted approach that highlights a mix of the rich Macanese culture and a personalized experience. Genuine, memorable, and special—this is what Macao Imperial Tea brings in each and every cup that’s especially made for their customers’ satisfaction. This cafe brought massive hype to social media with its cute tumblers and unique drinks. When we visited for the first time, I thought it’s very much worthy of the praise.

    The vibe was charming and the location seemed apt as a hangout place for friends to spend hours enjoying drinks and pastries over a nice chat. Macao Imperial Tea in Banawe is open from 7am to 12mn, so you can be sure you won’t miss out.

    Their menu is filled with interesting options such as chestnut cream, milk tea, coffee and quirky drinks like Kitten Milk Tea, Ginger Milk Tea, Walnut Black Sesame Fresh Milk, and Taro Sweet Potato Fresh Milk. I was truly spoiled for choice and then just asked the staff for best recommendations. We ended up trying their best-sellers, Chestnut Cream Cocoa (PhP 130) and Cream Cheese Oreo Milk Tea (PhP 120), and liked them both. A lot. I’m telling you, it’s a must-try!

    Topped with a creamy cheese foam made with whipped cream, milk and cream cheese, the drinks were both salty and sweet at the same time. Taste was simply exquisite, and thickness was decadent. Sipping straight from the cup without stirring and without a straw is recommended. 🙂 The drinks were also chocolatey, with the right amount of cream cheese bursting with complex flavor in every gulp. We also shared a piece of their almond chocolate cookie and loved it, too!

    Shabu-shabu Ichiban

    Shabu-shabu Ichiban is a popular hotpot restaurant from Nagoya, Japan. It gives patrons an authentic Japanese hotpot experience by providing plenty of interesting soup base options and unlimited servings of meat, sushi, and king crab. Like Chinese hot pot, Japanese shabu-shabu is also communal. Not only do you sit down to eat with all your companions, but you cook the food together in the same pot of simmering broth.

    Shabu-shabu Ichiban offers a reasonably priced and delicious introduction to a golden meal. This Japanese restaurant in Banawe has all-you-can-eat and a la carte options available on the menu. Overall, food is great, generous in servings, and you definitely won’t sit through your meal hungry. Indulging in Japanese shabu-shabu is good way to bond with the family or celebrate an occasion.

    We each had Set B (Weekdays: PhP 688 lunch, PhP 788 dinner; Weekends and Holidays: PhP 888) which was quite a mouthful. It consisted of: Sushi and Sashimi Platter, Vegetable Platter, US Angus Chuck Eye Roll, US Beef Short Plate, Boston Butt (Pork Shoulder), Chicken Leg Quarter, Chicken and Pork Dumplings, Assorted Balls, Shrimp Tempura, Fried Chicken Wings, Kushikatsu, Udon and Ramen Noodles, Dessert (Coffee Jelly), and Drinks. The soup bases we chose (tantan and spicy szechuan) were both spicy broths, perfect for the cold, rainy weather.

    The broth was nowhere near as complex as ramen soup bases in Japanese ramen restaurants, but we dropped in udon and ramen noodles anyway since hotpot broth always develops more flavor as you cook various items in it. The noodles took seconds to cook, the fatty cuts of meat required just a quick dip, and the assorted balls and fish cakes benefited from a longer soak.

    Thankfully, the settings on the in-table induction plate were carefully controlled by the staff. Just as we were getting into the hotpot groove, we also had bites of the remarkably greaseless tempura, sushi, and fried chicken in between. Yum! 🙂

    Mitasu Charcoal Yakiniku

    After eating loads of food, we figured we have to return for another visit to Fredley Banawe Complex to experience their yakiniku special next time. Otherwise, we could have left bloated instead of pleasantly full. 😛

    Sharing the same space as Shabu-shabu Ichiban, Mitasu Charcoal Yakiniku is the newest concept among the three, offering authentic Japanese Yakiniku. A Japanese term for “fulfill,” Mitasu is said to live up to its name with the many kinds of Japanese favorites that will certainly leave a lasting impression. If you’re looking to get fancy with Japanese Yakiniku in Banawe, this is where you do it.

    [schema type=”review” name=”Fredley Banawe Complex” description=”780 Banawe Street, Quezon City” author=”Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco” pubdate=”2017-10-14″ user_review=”4.5″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”5″ ]

  • Review of Alice Tea Salon (The Pearl Place, Ortigas, Pasig City)

    Review of Alice Tea Salon (The Pearl Place, Ortigas, Pasig City)

    I’m a big fan of Alice in Wonderland, so when I heard about Alice Tea Salon which opened up recently in Ortigas, I knew we definitely had to visit it right away. 🙂 Talk about fantasy dining. We love quirky venues that scream unique individuality. Alice Tea Salon in The Pearl Place is an Alice in Wonderland-themed cafe filled with a combination of baby blue and white colors as inspired by Alice’s dress and quotes such as “Drink Me” and “We’re All Mad Here.” Here you may find a simple scenery of the world of Alice once you pass the charmingly designed-card door representing the Red Queen.

    Review of Alice Tea Salon (The Pearl Place, Ortigas, Pasig City)

    Ambiance:

    There was an ongoing baby shower party when we arrived, and the event occupied half of the place. Fortunately, we were still allowed to get in and have our own “fairy tale” experience. This place is a hidden gem that brings Mad Hatter’s eternal tea damnation to life with their Alice in Wonderland-themed interior and tea-centric menu. Alice Tea Salon conveys a clean layout with familiar features straight from Alice in Wonderland. From its porch, the red two-door Queen of Hearts embellished with card suits, to their black and white tiled floors and classy interior, it definitely is the perfect space for Instagram-worthy photos!

    Food/Drinks:

    A tea party isn’t complete without the tea. Alice Tea Salon offers various types of tea (hot and cold are both available) brewed using an espresso machine with tea leaves sourced from Taiwan. Their bestselling variant is roasted oolong tea, and other original tea recommendations include English Breakfast, Earl Gray, Assam, and Darjeeling tea. They also offer sweet and delicious beverages like tea lattes, tea-based milkshakes, ice cream smoothies, and con pannas that don’t disappoint as well.

    We tried Hot Wintermelon Macchiato (PhP 145), Strawberry Choco Smoothie (PhP 170), and Ruby Cappuccino (PhP 110). To match with the drinks and satisfy our sweet tooth, we had Ube Cheesecake (PhP 150) and Lemon Bars (PhP 50) which were also theme-appropriate. The ube cheesecake is a winner. The graham bottom worked as a natural pairing to the lushness of ube cream cheese. The delightfully nutty crust added a moderating element and some textural variation. 🙂 The tart, fruity flavor of lemon in the lemon bar was also much appreciated.

    Price for Value:

    We had a lovely time at Alice Tea Salon. The ambiance is quite enjoyable and service is on-point, too. It matched my expectation for sure. Prices are fair, not exceedingly higher or lower than the usual cafe or coffee shop in Metro Manila. This is a good place to stay all afternoon while chatting with friends. It’s just a few minutes of walking away from EDSA Shangri-la Hotel, Shangri-la Mall, and SM Megamall.

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/AliceTeaSalon/” name=”Alice Tea Salon” description=”30 Pearl Dr, San Antonio, Pasig, 1600 Metro Manila” rev_name=”For inquiries/reservations, call (02) 925 1213″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco” pubdate=”2017-10-01″ user_review=”4.5″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”5″ ]

  • Review of Kandle Cafe (Mother Ignacia Avenue, Quezon City)

    Review of Kandle Cafe (Mother Ignacia Avenue, Quezon City)

    Kandle Cafe is one of the restaurants that are offering discounts when you reserve via BigDish. The food on the menu looked interesting, so we decided to drive to Mother Ignacia Avenue for late lunch last weekend to give it a try. The whole concept of naming the cafe “Kandle” takes well. It’s derived from the initials of the four siblings (Khyrss, Dong King, Leslie, and Eli) who own the place. Kandle Cafe has an easygoing neighborhood feel. It’s the kind of spot where the food speaks for itself and nothing is trying too hard to impress you; it effortlessly draws you in and makes you want to be there.

    Review of Kandle Cafe (Mother Ignacia Avenue, Quezon City)

    Ambiance:

    Kandle Cafe is a comfortable space, and it’s definitely cooler than your average coffee shop. Brewed and blended coffee, an attractive refrigerated display of pastries, and creative dishes should help keep you going while you do whatever it is you’re doing on your laptop. But there’s more. The ambiance features a modern layout with wooden furnishing. Decorative elements introducing splashes of color on the wall certainly bring out a homey feel and inviting atmosphere. Greenery is also dotted about the space. The wood theme is continued at the back patio, where diners can enjoy the al fresco dining setup. If weather is nice, sit out there and enjoy the chill.

    Food:

    We started our meal with Paella Croquettes (PhP 210): chicken in toasted rice balls. We’re no stranger to paella, but paella presented in balls is unique and something we couldn’t have imagined. Taste was incredibly flavorful for being so simple, nothing dry or crumbly. Inside, there’s a burst of cheesy goodness that melts in the mouth. Yup, these paella croquettes are awesome.

    Kandle Cafe’s BBQ Chicken (PhP 250) was marinated in hickory smoke sauce and served with 63 degree poached egg, charred corn kernels, and greens. It’s not our favorite version of charred chicken but it was not bad. I’m a fan of the assortment of tastes and textures in just one dish. It’s like party on a plate! This dish is perfect for brunch when you want something healthy and hearty, or any time of day when you’re hankering for a bite of the Southwest.

    Finally, we had the best-selling and most recommended Ms. Eggy & Mr. Eggoy Pasta (PhP 240). The name is already catchy enough to get us, but it’s the ingredients that won our hearts. 😍 It’s fresh squid ink pasta sauteed in smoked bacon and onion, light cream sauce, with 63 degree poached egg garnished with crispy bacon and toasted pan de mie. I could not seem to distinguish between the pasta and the squid; it’s hard to tell them apart. Both were tad thick, springy, and ropy. The squid ink flavor was mostly present, tasting briny and earthy. There’s an even more substantial build-up of savoriness when we mixed the egg.

    Price for Value:

    Kandle Cafe in Mother Ignacia Avenue, Quezon City is quite a foodie destination. It serves up great food in a somewhat unexpected setting, and to top things off, the menu represents a fantastic value as well. What I love most is how it’s designed to have a continuous indoors-outdoors relationship which allows guests to interact with fresh air towards the garden for a nice change of pace. Will I be back? You can count on it. I’d like to try their coffee next time. 🙂

    [schema type=”review” name=”Kandle Cafe” description=”1103, 113 Mother Ignacia Ave, Quezon City, 1103 Metro Manila” rev_name=”For inquiries, call 0998 276 1571″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco” pubdate=”2017-08-29″ user_review=”4.3″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”5″ ]

  • Review of Sweet Avenue Cafe (Malate, Manila)

    Review of Sweet Avenue Cafe (Malate, Manila)

    Whether you’re trying to supply sweets for your family and friends, or just need to wind down with some coffee after a rough day, Sweet Avenue Cafe along Leon Guinto Street can be your new go-to. It’s an extremely warm and friendly environment in a rather more quiet neighborhood in Malate, Manila. Their cupcakes are excellent, as are the cookies and cakes. Made-to-order cakes with cute designs for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, and weddings are available as well.

    Review of Sweet Avenue Cafe (Malate, Manila)

    Ambiance:

    Sweet Avenue Cafe is what you might call “homey” or “lived in,” a charming place to grab a drink, have a casual low-stakes dinner, get your sugar rush fix, and host some other situations—reunion with old friends, party with a group of about 30 people, or your next first date. A large glass pastry display counter stands at the center, immediately welcoming guests from the entrance. Paintings on the wall show nature and places the owners have visited. Wooden furniture further add warmth, sophistication and character in the room.

    Food:

    Any of the sweets and pastries here are a safe bet.

    Love matcha? The Matcha Chocolate Cake (whole cake-PhP 1200, slice-PhP 125) is quite good. Featuring four layers of dense and rich chocolate cake, the matcha in it wasn’t too overpowering. Instead, it brought both rounded sweetness and a pleasant bitterness, providing a depth that’s light and refreshing. With the top layer outfitted with whipped cream, this cake is a delicious hit.

    The Raspberry Cupcake (PhP 55) almost got me in the mood for Valentine’s Day. 😛 This pretty in pink, berry-luscious, moist cupcake had a tart and tangy flavor in a thick melt-in-your-mouth cloud of buttercream. I enjoyed it a lot!

    Sweet Avenue Cafe’s Assorted Squares (PhP 120 for 9 pieces, PhP 220 for 18 pieces) and Cookies (Chocolate Chip-PhP 20, White Choco Macadamia-PhP 25, Matcha Almond-PhP 28) are presentable gifts to bring home this holiday season. Light in consistency, they are tasty in bite-size pieces and the flavors are interesting.

    As far as pairing goes, you can go with ice blended drinks, enjoy a few with hot coffee, or go bold with fresh guyabano shake or halo-halo. Other recommended drinks are as follows: Cafe Americano, Cafe Latte, Cappucino, Cafe Mocha, Caramel Machiato, White Mocha, Irish Mocha (PhP 80-120).

    Price for Value:

    Sweet Avenue Cafe is a cafe/coffee shop shoot off with reliable cakes and pastries. Average price per head at PhP 100-200 is considerably affordable. If you work or live in the area, consider yourself lucky to be in the vicinity. (Note: Closed on Sundays) Gotta try their rice meals on my next visit! 🙂

    Operating Hours: Monday-Saturday 7:30AM-9:00PM

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/sweetavenuecafe/” name=”Sweet Avenue Cafe” description=”1970 Leon Guinto Street, Malate, Manila 1004″ rev_name=”For inquiries, call 02 2469069 ext:944 or (02) 668 2340 Ext 5238547″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2016-12-28″ ]