Last Sunday, Louie and I went to SM Aura (Skypark) and Serendra to practice taking shots using my new DSLR. He brought his flash kit along and we experimented on ISO, aperture and shutter speed. As a newbie photographer, I set the camera on Manual mode and tried adjusting these settings to achieve the right exposure.
Basically, as my subject, he posed on different backgrounds under different lighting with the same smile plastered on his face, so it was very difficult for me to see if he was enjoying or just faking a happy countenance. (Thank You, God, for giving me a supportive boyfriend.) π
After our two-hour photography session, we visited the ECHOstore at Serendra, BGC where we amusingly found eco-friendly items on display.Β
Some of the products I’ve been searching for such a long time now are found there: coconut flour, cocoa powder from Malagos Resort, wild honey, vegetable chips, organic detergent, shampoo and conditioner, lotion and everything else made from plants.
What’s even greater was that there’s a cafΓ© inside serving delicious and healthy food from pastas and sandwiches to soups and desserts made from fresh and organic ingredients. Wow! This is what I call my ideal place: store, deli and cafΓ© in one! Dinner, here we go.
Review of ECHOcafΓ© (Serendra, Bonifacio Global City)
Ambiance: β β β β β
ECHO stands for “Environment & Community Hope Organization.” As described in their website, “It’s about conscious and caring consumerism that chooses fair trade and green products to help drive livelihood to the marginalized while helping our planet (ECHOstore Sustainable Lifestyle), eating and drinking healthy (ECHOcafΓ©: Culture, Coffee, Community) supporting locavorism or buying food grown locally (ECHOmarket Sustainable Farms).”
Organic local delicatessen products, teas and bags from recycled materials are placed on shelves of this store-deli-cafΓ©. In the limited space, a counter for ordering is placed at the back and dining sets are arranged neatly for customer accommodation. The walls are painted light-celery green, a backdrop which perfectly complemented the theme and concept of the establishment.
Service: β β β β β
Service was fine. The gentleman who served our table was attentive and dedicated in his efforts to explain and introduce the dishes on the menu. Enough said.
Food: β β β β β
Following the server’s recommendation, we ordered the Pasta a la Trio (PHp 250) which is ECHOcafΓ©’s signature pasta. The pasta was cooked al dente, making it chewy and bouncy. I could taste the beautifully synchronized flavors in one mouthful; it was “party in your mouth” kind of dish β spicy, sweet, salty and sour. This could be one of the most delectable pastas I’ve ever eaten. Even if finishing a plate would mean exceeding my caloric allotment for a week, there’s no way I’d let this Pasta a la Trio pass by uneaten next time. π
Satisfying and straightforward, the Chicken Longganisa (PHp 225) was agreeably cooked but didn’t score as high as the former in my palate. Small slices of longganisa were overpowered by the taste of the cream sauce that wrapped itself around the fettuccine pasta.
If you like spinach, then you’ll like the purity of the Spinach and Cheese Tortilla-wich (PHp 175, four pie slices). It consisted of crepe-like outer covering with spinach as stuffing, layered with three kinds of cheese: cheddar, white and cream cheese.
The delicate balance of sweetness and sourness struck rightly without missing the point of the dishβthe spinach leaves themselves. The Spinach and Cheese Tortilla-wiches tasted clean and fresh and would be perfect for ladies and gents alike in need of detoxification. It would have been better though, if there was a more generous serving of walnuts as toppings.
Price for Value: β β β β β
ECHOcafΓ©’s relaxed setting, gentle prices, gracious service and wholesome, “sustainable” food offerings sound like a recipe for long-lasting success in these recessionary times. Theirs is a menu that’s not about wowing customers with big flavors and over-complicated presentation; it is about providing simple, comforting food. Mission accomplished. π
Operating hours: 9AM-9PM
Other Branch:
First Floor, Eton Centris Walk, EDSA Corner Quezon Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City
Contact number: 02 7097800
Operating hours: 10AM-10:45PM
About Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco
Health and technology freak. Food and lifestyle blogger with a large appetite for food and travel.
We seriously need more stores/cafe like this. With global warming and all, businesses should also focus on how they can help saving our earth!
I like the theme of this cafe—malamig sa mata. The foods look delish and healthy. Wish I could try them sometime. π
I also love green settings. π ECHOstore dabbles in organics and the owners stand out for their efforts as they have been featured in many online articles.
Whatever your reason for choosing organicβfewer unwanted chemicals in your system, an opposition to GMOs, sensitivity to the environmentβthis restaurant will hook you up with some tasty organic grub. π
wow. all those healthy goodies in serendra! yay! must visit!:) i like the theme color of the place, the interior looks so ORGANIC:)
Yup. It’s worth a visit since not many restaurants here in the metro serve and sell organic food. ECHOCafe prides itself on delivering a, no nonsense gastronomic experience.
It’s nice that they have the rare finds for organic products. It would also be nice to eat here because of its healthy alternatives.
If you simply want a snack after your run, you can stop into this cafΓ©, where a menu of healthy food beckons.
Had the chance to pass by this restaurant when I went to Serendra a few days ago. Have to try this one yet.
Several dishes look soulful and satisfying. One with big style and gloss, the ECHOCafΓ© is a must-try! π
Oh how I love business establishments that support local products and organic farming! I echo the comment of Ms. Lilibeth. We need more stores like this. Honestly, I’m finding it hard to live the healthy lifestyle that I want because of the lack of local stores supporting organic living/diet in the city.
I think that organizations that support organic stuff should lower down their costs naman so people won’t come up with a thousand excuses to not spend the extra money for eating food that makes their body function optimally – without being heavily laden with hormones and chemicals from non-organic and unhealthy (junk) food.
5 stars, 5 stars, 4 stars. That is a near perfect review π This place must be really awesome. I love health foods like this too, wish they had more in Singapore.
Singapore has a lot of health food! π Look into vegetarian stalls in hawkers. I have not been to any hawker which does not serve food for vegans / vegetarians.
a little bit crowded but being organic made the difference. not a spinach person, but love to try it with a tortilla. Yahweh bless.
Spinach is one of my favorite vegetables and it sure matches well with the tortilla. π If you don’t like the taste, you can take baby steps. Try mixing it with other ingredients and serve it as part of your meal. Eating spinach will help strengthen your muscles – according to Popeye, at least. π
Place is so nice and relaxing. When I read it that the pasta is delectable I was intrigued but the price put me off. But love to try organic food too!
Yes, I prefer eating organic food over processed ones but price most of the time also puts me off. Why is organic food more expensive?? π With the growing attention organic food is garnering these days, I would want to be quite pleased with choosing such a healthy meal.
Buti ka pa may DSLR na.. Ako, digicam pa din.. huhu!
Anyway, that Pasta a la Trio looks so delicious! Numnum! π
Hehe you’ll get there! π
Yup it was super delicious.
I too ma not a photographer and I wish I had a DSLR camera haha, anyway the food in Echocafe looks fantastic.
You should get a DSLR for your travels! Your pictures would surely come out better. π
Wow! a place I must visit. Yummy foods na, ang ganda pa ng interior ng place.
It’s an organic restaurant where diners and customers alike experience an organic lifestyle, pursuing harmony and nature. This includes the dining ambiance, interior design, tableware and products being sold. π
the foods looks amazing!! i love teas and those food served look just right and fine! perfect for me!
All produce used is chemical free. Non-smoking. It’s serious pleasure at a leisurely place. π
If I go there, I’ll spend more time to their store then eat after π The pastas look yummy! I wish I’m living near BGC lang so I can try the places you feature on your blog π
Hehe that’s exactly what we did. I had to explore the entire store and see the items I wanted. This store couldn’t be lovelier and cozier. It’s a great place to study and chillax with your friends.
I also eat here from time to time and my favorite is the Tofu Burger. It’s a good food for a hungry vegetarian.
Yeah I also saw that one on the menu but had to choose other food because I thought I already knew how the tofu burger tastes like. We have plenty of mock meat at home. π
I want to visit this place this weekend and try the Spinach and cheese tortilla – wich. It looks really delicious.
The tortilla-wich (smart name) is just one of those great, satisfying dishes that can be eaten any time of day. π
I am more interested to see your photography output than your review of echocafe, wwe’re on the same page in learning the aperture, ISO and shutter speed.. hehe… But seriously, I think echocafe is one good place to visit to relax and chill out.
Haha I think I have to really spend time to watch tutorials on YouTube, read more articles about photography and practice using this camera kit lens. Hopefully in three months, I can take “acceptable” and fine shots. π
Unfortunately, I’ve never been there but I’ve been wanting to visit that place earlier this year. hopefully this December my family and I can visit and dine there
Hands down a really great place to hang out and enjoy good conversation. You know, because sometimes we all need a break from the booze or the loud music. π
How timely! π You know, ECHOcafΓ© is one of my newest hang-out place with my friends. And oh, remember when I asked about what were you using taking photos for you blog? YUP! Although you were just using your phone, i always knew you have the potential. π Give it a few weeks and you’ll be taking shots like a PRO! π
Yes, I remember that! π I appreciate all your comments so thanks, Yamito.
Oh this is the right place for those who want to maintain their healthy lifestyle! I wish I could try their healthy meals soon pagbalik ko sa Metro π Mvisit nga sa MOA!
Visit MOA, Makati and The Fort areas. You’ll be surprised how these places have been developed through the years. π
I wanna try those two pasta dishes. it seems like they won’t disappoint. i wish there were more restaurants like this. this country needs it
Yup – to boost tourism noh? π
Echocafe got a good review rating. Might try this one on Christmas day, wanna drink coffee with my special someone over there. Hihi <3
The space is limited so be sure to be early to dine in. π
I love pasta and I’ve never had one with all four flavors at the same time! I wonder if there’s an umami flavor somewhere in there too? I should keep an eye on this cafe the next time I go to BGC π
Sorry, I can’t say because I’m not sure what umami tastes like without a salt mask. The one thing I’m sure of is that you’ll also enjoy the food here. π
I think I have to visit this restaurant on my vacation. Cheers to a wonderful review!
God Bless!
Happy New Year
When working your way through the list of healthy restaurants to eat in with refreshing vibe, this is the way to go. π Happy New Year!
Thank you for this review. I will definitely visit and try their food.
You’re welcome! There are more on their healthy menu to try. Feel free to stop by and see for yourself. π