cafe – Page 2 – Jellybeans in the City

Sourdough Cafe + Deli, Tomas Morato

Sourdough bread is a new food trend that gaining traction in the metro. It is made by fermenting dough using naturally occurring lactobacilli and yeast producing a sour taste compared to breads made with baker’s yeast. It also keeps longer, owing to the lactic acid produced by the lactobacilli.

For the health-conscious, sourdough may be used to improve the quality of gluten-free breads by enhancing their texture, aroma and shelf-life. Its glycemic index is lower than other types of bread which is good news for people watching their sugar intake.

It’s a good thing, then, that a cafe specializing in sourdough recently opened near my workplace.

With such an exciting item in its menu (in fact, the central item in it!) as well poshly designed yet comfy interiors ideal for quiet lunches or intimate dinners tucked away in an office building along Tomas Morato, Sourdough held an irresistible appeal to titas like me.

This is why during one of our lunchbreaks prior to the Christmas break, my co-titas in the office and I decided to have our meal at Sourdough Cafe + Deli.

This tita meal consisted of:

Complimentary Flatbread Slices. Dipped in olive oil and balsamic vinegar with some parmesan cheese, these gave our tastebuds a good preview of Sourdough’s offerings.

Prosciutto Arugula Flatbread (Php345). Sourdough flatbread topped with marinara sauce, mozarella, arugula leaves and bits of prosciutto.

Pasta Carbonara (Php395). Al dente noodles tossed in a creamy sauce made with eggs, pecorino cheese, parmegianno reggiano, guanciale (Italian cured meat made from pork jowl) and pancetta (Italian salt-cured pork belly).

Grilled Cheese Sandwich (Php295). Four cheeses – gouda, yellow cheddar, mozzarella and grana padano – sandwiched between sourdough bread slices lightly spread with mayo.

Basque Burnt Cheesecake (Php195). Also a trending food item, this cheesecake is an offshoot of Spain’s tarta de queso. Its top appears toasted but the center has a soft custard-y texture. Combined the top’s buttery taste to the tanginess of the cheesecake filling, and you have a winning dessert you would want to taste again and again.

After lunch, we also treated ourselves to Sourdough Cafe’s handcrafted coffee.

Not bad for a bunch of titas out for lunch.

By the way, since wine and titas go together so well, you might want to check out Sourdough Cafe’s unli wine at Php599 per person.

Sourdough Cafe + Deli is located at Ground Floor, JSB Building, 104 Tomas Morato Avenue corner Scout Delagado Street, Tomas Morato, Quezon City, open daily from 11am to 11pm. For reservations and inquiries, call +63 2 85259463 or +64 917 1889463.

Luxe intercontinental dining at Cafe Romancon, Hotel Benilde

During my recent staycation with my mom and my daughter at Hotel Benilde, we had our meals at Cafe Romancon.

Our staycation at Hotel Benilde was extra special as my daughter, #ExhibitA, and I were looking forward to spending some quality time with my mom. For some time, Mommy has also been requesting for an outing where “three generations” – her, me and my daughter – can just be together.

So, #ExhibitA and I definitely took advantage of the opportunities to catch up on the goings-on with my mom that the staycation provided, especially when we sit down together to eat at Cafe Romancon.

Named after its patron saint, St. Benilde Romancon, it is a sprawling yet cozy coffee shop located at the ground floor of Hotel Benilde, a 4-star property situated in the bustling Malate area. It serves as the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant that offers its diners with a well-curated intercontinental menu in casual and modern setting.

For our dinner on the first day of our stay, we were treated to a sumptuous feast that included:

Gambas Al Ajillo (Php280). Succulent prawns sauteed in a garlic, tomatoes, onions and chilis. A perfect start to our meal.

Mushrooms Ala Pobre (Php180). Plump champignon mushrooms sauteed in olive oil, garlic and herbs.

Cream of Butternut Squash (Php130). A creamy soup of pureed squash and other vegetables topped with bacon.

Kani Mango Salad (Php190). Shredded crabsticks and dried mango bits top mixed greens and crunchy vermicelli noodles and drizzled with Japanese mango dressing.

Seafood Linguini (Php280). Shrimp calamari, mussels and fish sauteed in olive oil, garlic, onions and tomatoes tossed into pasta.

Norwegian Salmon (Php390). Pan-fried salmon with creamy leek sauce and garden vegetables served with mashed potatoes.

Gloucester Supreme (Php370). Two juicy and flavorful pieces of grilled marinated beef patties served with a rich mushroom gravy, mixed vegetables and steamed rice.

We were quite impressed with the quality of the food – the Norwegian Salmon, the Gloucester Supreme and the Gambas Al Ajillo we clear favorites! – as well as the superb service provided by the wait staff.

By the next morning, while my baby girl was enjoying her sleep, my mom and I had our breakfast at Cafe Romancon as well. The breakfast offerings are a bit limited we didn’t mind as we like our starting meal for the day to be light and fuss-free.

My mom helped herself to the fruits and beef tapa available in the buffet stations while I took advantage of the wide array of savory cheeses and sweet jams at the bread station.

These luxurious meals gave us the much-needed time to catch up on each other’s news, exchange chismis (hahaha!) and just enjoy each others’ company, definitely one of life’s priceless experiences.

Many thanks to the wonderful folks of Cafe Romancon and Hotel Benilde for the wonderful bonding mealtime moments that three generations of women in our family enjoyed!

Cafe Romancon is located at the Ground Floor, Hotel Benilde, Arellano Avenue corner Estrada Street, Malate, Manila, open daily from 6am to 10pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 2305230.

Disclosure: Dinner and breakfast were included in our complimentary overnight stay at Hotel Benilde in exchange for an honest review.

Time to hustle hard at Hustle Cafe, Tomas Morato

“Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle.”

That quote, often mistakenly ascribed to legendary US President Abraham Lincoln, does have a point. Things are done and achieved by those who move.

Well, one of the hardest things to overcome is the state of inertia: just imagine, if your mind and body already think they are at rest, they tend to stay that way for the rest of the day. (Good luck getting over that mid-day slump!)

Fortunately for us working folks here in Quezon City’s South Triangle area, Hustle Cafe has moved its store from Cubao to the corner of Tomas Morato Avenue and Scout Rallos Street. In its new location, it continues to serve food and drink freshly prepared in the store to help people power through the day.

A friend and I dropped by during our lunch break to get our much needed mid-day sustenance, which included:

Pork Samgyupsal (Php250). Korean-style grilled pork and fried egg tops a bowl of fluffy steamed rice, sliced cucumber and kimchi-flavored shredded cabbage.

Grilled Cheese (Php180). Cheese and onion marmalade make up the filling of thick and buttery toasted bread with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.

Salted Caramel (Php140) and Coffee (Pbp120) Frappes. Our little bits of caffeine-laden treats to wake our brains up and lift out spirits to face the rest of our tasks for the day.

Speaking of uplifting, did you know that proceeds from the sales Hustle Cafe’s food and drink help in the training of out-of-school youth in the food and beverage industry? The cafe exposes these kids, not just in the store’s back-end operations, but also in customer-facing roles to prepare them for larger responsibilities in their future F&B jobs.

With its wallet-friendly-priced drinks, Hustle Cafe also makes specialty brews and blends more accessible and less intimidating, thereby helping to create new coffee lovers and enthusiasts.

So if ever you’re in the Tomas Morato area, do drop by and check out Hustle Cafe’s offerings. They just make give you the energy to hustle your way through your day.

Hustle Cafe is located at the CKB Center, Tomas Morato Avenue corner Rallos Street, Laging Handa, Quezon City, open Mondays to Saturdays from 10am to 10pm. For inquiries and advanced orders, call +63 916 6557485.

Handcrafted brunch creations at Artesa Deli + Coffee, Kapitolyo

In Kapitolyo, Pasig’s foodie haven, a new mecca for brunch-aholics and more has just opened its doors.

Called Artesa Deli + Coffee (and named after the Catalan word for “handcrafted”), this cafe elevates the casual and leisurely brunch out into an artform.

Founded by three friends – Mikho Villarosa, Edrian Chua and Jef Lim – Artesa elevates seeks to be Kapitolyo’s one-stop shop for high-quality, curated yet reasonably priced coffee and food products.

My friends from #WeLoveToEatPH and #SaanSaPH and I recently visited Artesa Deli + Coffee for a late brunch experience, where we were treated to:

Chimichurri Burger (Php175). A juicy patty of 100% US beef cooked to medium doneness topped with pickled cucumbers, cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, and house-made chimichurri sauce with a side of crispy fried wonton chips.

Cubano (Php235). One of the cafe’s best-selling sandwiches, this dish features ham and fork-tender, smokey pulled pork accompanied by pickled cucumbers and cheddar cheese in a lightly buttered and pressed Cuban bread and also with a side of those addictive fried wonton chips.

By the way, Artesa’s sandwiches are all buildable which means that you can customize your sandwich by adding-on items such as extra beef patties, fried chicken fillets, mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, bacon strips or fried egg.

Tomato Gravy Rice with Chicken (Php220). A tender fillet of chicken is battered, panko-crusted and shallow-fried to a crispy golden brown before being placed on top of steamed rice drenched in a savory yet slightly tangy gravy of beef drippings, tomato and spices, then garnished with corn kernels.

For dessert, we had a a rich New York-style Cheesecake (Php160/slice), a decadent Chocolate Cake (Php160/slice) and a delightful Black & White Cookie (Php60/piece), all of which feature an artisanal quality. (Artesa also sells whole cakes; you just need to order them three days in advance.)

We were also given our choice of drinks which included:

Espresso Soda (Php165). This is perfect for those who like to taste of coffee with a slight fizz.

Matcha Latte (Php150 for hot). A rich comforting drink made with real matcha powder.

Iced Mocha (Php150). A masterful blend of coffee and chocolate, and, thankfully for me, may even be sweetened some more with the addition of honey syrup.

Homemade Iced Tea (Php75). This drink may be served sweetened or unsweetened.

Orange Julius (Php90). This drink is reminiscent of the beverage popular when I was a kid.

Artesa’s menu is still small but well-crafted such that each item is a masterpiece, it’s taste and quality assured. These are perfect for a leisurely brunch, a quick snack in the afternoon, or any time of the day you want a tasty treat.

Thanks to the Chef Jef and the lovely staff of Artesa for having us!

Artesa also aims to highlight the quality of local micro-entrepreneurs: it sells jars of Spanish sardines, organically grown mushrooms with tinapa or tuyo, as well as spicy and garlicky cuttlefish crunch, among others. The cafe also incorporates these in some of their dishes as an ingredient or as sides. Do check them out when you visit the store.

Artesa Deli + Coffee is located at Unit 2, D Strip, Building 20, United Street, Kapitolyo, Pasig City, open Tuesdays to Sundays from 11am to 10pm. For reservations and inquiries, call +63 945 5979018.

Disclosure: Together with other foodies, I attended a foodie meetup held here wherein food and drink items were served to allow us to sample the fare. These were not paid for by the attendees, including myself.

Food and nature-tripping at Burrow Cafe, Taytay

Nestled into east of Manila is a hidden haven for food and nature lovers. Called Burrow Cafe, it is located in the Antipolo Beehouse, a nature reserve set in a quiet residential subdivision away from the city’s hustle and bustle.

My daughter #ExhibitA and I decided to treat my mom out to Sunday brunch at Burrow Cafe. This mother-daughter-granddaughter outing is something we’ve been wanting to do for a long time but never found the time for until now.

So last Sunday, off we went up Ortigas Avenue Extension towards Antipolo and into Beverly Hills Subdivision where the Beehouse is situated. Upon arriving at the Beehouse gate, we went down 76 steps (good thing I didn’t wear heels!) to a lush green courtyard with another flight of stairs leading to what seemed like an underground bunker.

When we entered the cafe’s premises, however, we were treated to an abundance of light and greenery, thanks to the cafe’s large panel windows which let in a lot of natural light and give diners a relaxing view of the surrounding forest. Artfully laid out wood furniture, potted and hanging plants as well as other bric-a-bracs further accent the cafe’s nature theme while hammocks hanging from the ceiling provide some splashes of color and whimsy to the interiors. Outside, there is a balcony that overlooks a nearby mountain stream.

There, my mom, #ExhibitA and I chatted about life and gossiped about mutual acquaintances (hahaha!) while enjoying our brunch made with ingredients sourced from the Antipolo Market or grown within the cafe’s grounds.

Our meal included:

Beef Short Ribs with Corn and Green Bean Risotto (Php550).

Fish and Chips (Php420).

Key Lime Pie (Php190).

Burrow Home Brew Iced Tea (Php120) and Avocado Fruit Shake (Php180).

Though quite tasty, food items are limited and a bit pricey. Given the cafe’s lovely and restful ambiance and warm, friendly service, however, I’d say dining here is well worth the expense and effort.

After all, nothing but the best for my mom and my baby girl.

Burrow Cafe is located at the Antipolo Beehouse, 113 Beverly Hills Drive, Beverly Hills Subdivision, Dolores, Taytay, open Wednesdays to Thursdays from 8am to 4pm and Fridays to Sundays 7am to 4pm. Although walk-ins are welcome, table reservation is highly recommended through email (burrowcafe@gmail.com) or mobile (+63 917 6229795). For more details, visit the Antipolo Beehouse website.

Notes:

Beverly Hills Subdivision charges Php20 for cara entering the area so keep some change handy.
The resto is not wheelchair-friendly.
You might also want to check out the cafe’s retail area which sells reusable straws, homemade self-care products, zero-waste household ware and paper products.

Something new brewing at Caffe Freddo, BGC

For a coffee lover like me, that morning cuppa signals the start of a new day, and that mug in the afternoon is all I need to pick me up from the post-lunch slump.

I also look forward to trying out new brews and coffee concoctions. It’s actually amazing how coffee is versatile enough to be mixed and matched with new ingredients to come up with an exciting new beverage.

Last night, together with my fellow foodies, I trooped over to Caffe Freddo in Bonifacio High Street to find out what the cafe has been brewing as part of its Philippine Independence Day offering.

The new Ube Freddo (Php150) localizes Caffe Freddo’s coffee experience by adding the very Pinoy flavor of ube (purple yam) to the Freddo, the cafe’s signature iced coffee drink which contains a double shot of espresso and sweetened frothed milk. The resulting purple concoction makes for a pretty and Instagrammable drink. It joins the cafe’s roster of imaginative Freddo flavors which already include Mocha, Chai, Matcha and Coco starting June 12.

Along with the Ube Freddo, we also got a taste of the cafe’s carefully curated Modern European brunch menu which included:

Appetizers

Crunchy Calamari (Php240). Crispy battered squid rings served with basil and lime mayo.

Spring Rolls (Php260). Shrimp and corn-filled spring rolls served with coriander tomato dip.

Dried Figs Burrata Flat Bread (Php380). The dried figs add a sweet element that complements the savory flavors from burrata cheese, caramelized onions and the arugula in this flatbread.

Panzanella Salad (Php290). Fresh flavors abound in this mixture of kale, watermelon, cherry tomatoes and croutons tossed in a balsamic vinaigrette.

Mains.

Nasi Goreng (Php330). Chicken satay served with Indonesian spiced shrimp, vegetable fried rice and fried egg.

Beef Tagliatelle (Php350). Pasta tossed in beefy tomato ragu and basil.

Aglio Olio (Php350). Spaghetti tossed in virgin olive oil, garlic and spiced bacon.

Soy Grilled Salmon (Php480). Salmon topped with wabiko cream and served with wasabi mashed potato.

Fried Chicken Confit (Php320). Crispy fried chicken served with cole slaw.

Croque Madame (Php320). Smoked ham over a brioche toast and a layer of gruyere cheese, topped with a fried egg and mornay sauce.

Desserts.

Mango Granita (Php220). Succulent cubes of mango mixed in strips of fresh coconut, crumbled macaroons and coconut milk.

Greek Yogurt Panna Cotta (Php220). Light and tangy panna cotta served with blueberries in a pinot syrup.

Sans Rival (Php220). The classic Pinoy cake made of decadent layers of buttercream, meringue and chopped nuts.

Choco Paradise (Php190).This rich chocolatey confection is perfect for those craving for chocolate after a meal.

With its slew of dishes, coffee offerings and cozy atmosphere, it’s easy to see why Caffe Freddo has become a prime foodie destination.

Thanks to Pat of ThePatKidInside for extending the invitation!

About Caffe Freddo

Caffe Freddo prides itself in offering a very unique selection of coffee, not found anywhere else in the metro. The coffee selection is all specially brewed from premium coffee beans of Bluestone Lane from New York City. Strategically located in the busy commercial business district of Bonifacio High Street, Caffe Freddo has refreshingly inviting interiors, with its off-white distressed brick walls, ample seating good for 50 people, and columns with hand-painted coffee plants in vibrant hues of green and red. Caffe Freddo is cozy enough for group meet-ups and family dining.

Caffe Freddo is located at The Spa Building, 9th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, open Sundays to Thursdays from 7am to 11pm and Fridays to Saturdays from 7am to 12 midnight. For inquiries, call +63 9988479410.

Disclosure: Together with my fellow foodies, I was invited to join a foodie meetup held at this restaurant. Food items mentioned here were served to allow us to sample the fare and were not paid for by the attendees, including myself.

Comfort food and whimsy at Pookaberry Cafe, Tomas Morato

If you venture into one of the more out-of-the-way streets near the foodie-friendly haven Tomas Morato, you might chance upon this colorful little cafe.

Called Pookaberry Cafe, its facade and interiors are marked by whimsical depictions of a baby alien named – you guessed it – Pookaberry, who just happens to be the imaginary friend of Ollie the Octopus.

Photo Credit: Jocen of BoodleBearPH

These drawings and characters are works by renowned New York-based pop artist Peter Marco, co-owner of the cafe along with his wife Jeanette.

While the cafe’s wall-to-wall artworks will stimulate you to flights of fancy, its menu, developed by Jeanette from the family’s own recipes and mirroring their cosmopolitan tastes and Pinoy roots, will comfort your tummy and spirit. Check them out:

Jams: Chili Mango and Chili Orange. Great to spread on buttered bread for that bit of extra sweetness that will put a smile on your face.

Paninis: Adobo (Php220), Bacon (Php240), Pork Loin (Php240) and Avocado (Php230). Grilled breads stuffed with flavorful filling, my fave was the savory avocado panini which veers away from my usual avocado fare which tend to be sweet.

Breakfast: Breakfast ni Juan (with beef tapa and scrambled egg – Php290), Uncle Sam’s Big Breakfast (with bacon, sausage and scrambled egg – Php310) and Vegetarian Option (with mushrooms – Php320). A hearty way to start the day is to have a bit of fried rice, a bit of vegetable salad and your preferred proteins to fuel you up. I was surprised to find that I actually love the Vegetarian Option: the sauteed mushrooms were flavorful, savory and went well with the rice.

Cakes: Very Pookaberry (Php130 slice | Php1,300 whole), Walnut Carrot (Php140 slice |Php1,400 whole), New York Cheesecake (Php140 slice | Php1,680 whole) and Matcha Green Tea (Php140 slice | Php1,400 whole). Delectable desserts to indulge the sweet tooth! My fave was the rich and creamy New York Cheesecake.

Cookie Shots (Php125). Cookie cups to hold your preferred shot among espresso, fresh milk or chocolate milk options. Cheers!

Photo Credit: Diane of Fried and Prejudice

Cosmic Cookie (Php80). Cookies baked in fun cosmic-shaped muffin cups.

Choco Walnut (Php120). A humongous piece of chocolate chip and walnut cookie to give you your sugar fix for the day.

Ice Blended Drinks: Very Pookaberry Ube, Jurassic Milo, Strawberry Cream Cheese Oreo and Matcha Oreo. Refreshing icy drinks, perfect for a hot summer’s day!

Aside from its fun and whimsical ambiance and the yummy treats on its menu, Pookaberry Cafe also has its own advocacy project. Proceeds of the cafe go to the Basilia Women’s Foundation which helps women and children who are victims of domestic abuse.

Check out its gift shop for fun merchandise and bags of its locally sourced coffee beans.

So the next time you’re in the Tomas Morato area, drop by Pookaberry Cafe, for fun times and yummy treats.

Thanks to Aileen of AileenLFoodAdventures for extending the invite!

Pookaberry Cafe is located at 36-B Scout Ybardolaza corner Scout Rallos Streets, Bgy. Sacred Heart, Quezon City, open daily from 7am to 9pm. For reservations and inquiries, call +63 917 9685414.

Disclosure: Together with other foodies from #AileenLFoodieEventBuddies, I was invited to join a foodie meetup held at this restaurant. Food items mentioned here were served to allow us to sample the fare and were not paid for by the attendees, including myself.

Work and Hot Chocolate at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Venice Piazza, Taguig

While passing the time before a foodie meetup at Datang in the Venice Piazza, I decided to do some work and catch up on my emails.

Fortunately, there’s a Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf branch near the parking area that seemed like a nice and quiet place to while away some hours while immersed in some work.

My treat to myself while poring over my workload? (Because every source of motivation counts and chocolate is always good for motivation.)

A nice cup of frothy Hot Double Chocolate with Marshmallows. Made with CBTL’s proprietary Special Dutch chocolate powder, combined with carefully steamed non-fat milk and topped with a thick layer of foam, it is a perfectly rich and decadent pick-me-up concoction.

I wish I could stay longer and leisurely enjoy my drink.

But, alas, duty called.

Until, next time then, my chocolate treat!

This CBTL branch is located at the Ground Floor, Venice Piazza, McKinley Hill, Taguig.

Other branches in Taguig may be found at:

B8 Bonifacio High Street, BGC
32nd Street corner 11th Avenue, Park Triangle, BGC
Third Floor, BHS Central Square, BGC
Third Floor, Uptown Place Mall, BGC
Every Nation Building, 32nd Avenue corner University Parkway, BGC
Ground Floor, BGC Stopover Pavilion, BGC
Burgos Circle, BGC
Fifth Floor, SM Aura Premier, BGC
Shell Logcom, CP Garcia Avenue, Greater Taguig
Ground Floor, Vista Mall, Greater Taguig

Check out my other CBTL blog posts:

Holiday brunch get-together at Bluesmith Coffee & Kitchen, Greenbelt

There are some friendships that endure despite great distances and changes in circumstances. Such is my friendship with Fetina, formerly an officemate who has since spread her wings working in Singapore. She usually comes home to the Philippines to visit family two to three times a year, and when she does, we make it a point to meet up at a restaurant in either Greenbelt or Glorietta.

In our latest meetup after Christmas, we opted for Bluesmith Coffee & Kitchen located in Greenbelt. An offshoot of Equatorial Coffee in Katipunan, QC, Bluesmith combines homey yet Instagrammable interiors with comfort food and its sound foundation in coffee, making it an great venue for weekend brunches, friendly get-togethers and, dare I say it, #TitaConferences. (Hahaha!)

Our get-together repast consisted of:

Flat White (Php150). This coffee beverage is characterized by the thin layer of microfoam (hence the term “flat” in “flat white) as opposed to the thicker foam layer in traditional cappuccino. I sipped on this while waiting for Fetina to arrive.

Fresh Lemonade Soda (Php150). Freshly squeezed lemon juice made into a sweet fizzy drink.

Tenderloin Beef Salpicao (Php420). One of Bluesmith’s bestsellers, this dish consists of cubes of beef tenderloin, cooked to medium doneness, and marbled potatoes sauteed in Worcestershire oil and toasted garlic and served mixed vegetables and rice. I found the beef tender and flavorful but the sauce a bit too sweet for my taste.

Creamy Pasta Tartufo (Php360). Another of the resto’s bestselling dishes, this pasta dish is characterized by the earthy aroma of black truffle, mixed with a creamy mushroom sauce and served with baguette chips.

The servings were quite large such that we had trouble finishing the two dishes.

And since I unlocked my Zomato Gold privilege, we got the Creamy Pasta Tartufo for free!

Some friendships are nurtured by constant presence and attention but some, like Fetina’s and mine, are maintained by occasional meetups over good food and long conversations.

Our thanks to Bluesmith Coffee & Kitchen for being our venue for this memorable get-together.

This Bluesmith Coffee & Kitchen branch is located at Level 3, Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, Greenbelt, Makati City, open Sundays to Thursdays from 11am to 11pm and Fridays to Saturdays from 11am to 12midnight. For reservations and inquiries, call +63 917 7053526 or +63 2 7524183.

Other branches are located at:

Second Floor, Corte Area, Ayala Malls The 30th, Meralco Avenue, Ugong, Pasig City (open Sundays to Thursdays from 9am to 10pm and Fridays to Saturdays from 9am to 11pm; Tel. No: +63 917 7099814 or +63 2 7553092)
Ground Floor, MJ Corporate Plaza, 2310 Pasong Tamo Extension, Magallanes, Makati City (open weekdays from 7am to 8pm and weekends from 7am to 5pm; Tel. No: +63 917 7101605 or +63 2 7290284)

Want to score a similar discount? Zomato Gold provides members with 1+1 deals on food or 2+2 deals on drinks. All you have to do is sign up for a Zomato Gold membership here as soon as slots open. (They tend to get snatched up pretty quickly so be sure to sign up as soon as slots become available.) Use my code JELLYB to get 20% off the membership fee.

Cozy Korean-themed chill-out sesh at Cafe I’m Here, Tomas Morato

I’ve been wanting to check out Cafe I’m Here ever since it opened. I’ve mostly heard a lot about its Korean-themed aesthetics, it’s decadent desserts and how relaxing it was to stay here.

Together with another adventuresome coworker, I traversed across Timog Avenue to CTTM Square where this cafe is located for lunch.

Upon entering, I was impressed by the sheer size of the place. It had two levels of seating areas that hug the There were pod-like spaces where you can sit in relative quiet and privacy while enjoying your cup of coffee, typing on your laptop or working on a project with a small group. Despite the space occupied by its fun and youthful decor (gigantic teddy bears and tents where introverts can hole up in), it still seemed like a viable co-working or remote working space.

Better yet, it is a place where my friend and I can simply chill in and dish about the goings-on in our lives.

For our lunch, my companion and I split an order each of Pasta Bolognese (Php210) and Garlic Cheese Bread (Php170). This is such a fantastic pairing! The garlicky cheese bread served as a nice complement to the meat- and tomato-based pasta.

And simply because I can (and #IDoWhatIWant), I finished off a lovely Caramel Bread (Php150) for dessert. It was basically more of that soft fluffy bread topped with whipped cream and slathered all over with rich gooey caramel sauce. I did offer some to my companion but she’s not as into sweets as I am. (Well, more for me!)

Yep, this lunch was basically a carbs-upon-carbs chill-out session with my fried but, as a wise person once said, “Don’t count the calories. Make the calories count!”

I look forward to coming back here to leisurely enjoy a mug of the resto’s cafe mocha and a plate of chocolate bread.

Cafe I’m Here is located at Third Floor, CTTM Square, Sacred Heart, Quezon City (at the roundabout where Tomas Morato intersects with Timog Avenue). It is open daily from 10am to 3am. For inquiries, call +63 917 3633529 or +63 905 5073517.