tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111902572530057322024-03-05T13:21:09.610+08:00java jivinggetting that caffeine fixjava jivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08043764233952325904noreply@blogger.comBlogger74125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211190257253005732.post-64985054442746733392015-08-19T02:53:00.001+08:002015-08-19T03:27:21.043+08:00My fave coffees at Craft Katipunan, still.Months after my first visit to <a href="http://stilljavajiving.blogspot.com/2015/08/americanos-and-pourovers-at-craft.html" target="_blank">Craft Katipunan</a>, I enjoyed a series of coffee dates with my friends, meetings, family brunches, and solo time(out) there. Sometime between all that I was assigned to write about the surge of specialty and/or 3rd wave coffee places for a women's fashion and lifestyle monthly glossy magazine. That was a dream assignment for me, but there was a catch: out of the several, I was only given a spread (two full pages) for both the story and photos. I had to choose just three or four. I ended up writing about 5 that I could visit within my deadline, but squeezed in a sidebar for the other shops I couldn't (there have been shops opening almost every month since the "re-birth" of coffee). Naturally, I included Craft Katipunan.<br />
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An excerpt of what I wrote:<br />
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<span style="font-family: 'ACaslonPro'; font-size: 10.000000pt;">"You know your business is a hit if it survives in </span><span style="font-family: ACaslonPro; font-size: 10pt;">Katipunan, the area where a concept is tried
out, tested, and either approved or discarded
as “loser” by the snobbery one can ironically
get from the open-to-adventure academic
communities of the area. Since its opening,
and in spite of its relatively high price points,
this franchise of Craft in New Manila, owned
by Mark Jao, his wife Jennifer, and his sister, has been checked out and apparently given </span><span style="font-family: ACaslonPro; font-size: 10pt;">a stamp of approval. Probably because it’s
cozy, or because they have a full menu beyond
co</span><span style="font-family: ACaslonPro; font-size: 10pt;">ð</span><span style="font-family: ACaslonPro; font-size: 10pt;">ee, and even a smoking area outside, but</span><span style="font-family: 'ACaslonPro'; font-size: 10pt;">definitely because they serve very good cof-
fee—the place is almost always filled, even on
school holidays and weekends"</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: 'ACaslonPro'; font-size: 10.000000pt; font-style: italic;"><b>note: Check out "Coffee Crawl" in Metro Magazine, June 2014 issue.</b></span></blockquote>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mark Jao, one of Craft Katipunan's owners</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My husband's favorite all-day breakfast dish</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The place has since proven that it's a good coffee place because it's still around, still gets filled out, and has a lot of followers on instagram. I enjoy their iced Americano when it's sweltering or after a bike ride or long walk, and their pourovers when I go there for a quiet couple of hours with a book.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Craft Katipunan's Americano</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Craft's Pourover, I think this was the Ethiopian Yirgacheffe.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love staying at the bar when I'm alone.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Iced Americano, which I usually have in their al fresco area on cooler evenings.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The way the pallet wall looks now.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Other coffee places have opened in the area, so there's no doubt the group's timing was right to open in the neighborhood. Others have closed, so there's this other thought that it's not just about coffee, timing and location, but about a certain mix I'm still trying to put a finger on. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Javajiving with Craft Katipunan's Mark Jao.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Craft Coffee Revolution, please stay in Katipunan.</span></div>
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java jivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08043764233952325904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211190257253005732.post-51712792996548671582015-08-19T01:21:00.000+08:002015-08-19T01:21:06.021+08:00Americanos and Pourovers at Craft Katipunan<br />
<i>Another Throwback.</i><div>
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The mother of the Third Wave specialty coffee in the Philippines (as we know it) spawned another baby. I was told, during one of my visits at Yardstick, that Craft was opening a branch in my neighborhood. What a treat! I was at that time, really tired of the bitter versions of some cafes in the area and the only options at that time - Starbucks and Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf. Craft Katipunan's opening was something I looked forward to. This was over a year ago.<div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Above street level, along Esteban Abada Street, Loyola Heights, <br />known as the Katipunan Area.</td></tr>
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On that first visit, my sister and I waited for the doors to open one morning - we were that eager. The style of their interiors was a new thing then, but every other coffee or all-day breakfast or comfort food restaurant that opened soon after adapted that 'pinterest-y' vibe. Not that I grew tired of it, because it works. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We were the first customers that day. This pallet wall now holds a variety of art works by several new or independent artists.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3zMBe2MiIEmWIdhXrivPTG79DbVM1khhMgscLJDBx4unKLmwHc2Xp2IQK38IDvhZP2dip3l8ed-9X9eM0pC3M13HCUd4WhI6pffjg-dBD5gLvYAJ0oKfN6icmHB7d7sh7Si5kloDTjaKB/s1600/craft.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3zMBe2MiIEmWIdhXrivPTG79DbVM1khhMgscLJDBx4unKLmwHc2Xp2IQK38IDvhZP2dip3l8ed-9X9eM0pC3M13HCUd4WhI6pffjg-dBD5gLvYAJ0oKfN6icmHB7d7sh7Si5kloDTjaKB/s320/craft.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One page of Craft Katipunan's coffee list.</td></tr>
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<br />We were so excited to try their coffee, of course (never having been to Craft Revolution yet then. A crime, I know). The list was extensive, but I decided to go for my favorite pourover, and picked the Brazil Yellow Bourbon. Then another after that - the Ethiopian Yirgacheffe (which became a favorite in my successive visits).<div>
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Since it was relatively early (like an hour from lunch), we were so relieved to know that they also served food. Not just cakes and pastries, but a selection of hot food.<br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They have an extensive food menu, too.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu6jbQnZh0ZvNEx1lwE_oS1vzYsnMMrapK9BQYD9W-m_uel3v0AoyGQ8IuqvAz_P011rjjyXmjEJWtYnzuGdNkHgLvbHyCqAPGmf6HsLt3hYXVrc07UAxRDIYBa8ZyWHxmHlEAsXFU_6Nc/s1600/craft4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu6jbQnZh0ZvNEx1lwE_oS1vzYsnMMrapK9BQYD9W-m_uel3v0AoyGQ8IuqvAz_P011rjjyXmjEJWtYnzuGdNkHgLvbHyCqAPGmf6HsLt3hYXVrc07UAxRDIYBa8ZyWHxmHlEAsXFU_6Nc/s400/craft4.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizQVyDSFgGw7CloRj3sk-utpwWzmBgOXe6SpyHU1ZOJF16TScL8TwpXg0oTt2yy-BvBJU09zc7vgjXJ-eJK9J0EkyvqZHOTs8sInbp5-gtzKGlVt3TjSpari1SwKAHANxfSAw5X9-8A6eu/s1600/P1080173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizQVyDSFgGw7CloRj3sk-utpwWzmBgOXe6SpyHU1ZOJF16TScL8TwpXg0oTt2yy-BvBJU09zc7vgjXJ-eJK9J0EkyvqZHOTs8sInbp5-gtzKGlVt3TjSpari1SwKAHANxfSAw5X9-8A6eu/s320/P1080173.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On my second cup. Obviously happy with our brunch.</td></tr>
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At that time, I decided - I love Craft Katipunan and I had better run to the mothership and check it out.<br /><br />
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java jivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08043764233952325904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211190257253005732.post-59762706712333527222015-08-19T00:29:00.000+08:002015-08-19T02:56:05.058+08:00Coffee Tales and The Curator's Coffee and Cocktails<i>Tomorrow is a Thursday, and as most of social media will be abuzz with throwbacks, I am reminded of all the drafts I have lined up in this blog, and that they are - essentially - throwbacks. Not one to waste any coffee story, I will once again (ONCE AGAIN!!! Never give up, never surrender!) revive my coffee blog; this time I will intersperse with throwbacks of my own, thus doing something about my photo storage as apple keeps reminding me to. I will begin where I left of.</i><br />
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Long ago, in my coffee lifetime, I was told of a place called, "Craft". It was generating so much buzz, I should've headed out and tried their specialty brew. In fact, friends who knew I love coffee, wondered why I never rushed over there in the first place. That time, I was in a coffee rut.<br />
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I heard that Craft was put up by a group of coffee lovers. It was a fantastic concept place for learning, cupping, experiencing, and enjoying the brew. Unfortunately, that maiden effort supposedly closed, with the group agreeing to disagree on certain issues or concerns, and part ways (as I was told).<br />
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Turns out, it didn't close. The partners did part ways (partly), with two staying with the company, and one continuing onward with his own coffee adventure. Well, you can't expect coffee lovers who are able to, to just pack up and sulk in a corner.<br />
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This one member opened his own coffee company, which he calls The Curator. And while the main coffee shop was still undergoing renovation, they opened a counter where award-winning baristas prepared and served coffee, imparting helpful information while doing so. My friend C and I couldn't wait for the opening of the bigger place, so we tried out this counter.<br />
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It's located along Gamboa Street in Legazpi Village, Makati. You might miss it because it's inside Archives (Homme et Femme).<br />
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Once inside, the enticing aroma of coffee will let you know you have arrived and your brain will start doing all sorts of crazy stuff with its circuitry to let you know that you need some of that coffee you smell.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the main counter. It's all they need, apparently.</td></tr>
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Don't be deceived by the size. You all know about looks that can be deceiving and great things coming in small packages. Be dazzled, instead by the equipment, if you can manage to snap out of the hypnotic smell of coffee (and sight of fabulous shoes lined up for the taking) surrounds you. At The Curator, multi-awarded baristas Kevin and Mikko (pictured here), make your coffee for you. After the standard - what would you want? what are our options? how do you like your coffee? - we decided to try one of each: full-bodied brazilian and the lighter/fruity/tea-like Ethiopian.<br />
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Since this first taste of The Curator, I have visited their renovated digs several times: once to do a story for a glossy magazine, and the rest of the times to have coffee and/or cocktails. </div>
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As one of the partners, David Ong, shared, The Curator turns into a bar after 5pm. From that time onward, one can enjoy their unique alcohol-based concoctions, choosing from just about as many options as they offer with coffee. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Curator's David Ong at work</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The hand-brewed Espresso</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pourovers</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Curator's Menu</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">David Ong with a fan ;-)</td></tr>
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Love the group, love the vibe, and I love how the group's business continued to bloom. And that leads to the story of EDSA - Beverage Design Group. Another entry, but yep, same people. </div>
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java jivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08043764233952325904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211190257253005732.post-78950304740919494432013-11-30T00:04:00.003+08:002015-08-19T00:32:14.852+08:00A 5-oz Legaspi at Yardstick Coffee <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i> </i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">T</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">he tip came from some insiders among Manila's coffee lovers, those who knew about good coffee, with some making a living from it. Of course my coffee buddy C and I had to check it out. We decided that if we were going to meet up for coffee, since we love the beverage, we should make an expedition of it - in pursuit of the best coffee places in Manila or the Philippines (who knows?)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We put two relatively new places on our list a few afternoons ago and started with the one she hadn't tried out yet - Yardstick Coffee.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">No main or lighted signage up yet, but we just knew it was that new coffee place we were looking for when we drove by it. Then we saw this sign that confirmed it and we were all set. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhakuXxCJavl7lxGhtdWtcZyMobRESFYe225eVj_Alb4MzmrGhBQF4aff6jitPOsE2r02EU7qfH3KtUjoXE-lB6D8VzJpErsjNLNAJ_Jw0SH3Xa1CWO5AmUuqDrCOx8lVdBchx8jx3Z-TtW/s1600/P1080164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhakuXxCJavl7lxGhtdWtcZyMobRESFYe225eVj_Alb4MzmrGhBQF4aff6jitPOsE2r02EU7qfH3KtUjoXE-lB6D8VzJpErsjNLNAJ_Jw0SH3Xa1CWO5AmUuqDrCOx8lVdBchx8jx3Z-TtW/s400/P1080164.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>First impressions:</b> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The place was huge, clean, and well-lit. Yardstick has mostly white walls, and an expanse of it all bare, opposite the main counter, a change from the usual framed coffee/food/lifestyle illustrations or murals (I couldn't help thinking: does it serve as a canvass for something new and hip, or...? Possibilities were beginning to excite me. What?!) They had several wooden tables, a couple of long high ones, benches, and stools neatly distributed throughout the space, without any particular configuration or "cafe-style" layout. There was also a notable absence of plush upholstery, easy chairs, or dim drop lights, yet it had such an inviting vibe to chill out, work, or just have a day's dose of caffeine in. I saw a conference room-looking area, glassed in from the rest of the place. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Although the menu board wasn't quite done yet, they had their specialty coffees, hot and cold beverages, and pastries colorfully listed on chalk boards. Before we could even get confused or overwhelmed, one of the young-ish people around the counter, obviously one of the owners, approached us to ask what we would care to have. He listened, asked a few questions, then gave us options. No heavy suggestive selling, no preachy (as one friend would describe it) or condescending tone and jargon. My friend and I decided to each have a black (or were they hand brews?), but in different blends.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGft0PwAM-JdRUwHcmSfKatNXvqAYMEKzZeUl4dQoL3rtonAtcu4RPoOiH9OvE2duPa9RebN1-OdibHeusLJ37sDmW5rqSx1Sth7cBjncgZZuAVZ-AqH_LBTYEmGbAB5wWh300QAxSGYZz/s1600/P1080160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGft0PwAM-JdRUwHcmSfKatNXvqAYMEKzZeUl4dQoL3rtonAtcu4RPoOiH9OvE2duPa9RebN1-OdibHeusLJ37sDmW5rqSx1Sth7cBjncgZZuAVZ-AqH_LBTYEmGbAB5wWh300QAxSGYZz/s400/P1080160.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The counter with the temporary menu board, a display of coffee paraphernalia,<br />
a toaster, and the ref. To the left is the coffee prep area.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYWTf-k03uhVZl17QQzHb-njd_iCktrI_0CG3JqplPfq7N-5cTvBsZDkes4H8uTSLPKFCckt15WrcT7rdBBcBHC7w0hE7TZPpFqIFQn3RZv5W46jzqGjGJooRNVntba8conWGph9iU7A8y/s1600/20131126_165906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYWTf-k03uhVZl17QQzHb-njd_iCktrI_0CG3JqplPfq7N-5cTvBsZDkes4H8uTSLPKFCckt15WrcT7rdBBcBHC7w0hE7TZPpFqIFQn3RZv5W46jzqGjGJooRNVntba8conWGph9iU7A8y/s320/20131126_165906.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Odp1sC3SeKj3m1HaHZaajiAjM_k5N_Jrv41hk5QWDFGrMVunTcT06xY4aCm2a6QoqrE-6oDvLRMiBw32gpwcEGZjl5vr2CrTGt7nGkoSp468WwI0yKxavkb5aGzq8sE7aAfMRQ6jOY3Y/s1600/P1080163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Odp1sC3SeKj3m1HaHZaajiAjM_k5N_Jrv41hk5QWDFGrMVunTcT06xY4aCm2a6QoqrE-6oDvLRMiBw32gpwcEGZjl5vr2CrTGt7nGkoSp468WwI0yKxavkb5aGzq8sE7aAfMRQ6jOY3Y/s320/P1080163.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">She preferred the sound of a brew with fruity and slight acidic tones, so she got the Project Y. I wanted something with a more full-bodied profile, so I got the Legaspi blend. Another partner (who introduced himself as Kevin), took our orders and told us more about the coffee we chose to have. While watching our coffees being prepared by the barista, we learned that all hot beverages came in standard 5-oz cups. Excited as we were to carry off our coffee with us, we decided to pick our seats first, because there were at least 4 other table groupings occupied. We chose one of the tables positioned at the center.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCudbAlXy7wN_4mznkOnys96lGIX-uigA_SO2g603kEfNYi9ElFup4bx7MkM-viK2pdE_pGDL5N2s3ifxGEiemv0gHUa1u3RzIfnaTmVZ99ZOg2mXMd1JInG2qnYIcrrXFj51H8gzwmGeQ/s1600/20131126_152334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCudbAlXy7wN_4mznkOnys96lGIX-uigA_SO2g603kEfNYi9ElFup4bx7MkM-viK2pdE_pGDL5N2s3ifxGEiemv0gHUa1u3RzIfnaTmVZ99ZOg2mXMd1JInG2qnYIcrrXFj51H8gzwmGeQ/s320/20131126_152334.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyszUS0eUDLm0xZq9H_567QbtzDwVqJja7R_UQYViSD8U0n4MGA7lqAnD4leqWc0L-ZMzynHv7MeYHEMLVPc5rbEZWThg8FUD85KO77osTYGooHS0DtPhmZSUwLZ5Fi4dXa_aUFYaIABfh/s1600/P1080157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyszUS0eUDLm0xZq9H_567QbtzDwVqJja7R_UQYViSD8U0n4MGA7lqAnD4leqWc0L-ZMzynHv7MeYHEMLVPc5rbEZWThg8FUD85KO77osTYGooHS0DtPhmZSUwLZ5Fi4dXa_aUFYaIABfh/s320/P1080157.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The same guy who met us when we entered helped bring our cups of coffees, a bottle of water, a couple of glasses, and some almond milk, which we requested for. He introduced himself as Andre (Chanco), one of the partners, who, with Kevin and Jessica, own and run the place. They're coffee lovers with professional training and experience to match, who began planning the business about 2-1/2 years ago, started the Concierge (their portable coffee service) at Apartment 1B in Rockwell last September, and finally opened their Yardstick Coffee doors, "to walk-ins just last Monday or Tuesday (must have been 18th or 19th November 2013)." They knew each other in grade school, then met up and renewed their friendship while at university in Singapore. Although they had help from a barista (and probably other members of the business), they personally handle the roasting, cupping, man the counters, coffee station, and go around to chat with customers, themselves.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>The taste test:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And here's my Legaspi (named so as a tribute to the area, i.e., Legaspi Village, and because it's something that's more 'approachable', according to Andre) - a blend of pulpled natural Brazil Cerrado (40%), and 2 wet-hulled coffees from Sumatra - Tobing Estate (30%) and Ratawali Valley (30%). I was so happy with it. Not very bitter, nothing that will make chest hairs sprout, but really full-bodied and cocoa-ish. It was just 5-oz but it was 5-oz of excellent coffee. No refills necessary.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQKvqX-WF_czH_L0MG8GaFycguPfyeljPUQcFrWJF3_jxUk4zDMkGxao6QFFRjk_CzBa_IkEewzYtBW-x6g8emFAKvcudZwzw_5PD40YDmUChfVl3I-_kMI3WMr-9T9ZSfvsfgnm4CozR9/s1600/P1080158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQKvqX-WF_czH_L0MG8GaFycguPfyeljPUQcFrWJF3_jxUk4zDMkGxao6QFFRjk_CzBa_IkEewzYtBW-x6g8emFAKvcudZwzw_5PD40YDmUChfVl3I-_kMI3WMr-9T9ZSfvsfgnm4CozR9/s320/P1080158.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I got a taste of my friend's Project Y coffee, too. It's basically 50% Ratawali and 30% of semi-washed Ethiopia Yirgacheffe, and 20% of a different Brazil from Alta Mogiana. Although I'm not partial to the acidic profile in coffees, this one I liked just as much as mine Legaspi. It changed my mind about acidic, fruity, etc., characteristics of coffees, which came as a red flag to me before, for "sour with a, uhm, sour aftertaste." I guess if the coffee's roasted right, ground on demand, and done right, there wouldn't be any need for milk or creamer to temper whatever strong characteristic over-dominated the brew. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We were told that the blends would change once in a while. "The idea behind every blend is that there is a designated taste profile rather than a specific composition. With the Legaspi it will always be chocolate-nutty, more approachable. For Project Y, it's always going to be fruity, (citrusy)," Andre added.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We also learned from Andre that they also bottled, crowned, and sold their own cold coffee, that they are distributors of coveted espresso machines, La Marzocco and Rocket Espresso<span style="line-height: 17.984375px;">, and other coffee paraphernalia. </span>Oh, and not to forget - coffee in Yardstick also means they serve beer - made with coffee. As it says in the bottle, "a collaborated brew by Katipunan Craft Ales and Yardstick Coffee."</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiSfOwLzscj4jAS2SryKE_sSug3ni04IHjYANLsoprW0rYNnt6FnVL_h6vn8uMIhjEVV2Czs9FsY4FqgSnbGF2fJ831ZtM26BvsgJOyrMKqThNned6_78yfA5uq2sCcuO7fMVNn0QOBEVM/s1600/P1080162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiSfOwLzscj4jAS2SryKE_sSug3ni04IHjYANLsoprW0rYNnt6FnVL_h6vn8uMIhjEVV2Czs9FsY4FqgSnbGF2fJ831ZtM26BvsgJOyrMKqThNned6_78yfA5uq2sCcuO7fMVNn0QOBEVM/s320/P1080162.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEVHh7Ftg-EiF5llAM9xxqWlMjK-KFUYSorvdDjxRcu57ymn4QmHJDK6qzz5TKyqqForGWZQIKR-U77l7N4M3ss938XyN_oXgSin7BXvzX0Eu9FMo_Q47QzeRmAei1lBOf2quoL9-tETWO/s1600/20131126_161706.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEVHh7Ftg-EiF5llAM9xxqWlMjK-KFUYSorvdDjxRcu57ymn4QmHJDK6qzz5TKyqqForGWZQIKR-U77l7N4M3ss938XyN_oXgSin7BXvzX0Eu9FMo_Q47QzeRmAei1lBOf2quoL9-tETWO/s320/20131126_161706.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My friend and I were so pleased to have made the trip to find Yardstick Coffee happy with this visit, we're planning another one soon. We have a list of coffees to try, the beer, and probably attend a cupping session soon. I'm not a coffee snob nor do I pretend to be an expert. I just know I love coffee, I enjoy it when it's good, and I can tell when it's not (many times, I drink it anyway) - and I can confidently say, Yardstick has excellent coffee.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There's definitely more to learn from them, more to write about. Till then, if you want to experience a not-so-usual coffee break or some 'creative' time away from the office desk, look for this sign along the sidewalk of Esteban St. near corner Rufino St., Legaspi Village, Makati. </span><br />
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<br />java jivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08043764233952325904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211190257253005732.post-56543515758817775012013-11-29T13:24:00.000+08:002013-11-30T01:11:19.374+08:00Instagram and Tumblr got Still JavaJiving <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ah, the convenience of advancing technology and the new media. It's awesome on one hand, but on the other - it made posting my coffee pics and short reviews so easy, I just kept pressing the snooze button on this blog till I got such a pile-up of coffee experiences and photos I was planning to share.<br />
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I'm going to do a feature on the best ones (promise!), but in the meantime, I'll just let instagram (and tumblr), with my handful of followers, take the rap for my delinquency.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Vcy7nFa9lylnAXsFzePrGW5TlRnmrmyDE3TSTJcY6n-1mwk51PYyQ4rKQwTWgrjxISqntEizfRWd0cyxiaOWxTf_jfsCaYou9U4xSU2oX_8n1HbF7epl2gvKaki8uKCPGo_bk_CNvb1M/s1600/Screenshot_2013-11-28-21-10-12.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Vcy7nFa9lylnAXsFzePrGW5TlRnmrmyDE3TSTJcY6n-1mwk51PYyQ4rKQwTWgrjxISqntEizfRWd0cyxiaOWxTf_jfsCaYou9U4xSU2oX_8n1HbF7epl2gvKaki8uKCPGo_bk_CNvb1M/s320/Screenshot_2013-11-28-21-10-12.png" width="192" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR0YiR363sLoY1LQfNGJE5HG7g7Tv-x7bXlhsKgM6j0iAK9OHJvVSUdKHDYIlB5Vp-PqYYwVplLy-GBcuVWaU4BQ2pwQCGFvpXyX8QmvCv5witQCEwbTe8atI5L4SRR6fUXR8yof81aOG3/s1600/IMG_20131129_013231%231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR0YiR363sLoY1LQfNGJE5HG7g7Tv-x7bXlhsKgM6j0iAK9OHJvVSUdKHDYIlB5Vp-PqYYwVplLy-GBcuVWaU4BQ2pwQCGFvpXyX8QmvCv5witQCEwbTe8atI5L4SRR6fUXR8yof81aOG3/s320/IMG_20131129_013231%231.jpg" width="192" /></a></div>
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What I can do for now is share some snapshots that I first uploaded via those oh-so-easy sharing apps. Hang on for a bit, because I'll be a better java jiver. I have at least a couple of new coffee places I just can't wait to share with you, plus the rest of the pics that have piled up. Very soon.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK4UNSA5h7D1J44rjZlA6PGZ9YaKdJ2QMw-YtqDWbzWnTNZyUfROYT07AHyFp8_MiziHpemEwhhEJ0wiq1eWxHEfK3JOx_JD9BXfAUW2976TdOYDBVzIoopESXTIq8UFn_h_3XacFZEiem/s1600/020720111112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK4UNSA5h7D1J44rjZlA6PGZ9YaKdJ2QMw-YtqDWbzWnTNZyUfROYT07AHyFp8_MiziHpemEwhhEJ0wiq1eWxHEfK3JOx_JD9BXfAUW2976TdOYDBVzIoopESXTIq8UFn_h_3XacFZEiem/s320/020720111112.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stackers in Eastwood Mall</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-qVSHhE8TpcGIeAMTmPAOArCkYB6Kc_2igmpd1QczvHqXs0RFsjpU_OoVzd4gPztImi1l00S-qt56QW7ESisrYTrwvCtg798zr8Y57_VnSwq49jHV1hGWzm6qzL9CFxGzXz8P7WtXjYKg/s1600/P1070489.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-qVSHhE8TpcGIeAMTmPAOArCkYB6Kc_2igmpd1QczvHqXs0RFsjpU_OoVzd4gPztImi1l00S-qt56QW7ESisrYTrwvCtg798zr8Y57_VnSwq49jHV1hGWzm6qzL9CFxGzXz8P7WtXjYKg/s320/P1070489.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gourmet-to-Go inside Rustan's Fresh Supermarkets</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGxslEWJjgCQGzHOATuGQABjaOUe0MxBCXoXwvujbVLMEspSEHWZvvLuJAgK_fssoVUELikNS9HFjpnMH4rg7MTkaVshxsw0C1iBa8pJ02rHHXzqhyphenhyphenS3bakT9h3TURTTAD_gMXcNzgd4Ju/s1600/P1070453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGxslEWJjgCQGzHOATuGQABjaOUe0MxBCXoXwvujbVLMEspSEHWZvvLuJAgK_fssoVUELikNS9HFjpnMH4rg7MTkaVshxsw0C1iBa8pJ02rHHXzqhyphenhyphenS3bakT9h3TURTTAD_gMXcNzgd4Ju/s200/P1070453.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Packaging helps a lot. A present from my friend,<br />
from Siem Reap.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioYS98dNfRYIs-nvbnfrLrsg8Euyd8BPkLGoyDIvQOZ3zErRU_sF7mZ5grWuitQz7iyTa0xLoCz2UYktaoVLH-2-LehJgzhhCX6SRAZ3icLg_7oSmzLzOGonoDpuKfIOQDN1v-ZNJSsyJD/s1600/P1070459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioYS98dNfRYIs-nvbnfrLrsg8Euyd8BPkLGoyDIvQOZ3zErRU_sF7mZ5grWuitQz7iyTa0xLoCz2UYktaoVLH-2-LehJgzhhCX6SRAZ3icLg_7oSmzLzOGonoDpuKfIOQDN1v-ZNJSsyJD/s200/P1070459.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJuHv5d7USD2al06oDp_OivM21Id4hW_5XOhYBnxrCvOKWbJTSDT0h3X2qPEbnjUZhWdldzutqgtV-0f5m08wt6T-1Tm8j-wvaRA5e7L2LXO1KT4QzVObTUPW5d2QG_J8nN177QbneTMkJ/s1600/20130529_154713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJuHv5d7USD2al06oDp_OivM21Id4hW_5XOhYBnxrCvOKWbJTSDT0h3X2qPEbnjUZhWdldzutqgtV-0f5m08wt6T-1Tm8j-wvaRA5e7L2LXO1KT4QzVObTUPW5d2QG_J8nN177QbneTMkJ/s320/20130529_154713.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">French Baker. I love the presentation and the brownie on the side.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZfwo6tdnfiH5Ti40SXWiv-rcppMmazJkhXvmNLOEJxWBTEeHzISHKrVz1p_upCRZfuHrrWlEWxHCxbG7B3PpLqc3Q6oyl1_r58CRulg7wbkwQX5wX09TvkhZhqBcD6leR6clM3KsqvmKy/s1600/20130603_132829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZfwo6tdnfiH5Ti40SXWiv-rcppMmazJkhXvmNLOEJxWBTEeHzISHKrVz1p_upCRZfuHrrWlEWxHCxbG7B3PpLqc3Q6oyl1_r58CRulg7wbkwQX5wX09TvkhZhqBcD6leR6clM3KsqvmKy/s320/20130603_132829.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">RUB Ribs, no other pic, sorry.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkvetE0RrwKDLxBF_MKzbmmh77Czlvax3G2YrUAvEn1G9zt57sjsw8qBr0rmanHZxqXWW9wpFc5Pufdr9lIVn5uakNCqLsUbbvQ4tfYaClg9OXwvYKefEzNKi5-9znkMNPYCRVedvasi6H/s1600/20130609_162727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkvetE0RrwKDLxBF_MKzbmmh77Czlvax3G2YrUAvEn1G9zt57sjsw8qBr0rmanHZxqXWW9wpFc5Pufdr9lIVn5uakNCqLsUbbvQ4tfYaClg9OXwvYKefEzNKi5-9znkMNPYCRVedvasi6H/s320/20130609_162727.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pancake House. Sometimes very strong, sometimes not.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGn_WCLzOzyYwlYeyekv2UCeuuVVHv_l3msqRiclq8WRffgdQtKdsw2v8mVZrOjLNpdbXIZYrISHGkL01hACpUZW-PlhWtuhuichRalfdP7PM_twyeFz7eG23gdAbKuZeZ0yYOkNCX1TRM/s1600/20130614_132502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGn_WCLzOzyYwlYeyekv2UCeuuVVHv_l3msqRiclq8WRffgdQtKdsw2v8mVZrOjLNpdbXIZYrISHGkL01hACpUZW-PlhWtuhuichRalfdP7PM_twyeFz7eG23gdAbKuZeZ0yYOkNCX1TRM/s320/20130614_132502.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stacy's in Capitol Golf. Nice country/vintage-y place. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbogF9ibAzumknnfSC53-Pa_Tgg7hPsqwSFfVwKlhOb2in9WaNoHfIL1JaKcqwERGgJNvvvDzbdn__j2Lu5mwLD6QQ7RO6XBMqRjcGnylqu8cBMxkAKi1EXlIzrCP3c-AqUuf9gZ_k2X14/s1600/20130712_170150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbogF9ibAzumknnfSC53-Pa_Tgg7hPsqwSFfVwKlhOb2in9WaNoHfIL1JaKcqwERGgJNvvvDzbdn__j2Lu5mwLD6QQ7RO6XBMqRjcGnylqu8cBMxkAKi1EXlIzrCP3c-AqUuf9gZ_k2X14/s320/20130712_170150.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Their chai tea is fabulous, and so's their coffee. Not bad at all.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiPvr0HXxsP29HiYeFfp2tCqFMNZPDz1fF3pjiA_cfEeuzTL6-Tg5z5sC50brHlcqJWJiByn2GAKKPAza0gOkfGmGzcZiT82nGFQ7tgos1WMKgibfCRAktwODboSBa_EaqCKTpVHsIPMo5/s1600/fleur+de+lis2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiPvr0HXxsP29HiYeFfp2tCqFMNZPDz1fF3pjiA_cfEeuzTL6-Tg5z5sC50brHlcqJWJiByn2GAKKPAza0gOkfGmGzcZiT82nGFQ7tgos1WMKgibfCRAktwODboSBa_EaqCKTpVHsIPMo5/s320/fleur+de+lis2.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fleur De Lys, Tomas Morato, Q.C. Very strong brew.<br />
You'll need all the powdered creamer that comes with it.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZMhdx6CPWmVCoDMpUPowctA4VhjXJPna4qwR5K1vW0Ro_6Gen-VtC8r_P2fwTfTjY9e4hzOlGfrI7C2edU6NK6wgqnxkfplmLrerJ7M8hmmxwIQiVBVwOuIEail9s4ls8g1wvZ9y6h9d-/s1600/Fleur+de+lis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZMhdx6CPWmVCoDMpUPowctA4VhjXJPna4qwR5K1vW0Ro_6Gen-VtC8r_P2fwTfTjY9e4hzOlGfrI7C2edU6NK6wgqnxkfplmLrerJ7M8hmmxwIQiVBVwOuIEail9s4ls8g1wvZ9y6h9d-/s320/Fleur+de+lis.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicqio6I-T3wkxtHi39pAWkpRx8izbOmUSQQslhfsFgnMcqSVFgGkJJ_45lBtH2FErvkL8XqIO9bcDkNZMQOKFh6nWE-zR0t3QmygbTq6m0ofHvw0p8lcCEGz_9O9skGMTjncs7zRc9Brvm/s1600/20131001_215154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicqio6I-T3wkxtHi39pAWkpRx8izbOmUSQQslhfsFgnMcqSVFgGkJJ_45lBtH2FErvkL8XqIO9bcDkNZMQOKFh6nWE-zR0t3QmygbTq6m0ofHvw0p8lcCEGz_9O9skGMTjncs7zRc9Brvm/s320/20131001_215154.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brewed Coffee from Le Maison, Cebu City, Cebu.<br />
Strong brew, lovely restaurant.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQfwZiHc-ViVtxEb-FBAR-iH9UCFstk_byYtheGAHJPeftjph4fPSp-_B06CQG5nw0tDohI6Hkz4cBUfaalX2X-CuroV0LuWnuolTzpjp_rLnki7cHOs8eyFdOUy6QfWqeUyvTcBACv3nK/s1600/20130918_143353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQfwZiHc-ViVtxEb-FBAR-iH9UCFstk_byYtheGAHJPeftjph4fPSp-_B06CQG5nw0tDohI6Hkz4cBUfaalX2X-CuroV0LuWnuolTzpjp_rLnki7cHOs8eyFdOUy6QfWqeUyvTcBACv3nK/s320/20130918_143353.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">18 Days in Cash & Carry, Manila. More about this stall later.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSxD78g1etjKyQvb37GWsvtadGHNHvEP8ZMGcP111wYlQRjFZwoGmfwWbPE70e6x7KDLnYFZ6hBa0m3Umrq_vevltoh2WAU1TlPyAbAd2kQDeaJxtEggJWIhq-iaQC92HHTkPH6S5mZ2y3/s1600/20130925_210954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSxD78g1etjKyQvb37GWsvtadGHNHvEP8ZMGcP111wYlQRjFZwoGmfwWbPE70e6x7KDLnYFZ6hBa0m3Umrq_vevltoh2WAU1TlPyAbAd2kQDeaJxtEggJWIhq-iaQC92HHTkPH6S5mZ2y3/s320/20130925_210954.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Solaire Hotel. Hotels should ALWAYS have good coffee.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAPFGitJGjxzK57ZbpUyiTJDD1E_4QjD62vs2DO0Xn90jlFjf9hUjFq5lyIib1QlnfRKalKmSQBpw47riA6KEqeVOxHXR0nFzZyMZurSNbmJ_sS-JuIV0_Z20pQ8ynFzl3-F58oLYEyubL/s1600/20130804_232015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAPFGitJGjxzK57ZbpUyiTJDD1E_4QjD62vs2DO0Xn90jlFjf9hUjFq5lyIib1QlnfRKalKmSQBpw47riA6KEqeVOxHXR0nFzZyMZurSNbmJ_sS-JuIV0_Z20pQ8ynFzl3-F58oLYEyubL/s320/20130804_232015.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">IHOP's refillable brew. Diner-ish.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLDCgFKuiFoBHWgjOLNvYtaX1RYja1r_Qc70Fr33Dy_yDg_CDTaV4fqIusT54ljkyEcZpSs1h-s6_Ocuka1LqyDJi0xGgDCqXjgKS3Qe2v63PY4o7G-pdjBLTtHl7F9hoIuegxo2KEewuo/s1600/20130813_154325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLDCgFKuiFoBHWgjOLNvYtaX1RYja1r_Qc70Fr33Dy_yDg_CDTaV4fqIusT54ljkyEcZpSs1h-s6_Ocuka1LqyDJi0xGgDCqXjgKS3Qe2v63PY4o7G-pdjBLTtHl7F9hoIuegxo2KEewuo/s320/20130813_154325.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Il Padrino in Robinson's Galleria. Very affordable for good coffee.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good way to end a hearty meal. Batangas Brew<br />
from Corazon, East Wing of Shangri-La Plaza, Mandaluyong.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfaVRyZkzKnhoeW8OuY9-rBEFJ1R38jXGkm9MJqXTRsoZc7zAraX4TKTsLrHbR4PXTEn26USpBgK2bOnHRzpx1u1dfIIUxuoB8ws_41GTStTcqnF9EGsnSixFDOkQr9rlPdxkewOHMRJRl/s1600/20130718_222011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfaVRyZkzKnhoeW8OuY9-rBEFJ1R38jXGkm9MJqXTRsoZc7zAraX4TKTsLrHbR4PXTEn26USpBgK2bOnHRzpx1u1dfIIUxuoB8ws_41GTStTcqnF9EGsnSixFDOkQr9rlPdxkewOHMRJRl/s400/20130718_222011.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">North Park. Yes, they have coffee. Already with milk, <br />
served with simple syrup on the side.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkEK6Th0hTg9hyphenhyphenaB1XZQjMd19G3BAN67FIN_YUpQwvEqDidOcvo3CF0nsU3OSHurlQ5AXKzgEmH1ySxGMhfUac8JHO3ZMfFJjG6gBPpHbQ9jimlYRKKkCMhVTa-uutxCKJTNiWPvubnwXy/s1600/20131010_173342.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkEK6Th0hTg9hyphenhyphenaB1XZQjMd19G3BAN67FIN_YUpQwvEqDidOcvo3CF0nsU3OSHurlQ5AXKzgEmH1ySxGMhfUac8JHO3ZMfFJjG6gBPpHbQ9jimlYRKKkCMhVTa-uutxCKJTNiWPvubnwXy/s320/20131010_173342.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MoMo, Eastwood Mall. Very strong, full-bodied,<br />
almost cocoa-ish.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chateau 1771. Sugar and cream needed, added,<br />
and it's still that dark.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl9NcTKZpOiVR8Snfa6nzCjV7tAWhqKHV6_u8nojFIShvwA1hNoIwYdB2GdorqyMGHDD1sQgrM1eBVo0CWVD2kcokToHEljOLjNt0gl8LYeGExwWxhyEBynvX9it8PTMbcBzrgSEE3LRcg/s1600/20131012_125800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl9NcTKZpOiVR8Snfa6nzCjV7tAWhqKHV6_u8nojFIShvwA1hNoIwYdB2GdorqyMGHDD1sQgrM1eBVo0CWVD2kcokToHEljOLjNt0gl8LYeGExwWxhyEBynvX9it8PTMbcBzrgSEE3LRcg/s320/20131012_125800.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sci-Fi Cafe. The experience of dining in the midst of <br />
all those superheroes was better.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn36f-4OQ-T7944tLsQAyS1Oi1JX6lvstAkyYrZHEZEwJfl3VR0qoIzN8dk-wb_e3x1gnnwzjVDQmkPWbZhXT2tTPu0agUYLDwqTBEsbJyBNqHChpZtSmrRmVTUVUPWMbR7_PkzlXCDbO_/s1600/20131109_103705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn36f-4OQ-T7944tLsQAyS1Oi1JX6lvstAkyYrZHEZEwJfl3VR0qoIzN8dk-wb_e3x1gnnwzjVDQmkPWbZhXT2tTPu0agUYLDwqTBEsbJyBNqHChpZtSmrRmVTUVUPWMbR7_PkzlXCDbO_/s320/20131109_103705.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soy Gingerbread latte, my first Starbucks Holiday2013 coffee. <br />
Nutmeg powder beat the coffee into my mouth. </td></tr>
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<br />java jivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08043764233952325904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211190257253005732.post-85099186857052893382013-08-19T02:58:00.000+08:002015-08-19T03:04:44.196+08:00French Pressed Coffee at Fred's Revolucion BarWhere to go to sober up?<br />
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How many times have we had to drop by a cafe or a late hour restaurant to sober up a bit after happy hour or a night in a bar with friends? Bars would prepare what customers go there for - - the all-around fave ice-cold beer, wine, smooth cocktails, and some light yet flavorful dish to go with those drinks. Some have ventured to offer heavy meals to fill one's stomach with before giving it some happy splash. Very thoughtful. How many, though, have thought about the right brew to give a customer before he/she leaves for home... or wherever?<br />
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Fred's Revolucion's co-owner's happy crow: "Of course we have coffee!" That answer never sounded so delightful. The thought that the hubby and I weren't going to need for an open 'Starbucks' for that all-important night cap, to park yet another time when all I want to do is go home after a night out for some happy-happy.<br />
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They usually serve freshly ground local coffee in a french press, and it's usually good. They know beer and they know coffee, these Fred's Revoluccion peeps.java jivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08043764233952325904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211190257253005732.post-52337295012100117252013-05-24T00:53:00.000+08:002013-05-24T00:59:00.411+08:00EDSA Shangri-La Hotel's Caf E <br />
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>T</b></span>he program was about to begin in a media event I attended recently when someone from my table rushed back from the dessert buffet and quipped, "You know they value coffee when there's an espresso machine at the buffet, not brewed coffee coming from a tall dispenser." Okay, I paraphrased it. But that was the essence of what he said.<br />
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I've had nasty tasting coffee coming from a lot of those <i>de rigueur</i> event buffet dispensers. The contents may have been brewed but the coffee's left to stand for some time. Still, it being an event held at an EDSA Shangri-La Hotel ballroom, and knowing the hotel serves good coffee in their various outlets, I decided to have one.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brewed coffee sourced from the stainless steel dispenser,<br />
poured from a kettle, with a splash of fresh milk.</td></tr>
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It wasn't bad, but it wasn't excellent, either. One shouldn't really expect an excellent cup from those huge stainless thingies, even when they're served to you from a smaller kettle if you request a cup from your table. </div>
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After the event, I met up with a friend, EDSA Shangri-La's Director of Communications Ouie Bedelles, in a coffee place inside the FullyBooked store outside the hotel (meaning they have their own separate entrance). I ordered a brewed coffee, which came out of a coffee machine, had a wee splash of non-fat milk added, and sat outside to wait for him because seating inside was limited and I wanted fresh air for a change.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Only 1 barista was operating this place</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGBQn4I2b4wRBSkUrnZ4Y62yFuILVqYJGHiUP3VyuoDQMVSAiNbKBXzp20hmrdkuJIV_DOjPaUrJ33x3pXJ2MFLV1aXGm64jwncrDOQ_qMO3kBPg3KJWABrcs4fmylgPpWLnHSW_wIQUzj/s1600/20130521_152220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGBQn4I2b4wRBSkUrnZ4Y62yFuILVqYJGHiUP3VyuoDQMVSAiNbKBXzp20hmrdkuJIV_DOjPaUrJ33x3pXJ2MFLV1aXGm64jwncrDOQ_qMO3kBPg3KJWABrcs4fmylgPpWLnHSW_wIQUzj/s320/20130521_152220.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CafE, pronounced, "Caf - Eee."</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnagranAo3IQycmW9jtcN0-NWNVN-0R9gO1HPfgSoG0BKMJ-C6ADRXC3jX3o5myDWdhNMMckVkrltZ1wKroM7k3fTtIj99RCcndrOErsbKngGWj1wf1Goc_FPdCKSg9abWKLs_Ih_6RNPi/s1600/20130521_152314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnagranAo3IQycmW9jtcN0-NWNVN-0R9gO1HPfgSoG0BKMJ-C6ADRXC3jX3o5myDWdhNMMckVkrltZ1wKroM7k3fTtIj99RCcndrOErsbKngGWj1wf1Goc_FPdCKSg9abWKLs_Ih_6RNPi/s320/20130521_152314.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A splash of nonfat milk...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzE2tJTBSYhRgBWoBSnygFuAHzykPxfTOTuPZG8Z6l-iMG1ABJsQdrUverCxX0NwEJBY-xcmdmpP-JRjxD-wO9Q0Iy0W1YPxsNMajqV6uizYfZg0JNYrRsOXSeR6dqY0cIrJXmxACfHGxB/s1600/20130521_152500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzE2tJTBSYhRgBWoBSnygFuAHzykPxfTOTuPZG8Z6l-iMG1ABJsQdrUverCxX0NwEJBY-xcmdmpP-JRjxD-wO9Q0Iy0W1YPxsNMajqV6uizYfZg0JNYrRsOXSeR6dqY0cIrJXmxACfHGxB/s320/20130521_152500.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Voila! Delish Coffee!</td></tr>
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<div>
The coffee was excellent. Just P100.00. Free wifi was courtesy of the hotel's open service, and with books a few feet away, who would mind waiting a bit? I thought it was pretty generous of the hotel to extend their wifi service to FullyBook's coffee place.<br />
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Turns out, as Ouie clarified, Caf<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">E</span> </b>was owned and operated by EDSA Shangri-La! </div>
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Which made me ask Ouie to confirm what my table-mate at the event said about the buffet coffee dispensers. This is what I learned: </div>
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<ul>
<li>The coffee served in events - via a dispenser or an espresso machine - is the choice of the event client. </li>
<li>Coffee machines cost a bit more. </li>
<li>Each EDSA Shangri-La outlet (restaurant/lounge/bar) serves a different variant and brand of coffee.</li>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFSggOar55_pD85idjC4DOUsS7XbzT1EbQbA6wyJKWr6S53_IvaxX5MkPtGk-lyn5r7-BONkdVWy36jukX3rzMtVtJtgkyvEBmqxlZ8ue0j4MWHS-rOTn0e1TsgLfmXRXy7xYA0tXSXZ4s/s1600/20130521_152531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFSggOar55_pD85idjC4DOUsS7XbzT1EbQbA6wyJKWr6S53_IvaxX5MkPtGk-lyn5r7-BONkdVWy36jukX3rzMtVtJtgkyvEBmqxlZ8ue0j4MWHS-rOTn0e1TsgLfmXRXy7xYA0tXSXZ4s/s320/20130521_152531.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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Now about CafE coffee - because it was that good, I'm definitely considering one of my choice destinations when in the area. I'm also going back soon because I forgot to ask details about the coffee beans they use.</div>
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java jivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08043764233952325904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211190257253005732.post-78736722672923659422013-05-15T21:24:00.001+08:002013-05-15T21:24:14.315+08:00Singapore Coffee Shorts<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>S</b></span>o I was lucky enough to visit Singapore again - 2 summers in a row. This time I was with my entire family and more.<br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">(hubby + 4 kids + 2 sisters-in-law)</span></h4>
This time, it was a shorter visit.<span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span>I expected to have fun, but with eight of us on this trip, I felt coffee was needed more than wine or something stronger to make the most of our brief vacation. I started on the plane.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjArXgf49kLvuLdYrCePwwb1Q52DE9GMwse7jnT7QwN6h3Y3msfXpbkfBUdFB7fP8FZ3ibHYplkrrDBtAdEA9N8RGUwu9TD8NgzLNepM_ZiCcI3Cn9KOJfkDGf6dVxSPkjGweEaRVyTmk1O/s1600/20130328_092136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjArXgf49kLvuLdYrCePwwb1Q52DE9GMwse7jnT7QwN6h3Y3msfXpbkfBUdFB7fP8FZ3ibHYplkrrDBtAdEA9N8RGUwu9TD8NgzLNepM_ZiCcI3Cn9KOJfkDGf6dVxSPkjGweEaRVyTmk1O/s400/20130328_092136.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Well, what do you know? Ordered one on each flight.<br />Coffee is consistently good on Singapore Airlines :)</td></tr>
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This time, also, I knew better than to have a lot of their <i>kopi</i> laced with evaporated or condensed milk. My stomach didn't like the traditional brew much, I discovered almost too late the last time. I did need my shot of caffeine more than the usual, though, so I bought a pack of what became one of my top fabulous discoveries: Owl Kopi-O. Authentic Straits Asian Coffee. The pack contained a lot of packets.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUEVsWXbSMLerZNn0wIA44uUaG0rDthBGdlTVfX3BFvb1-hYetaXjuMZE7DsXDLhBGWB0g4laG3mqpFD2ViG9fYjIywFHUgZJtQ1ADD0HE62szsB1c006_jRL-trLDdHlq7BLT4R3il3Aw/s1600/20130328_155612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUEVsWXbSMLerZNn0wIA44uUaG0rDthBGdlTVfX3BFvb1-hYetaXjuMZE7DsXDLhBGWB0g4laG3mqpFD2ViG9fYjIywFHUgZJtQ1ADD0HE62szsB1c006_jRL-trLDdHlq7BLT4R3il3Aw/s400/20130328_155612.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2-in-1 Coffee bags!<br /> Not powdered, and it tasted like it was brewed.</td></tr>
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Just like the brewed version, it was strong, dense, but delicious. Nothing that will make hair grow on your chest. It was so good, I went to get another pack to take home. Then I saw another variant: Owl's White Coffee Tarik in Hazelnut.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEXtnsC_zI5nQlsn-CTcNftf2gEIxYZggdnXNuKDHZKg-r08wEW44rsmHUZsmbTx0ImV2cpNm0em-u9_4N-ufVAQE3uBY3grauzIF8CUb7vEGLs4W1rYMgPmvCi7cXwxV0P-QzgieBNKTw/s1600/20130407_105339.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEXtnsC_zI5nQlsn-CTcNftf2gEIxYZggdnXNuKDHZKg-r08wEW44rsmHUZsmbTx0ImV2cpNm0em-u9_4N-ufVAQE3uBY3grauzIF8CUb7vEGLs4W1rYMgPmvCi7cXwxV0P-QzgieBNKTw/s400/20130407_105339.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's 3-in-1and powdered. Delicious just the same.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW_5NzHAnXfyyO0JYaYGsyGVyla1PtQKe4rbTAjW-EBdAOdO4RRsAYgo9doeST_0fBn5rNzx8lYtWqsLUjPw_8I00GM1PAccMnUHDFqG54W3xUuVMPoC56ogMeyMV20ZH8ZUgGq5meU5It/s1600/20130407_105530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW_5NzHAnXfyyO0JYaYGsyGVyla1PtQKe4rbTAjW-EBdAOdO4RRsAYgo9doeST_0fBn5rNzx8lYtWqsLUjPw_8I00GM1PAccMnUHDFqG54W3xUuVMPoC56ogMeyMV20ZH8ZUgGq5meU5It/s400/20130407_105530.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thick, creamy, sweetened just right. <br />The hazelnut flavor was so deliciously distinct.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
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I should've made a run for more of these to take home, but we had to be on time for our van to take us to Changi Airport. Singaporeans are so strict about time. At least now I know what to hoard the next time I go to the Lion City :)</div>
java jivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08043764233952325904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211190257253005732.post-91095815045395319182013-05-15T19:21:00.000+08:002013-05-23T17:43:56.306+08:00Organic Pour-over Coffee at Wild Flour, the Podium Mall<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>F</b></span>inally, <b>Wild Flour</b> opened somewhere a bit closer to where I live. It's easy to spot - right next to the ground floor escalators, where Cafe (Deli) France used to be.<br />
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A bit small, if you ask me, considering how the Wild Flour restaurant in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, is always packed (each time I pass it).<br />
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The good thing is that the place is so fabulously decorated, it doesn't feel cramped. More like cozy. You won't hear what the people next table are saying, and you won't have servers' elbows hitting you as they whizz by. A bottle of cold water gets regularly replaced, so you won't feel like they're rushing you to make room for the next batch of customers. That was great because I was there with a good friend and we had lots of catching up to do.<br />
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It was bustling with a quick turnover of customers from 4pm onward. Fortunately, we scored a table for two inside. We shared a grilled gruyere cheese sandwich which came with an arugula salad on the side, and we also each got a glass of merlot. Fab and light and perfect for our overloaded list of topics for the day *happy sigh*<br />
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Now for the coffee. My friend, who was coffee'd out for the day, got a decaf, and upon her recommendation, I ordered one of their pour-overs, the Organic brew.<br />
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Okay, I don't know if the barista actually poured the hot water over the freshly-ground coffee beans (hence the name, right?), but the coffee was served in a tall stainless steel (or silver?) french press. One order had enough for a refill, which I loved! Just to add a bit of sweetness, my friend and I shared a large chocolate chip cookie.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4YMyi_WTxmINZjo2U-WFl9LG2eS6nVUwWBTlW_MTjNf8irX_9Rtt6Wt8ozht1o27AH7KAWdbZavHYBafjdes6RRbE9Hi1WmUIb1qxG2ddyeFPt04KWpV6q9kcTYg5pNJMXfwOTre1xy7H/s1600/20130509_191028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4YMyi_WTxmINZjo2U-WFl9LG2eS6nVUwWBTlW_MTjNf8irX_9Rtt6Wt8ozht1o27AH7KAWdbZavHYBafjdes6RRbE9Hi1WmUIb1qxG2ddyeFPt04KWpV6q9kcTYg5pNJMXfwOTre1xy7H/s400/20130509_191028.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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The coffee was very good: just the right strength and color. I almost always take my coffee with a splash of creamer, milk, or soya, but after a sip, I thought it could do with just a drop for color (to trick my mind, haha). I loved the place, the experience, the food, the wine, and the coffee. Another visit is absolutely called for. Now I have a new favorite place.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDfoUuCBQ-xWq8I7-LNy4pDCdkYimkDCC8TWAgxL5kScCwPYLD-_pvRSVwpY2mhLhOne0VX68mQmEYfA8CJMufEgv0usJ_MpPOvK0ugsBPr9Ggc4ANJ_XCalaT1H6anBClDSjPHATl8j3y/s1600/20130509_213835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDfoUuCBQ-xWq8I7-LNy4pDCdkYimkDCC8TWAgxL5kScCwPYLD-_pvRSVwpY2mhLhOne0VX68mQmEYfA8CJMufEgv0usJ_MpPOvK0ugsBPr9Ggc4ANJ_XCalaT1H6anBClDSjPHATl8j3y/s400/20130509_213835.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All about coffee... and tea ;-) A huge coffee machine sits on a place of honor on the beverage prep bar.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_mM06pvo7wjM6eMz1M3E2XAFnQ4jbwG4xgQ01EkGFTlECtomeGXaDMCsUMEKM_PBcgP09_19c3u7QO0XivjrtZc7eJsjkU2o26j7LPj7OSx3ESBPALtYrkbQmotrT8NBTezmFVWw-nDCK/s1600/20130509_213824.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_mM06pvo7wjM6eMz1M3E2XAFnQ4jbwG4xgQ01EkGFTlECtomeGXaDMCsUMEKM_PBcgP09_19c3u7QO0XivjrtZc7eJsjkU2o26j7LPj7OSx3ESBPALtYrkbQmotrT8NBTezmFVWw-nDCK/s400/20130509_213824.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leading to the stairs. Unfortunately, no 2nd floor <br />
for more diners; just a stock room.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixmSvFpd2OiNpXg-6K7zhf3F8yRX7JW13AY4v7NwsNk2SxNhZesL5lKv0ompLyNIh3UA9lS_NlbIPD17GFNYcuitvxj6scm_bcAVJhxlB5lItkWH84cVxcwP2bSksO8ndJZqUjPpbL77Co/s1600/20130509_191106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixmSvFpd2OiNpXg-6K7zhf3F8yRX7JW13AY4v7NwsNk2SxNhZesL5lKv0ompLyNIh3UA9lS_NlbIPD17GFNYcuitvxj6scm_bcAVJhxlB5lItkWH84cVxcwP2bSksO8ndJZqUjPpbL77Co/s400/20130509_191106.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A lot of wall art on coffee even if they have <br />
quite a selection of wines lining up the walls, too.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWB9E6HP24_2Lqol12fcnbvG_T86nKam7rZTRqDrkig5I4A8F77gKlojzSlrwx-vxl3hzhwOpxIWamjBWLwOEH8TsHLmMR3CL8OFDCd9_YfAQHf9vNcxyj81ziHjPrkxTN7y1Ys7UVFgim/s1600/20130509_214019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWB9E6HP24_2Lqol12fcnbvG_T86nKam7rZTRqDrkig5I4A8F77gKlojzSlrwx-vxl3hzhwOpxIWamjBWLwOEH8TsHLmMR3CL8OFDCd9_YfAQHf9vNcxyj81ziHjPrkxTN7y1Ys7UVFgim/s400/20130509_214019.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I asked the barista what coffee he used. <br />
He presented me with this pack to photograph.</td></tr>
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<br />java jivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08043764233952325904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211190257253005732.post-67175767978485100262013-05-15T14:44:00.000+08:002013-11-27T17:53:36.743+08:00Coffees and Bars<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>A</b></span> lot of things happen in bars. Many times (well, till the advent of mobile phone cameras and social networks), what happens in bars ought to stay in bars. But, these places do churn out happy AND inebriated peeps more often than not. So a coffee list, or even just one coffee in the beverage list should stand proud among the happy drinks. Get the happy people sobered up a bit and rehydrated. Water <i><b>and</b></i> coffee should be the "one for the road" of choice. In an ideal world, that is.<br />
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Some bars are in that ideal world. I've had some of the best-tasting coffees, freshly-ground and out of pro espresso machines or served in french presses in bars. Saves you the trip to an open Starbucks or settling for a nearby 7-11 for a quick pick-me-up before the drive home. Yep. And here's a toast to them and some pics of those I've had in the recent past. I'll be adding more to these after I find those mobile phone photos :)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDyC8rrcKuh7qC16IssrO91MpP6qDUZB1_otErZLf2Z9c5oC8IRyw-tN7b6qlLo84geTQpPc3eBVsk6gdes5_4SvwCh9ar8ZttOcW4RBWVbaS4WFDWX7p6WWvVuio01U3IOkBn7QhLu-AD/s1600/230720111132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDyC8rrcKuh7qC16IssrO91MpP6qDUZB1_otErZLf2Z9c5oC8IRyw-tN7b6qlLo84geTQpPc3eBVsk6gdes5_4SvwCh9ar8ZttOcW4RBWVbaS4WFDWX7p6WWvVuio01U3IOkBn7QhLu-AD/s320/230720111132.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fred's Revolucion in Cubao X</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaA53TEaPtEBLCaDaKH6xmAXbThsRMM1gnGEU4pkiEnVY0-fbYRLqc0-4loDq6RD282wtKxZGRCjoSWonKbkfYoDG1SqB8W2KR42DCovOvD-Pl1Mq5cbhvzir21MaWqf2-8jJWU5DPAOqV/s1600/P1000645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaA53TEaPtEBLCaDaKH6xmAXbThsRMM1gnGEU4pkiEnVY0-fbYRLqc0-4loDq6RD282wtKxZGRCjoSWonKbkfYoDG1SqB8W2KR42DCovOvD-Pl1Mq5cbhvzir21MaWqf2-8jJWU5DPAOqV/s320/P1000645.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mandarin Hotel, Manila</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir0OyI0WwJHsfszYka6ygAALI0SlPEVwFEttFpaHV1nrXWKPGePDXdI_PvijetCwWfyETGvhY32nPWZcpfcNLWb6IIN-RHpMMDtXqcrAd63nC99YjcDO7Osw5BEJketc9KmJx95owZ1N6h/s1600/buddhabar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir0OyI0WwJHsfszYka6ygAALI0SlPEVwFEttFpaHV1nrXWKPGePDXdI_PvijetCwWfyETGvhY32nPWZcpfcNLWb6IIN-RHpMMDtXqcrAd63nC99YjcDO7Osw5BEJketc9KmJx95owZ1N6h/s320/buddhabar.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buddha Bar, Makati<br />
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java jivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08043764233952325904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211190257253005732.post-69918793819901900222012-12-31T13:50:00.000+08:002013-01-02T15:27:43.716+08:00More to come!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>H</b></span><span style="font-size: large;">ere's to another year of coffee loving and java jiving. Praying and wishing for more and better times to stop a bit, take stock of what's happened and what's to come, what could've gone better and what more can be done, and just being grateful for being alive (and for coffee)!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijq1HAuXdshH1dQLxZlpfFWmybVhNvH3c7NQA8wzXqOmM4aT5GtucEX6G3iN379FuamcwTLQA5HtHzg2BGlrFAcunNK0_Q9x1a7ADVaJBnnU7N7lPWH3TtHWz03piWVE-ReavNAchtP3SL/s1600/310520111074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijq1HAuXdshH1dQLxZlpfFWmybVhNvH3c7NQA8wzXqOmM4aT5GtucEX6G3iN379FuamcwTLQA5HtHzg2BGlrFAcunNK0_Q9x1a7ADVaJBnnU7N7lPWH3TtHWz03piWVE-ReavNAchtP3SL/s320/310520111074.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vietnamese Coffee,<br />
Cocktales in Trinoma Mall (same floor as Topshop/Topman)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUwi_a4PFlTxvC994R3HcNDh_1BJdiPm2CBe-zQFcEJU3yZ8dIQn6cSl1_8cooH68aBDOQgubjdrQFOXVASt9pIk0DsxHBwtw4yOP4Pt6odeM48N8Ux9JjSGSskqo7Fy5pbqgt1Nb3gmZ6/s1600/230720111132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUwi_a4PFlTxvC994R3HcNDh_1BJdiPm2CBe-zQFcEJU3yZ8dIQn6cSl1_8cooH68aBDOQgubjdrQFOXVASt9pIk0DsxHBwtw4yOP4Pt6odeM48N8Ux9JjSGSskqo7Fy5pbqgt1Nb3gmZ6/s320/230720111132.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exotic coffee, pressed in Fred's Revoluccion Bar (CubaoX)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8H-eLXa-Zyh2Xr5mtQ0laxoo1_UL7Kym9mlX6lrhBACQuRb5iPXiC-iTDJl0BDJp7wL5zbnsCp762TXuqvdwgIb-kPtPaqKcsAHE83GGfvY4Rb7J_CPAHR2YP4BPxPnz8P8wStIDBWM7Z/s1600/051220111158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8H-eLXa-Zyh2Xr5mtQ0laxoo1_UL7Kym9mlX6lrhBACQuRb5iPXiC-iTDJl0BDJp7wL5zbnsCp762TXuqvdwgIb-kPtPaqKcsAHE83GGfvY4Rb7J_CPAHR2YP4BPxPnz8P8wStIDBWM7Z/s320/051220111158.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barako/House Brew at KKK (Mega Mall/MOA)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Hgkd86AkywVm_16Rrwsez8uoGApcgc_jg5uPcnq5KKfUo3PlVqxp8mUrxpHdm90vTSx1FyTX88dGGZ91sV_XRt4GYOKx_YpuIBV-nZFhMhobcnt0OBcB-FzItMg9kvjbhzsbt-QBAgGx/s1600/Photo0048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Hgkd86AkywVm_16Rrwsez8uoGApcgc_jg5uPcnq5KKfUo3PlVqxp8mUrxpHdm90vTSx1FyTX88dGGZ91sV_XRt4GYOKx_YpuIBV-nZFhMhobcnt0OBcB-FzItMg9kvjbhzsbt-QBAgGx/s320/Photo0048.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PS Cafe, Paragon Mall, Orchard Rd., Singapore</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge5MC9Exqa6Sbz2L04nysSyLrZw3n7BVbPvtfOmuIp8Sv52RMh5c9lUo7MsPwNZhVhZ9Ags_Qp4_HFCcHS_KoGYgUDMza2PVb3EVSIIhgIbp7Wgh2YEYWVtWaEC_oZk7FzepuutAiobes7/s1600/P1020367.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge5MC9Exqa6Sbz2L04nysSyLrZw3n7BVbPvtfOmuIp8Sv52RMh5c9lUo7MsPwNZhVhZ9Ags_Qp4_HFCcHS_KoGYgUDMza2PVb3EVSIIhgIbp7Wgh2YEYWVtWaEC_oZk7FzepuutAiobes7/s400/P1020367.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ya Kun Kaya Toast Kopi C, Takashimaya, Orchard Road, Singapore</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ESTZUzyvpd9EgS2vFsQb52BIcpQc6yIkfhdPw7CvF57zNXQrf1UTBK3HUjwBbbRPhH-CQblfK5_CgBhFBtU0-LAuV0Jdoxm-2ISK2sL1P30vczVy-wmztW_bYobkhj-gU4wVveJSvDSs/s1600/P1050274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ESTZUzyvpd9EgS2vFsQb52BIcpQc6yIkfhdPw7CvF57zNXQrf1UTBK3HUjwBbbRPhH-CQblfK5_CgBhFBtU0-LAuV0Jdoxm-2ISK2sL1P30vczVy-wmztW_bYobkhj-gU4wVveJSvDSs/s320/P1050274.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brewed Coffee, Mom & Tina's, Regis, Katipunan Rd. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKOuWQDU5cxUU1IzhESJLkQjjSNyBNtKdIecMB7Xjyx96j1pT5H3-r9jsua-P-I7U3JLbV_JOgEydZbZWuSWEaQnU0tG3RIcYZ1pNtVZe1R08n6QeqQB82h0iCxp_lMSY7Fo2HpCw8Nhur/s1600/Photo0133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKOuWQDU5cxUU1IzhESJLkQjjSNyBNtKdIecMB7Xjyx96j1pT5H3-r9jsua-P-I7U3JLbV_JOgEydZbZWuSWEaQnU0tG3RIcYZ1pNtVZe1R08n6QeqQB82h0iCxp_lMSY7Fo2HpCw8Nhur/s320/Photo0133.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toast Box Kopi, Greenbelt 5/Trinoma Mall</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvhqUBAjM8ojyZ9mFwjyz02wDOhMbK0K0C8AewfokMOwXs3nqf_UFcaFLs8Ns3ZFVue7DkiLHSDMbvH8LcHlpuIz7yyjFce-yBYAGSoSXBgBgqvUzB1SByScd0zMeuUYvL9nDmZlAvbzjB/s1600/P1030736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvhqUBAjM8ojyZ9mFwjyz02wDOhMbK0K0C8AewfokMOwXs3nqf_UFcaFLs8Ns3ZFVue7DkiLHSDMbvH8LcHlpuIz7yyjFce-yBYAGSoSXBgBgqvUzB1SByScd0zMeuUYvL9nDmZlAvbzjB/s320/P1030736.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brewed Coffee, Dulcinea</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicpxOaSbjlLz1L4HSH95L3PPWsiawFNNvDwsG6akmfcwO5R_bq0AhzUtXRkRK4SwkqEjaPv7wCisreatu0GwmeLLC6xpj5VfrlHB-1ZqB4ULX2IExi2drF9RYqaMZarE1a45Osgx6u2a4c/s1600/Photo0198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicpxOaSbjlLz1L4HSH95L3PPWsiawFNNvDwsG6akmfcwO5R_bq0AhzUtXRkRK4SwkqEjaPv7wCisreatu0GwmeLLC6xpj5VfrlHB-1ZqB4ULX2IExi2drF9RYqaMZarE1a45Osgx6u2a4c/s320/Photo0198.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brewed Coffee, a stall in Universal Studios Theme Park, Sentosa, Singapore</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUelK1RcaNhdtFIywQDMHTazMc6Hi_eRKWoTKYRBkrvw50WUb3TG3VElTS82l5Gw4NrmjW5hf2OdisGuunCPzxPBS9ekG8ctuOKTdexuubeDNlQzE3Rx_bPlnIRJ1N6pvPV3409fTnuSiP/s1600/P1010504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUelK1RcaNhdtFIywQDMHTazMc6Hi_eRKWoTKYRBkrvw50WUb3TG3VElTS82l5Gw4NrmjW5hf2OdisGuunCPzxPBS9ekG8ctuOKTdexuubeDNlQzE3Rx_bPlnIRJ1N6pvPV3409fTnuSiP/s400/P1010504.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brewed Coffee, Fely J's, Greenbelt 5</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9XxWAllRRcQ1cTBLUEjA7UnBDsxukjVxFVOKkZl2_AbsY08_0MzxyJ0mz_-cuY1Nn7l0YMUvVBPiEuGRf_-OkJ2DaVB-m0zOSsnjUslwBby3eBnpN8AXGz8Z-2xNsGZA9N3P_TVzkgIRA/s1600/P1030695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9XxWAllRRcQ1cTBLUEjA7UnBDsxukjVxFVOKkZl2_AbsY08_0MzxyJ0mz_-cuY1Nn7l0YMUvVBPiEuGRf_-OkJ2DaVB-m0zOSsnjUslwBby3eBnpN8AXGz8Z-2xNsGZA9N3P_TVzkgIRA/s320/P1030695.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brewed Coffee, UNO, Scout Fuentabella near cr. Tomas Morato, Q.C.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHc0Kz9lDKqF3dbOm_RArus1C9sJ9ryIreno5FzIvytlWkNZ56N7RZtfytpUljzNTnuEVii65-7hveeJ3M6FxUHx8wfS18JnDuaO6wY4k0t19ogwCA17McHneV1jm2azdQlM-dNEO-ZIZo/s1600/P1050197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHc0Kz9lDKqF3dbOm_RArus1C9sJ9ryIreno5FzIvytlWkNZ56N7RZtfytpUljzNTnuEVii65-7hveeJ3M6FxUHx8wfS18JnDuaO6wY4k0t19ogwCA17McHneV1jm2azdQlM-dNEO-ZIZo/s400/P1050197.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Americano, Marco Polo Hong Kong, Canton Road, Kowloon, HK</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Lp_Tgb6HLQ4ssM4jwU3kyY_NOBuElB8F4N_U7occhyd1NIb6RF0-dlBVcJKcqnGsFZPwZbHws3ob6EKUsl1V91luIDlN6ctWNehminIHRVAFfRXFYkrz-3p_i-fNVEk-dZQBKWRDR9_3/s1600/mandarin+coffee2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Lp_Tgb6HLQ4ssM4jwU3kyY_NOBuElB8F4N_U7occhyd1NIb6RF0-dlBVcJKcqnGsFZPwZbHws3ob6EKUsl1V91luIDlN6ctWNehminIHRVAFfRXFYkrz-3p_i-fNVEk-dZQBKWRDR9_3/s320/mandarin+coffee2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brewed Coffee, Mandarin Hotel, Manila</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgplW6t8ZOpD8RwRel6d3NkcTRUrQ_5yS4B6wNkYUrmpA4U977Bh8JQ8KHT4iYol2-RCjYkWbKG2m5MNV2lcp6RGnGgpF-DeSPxYjOGM9Fs8J-x7aoeR0AyRm08cviS-XEZzsSrGCeOnn9c/s1600/280520111069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgplW6t8ZOpD8RwRel6d3NkcTRUrQ_5yS4B6wNkYUrmpA4U977Bh8JQ8KHT4iYol2-RCjYkWbKG2m5MNV2lcp6RGnGgpF-DeSPxYjOGM9Fs8J-x7aoeR0AyRm08cviS-XEZzsSrGCeOnn9c/s320/280520111069.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kopi, Orchard Road (restaurant), Mega Mall</td></tr>
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<br />java jivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08043764233952325904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211190257253005732.post-24639669754961036592012-12-31T00:32:00.001+08:002012-12-31T00:43:18.111+08:00Funky Coasters!<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">T</b><span style="font-family: inherit;">hi</span>s not a coffee review -- more like a coffee <i><b>accessories</b></i> review, this time. I found these silicone coasters, available in 4 colors (red, green, brown, black), at the lifestyle shop Dimensione. I got the green ones, which I'm now using on my workstation, a.k.a. desk. Love them!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just P88.00 for the pair.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoy your life. Yeah!</td></tr>
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<br />java jivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08043764233952325904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211190257253005732.post-46092228490957632392012-12-30T17:04:00.000+08:002012-12-31T01:57:35.125+08:00Grande Reserve Malongo Coffee at Borough <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">B</span>orough is a restaurant we've always planned on trying out. I believe it's been around for a couple of years, tucked into a corner of the Podium Mall's ground floor. You'd have to seek it out. In the evenings, though, its side door invites late night urban crawlers (or call center peeps, which I guess the side door, open long after the mall closes, was designed for) to unwind or have a one-for-the-road drink if not something warm to prepare for a long drive home. We haven't been going to that particular mall a lot the past months, so we just never got around to doing it.</div>
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So I had this opportunity to check it out when an assigned interview was held there the last weekend before Christmas. Since we were set-up in the closed-off 2nd level section of the restaurant (off-peak afternoon hours), I just had to content myself with enjoying the warm interiors, especially the dark green walls filled with framed pictures of anything and everything (I didn't have time to figure out if there was a theme, if it was all about NYC, since it was called Borough, something I associate with the state), and..</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggbcczAe0PveX-bBWucMeyteTwLAnPmrd0lJtAvJD6f_6nKGvxsi2dr01v2_CB0KA1xzUSCOdvpm99FMVu_A_Yuhm8aC457UCy1NDo-HEw3sBdTuf7y4Xhio86hK-Pdw10Qt9YAiSXRuXi/s1600/P1070166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggbcczAe0PveX-bBWucMeyteTwLAnPmrd0lJtAvJD6f_6nKGvxsi2dr01v2_CB0KA1xzUSCOdvpm99FMVu_A_Yuhm8aC457UCy1NDo-HEw3sBdTuf7y4Xhio86hK-Pdw10Qt9YAiSXRuXi/s400/P1070166.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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... a cup of coffee, and thought to myself that I would try out the food if I was still there close to dinner.</div>
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Loved the coffee selection and the coffee did not disappoint. I've heard good and bad reviews of this place, but based on the coffee, which was true to what was promised in the menu, I'm excited to go back and try out their food and more of the coffees in their menu. </div>
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I needed to get out of Ortigas Center before the Holiday rush traffic got really bad, so the food taste test will happen on my next visit, which is all set for the 2nd week of January. Looking forward!</div>
<br />java jivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08043764233952325904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211190257253005732.post-15931437812809696032012-12-30T16:31:00.002+08:002013-11-28T00:14:48.282+08:00Regular Coffee at Katsu Cafe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">T</span>he Loyola Heights area was unusually quiet the past evenings, the typical groups from the residential and academic communities absent. It was close to New Year's Eve, so of course there was none of the activity and noise generated from several schools that line the area, no students milling in favorite hangouts and restaurants, and very minimal panic and/or last-minute buying by residents at the supermarkets and drugstores. This is how it is during Holiday breaks in an area that's mostly filled with learning institutions and young family residences, more than offices. </div>
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It would normally be a challenge to decide where to eat since many of the small restaurants around would be filled, so it was also strange that with the choices of near-empty ones, it still was a challenge.</div>
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Katsu Cafe was convenient and inviting, so we decided to have our dinner there. An added treat was not needing to go around the long stretch of Katipunan Rd. just to get to the supermarket (our real destination), which was just a few tens of meters on foot.</div>
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The place is cozy, food's very good - Katsu, Donburi, Curried sets that came with soup, some greens, unlimited rice (a must if a dining business operates around the school areas), beers, cold teas, and the deliciously comforting house hot tea - and the staff minimal but efficient AND friendly. The real bonus for me that night was the very good coffee.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It says Cafe, so they had to have coffee... right?<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Designed and supplied by Boyd Coffee, Philippines, and made in an impressive coffee maker, they couldn't and shouldn't go wrong. Nothing better than a restaurant that has good coffee.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdq34LrqZjjJv9YVZ1VdQoxWLcOWy9IY0l7lymBaGp4UCzy3SeVsljYGPStR1TquD7WWueJb31gDsx3I00-04o-4IKErjHNiAqQz63_x-c31tBRKi79uEsBBeL6cqciuQcteuYpPgGbInc/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdq34LrqZjjJv9YVZ1VdQoxWLcOWy9IY0l7lymBaGp4UCzy3SeVsljYGPStR1TquD7WWueJb31gDsx3I00-04o-4IKErjHNiAqQz63_x-c31tBRKi79uEsBBeL6cqciuQcteuYpPgGbInc/s320/photo+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Regular Coffee, P60.00!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyWMNeQX_QEYYJl8Q3rK1QTriNMvFiYurjMP0VZxUHDg3QOHJ2cgB73cXKkSwqUZ6gJLuLMdA519Uzail6UzMeGIvuNaK3ii8hJrbtFbPCH1iaUHl6OffBG5K2nvRPpBSv_tLxSL8Cdyem/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyWMNeQX_QEYYJl8Q3rK1QTriNMvFiYurjMP0VZxUHDg3QOHJ2cgB73cXKkSwqUZ6gJLuLMdA519Uzail6UzMeGIvuNaK3ii8hJrbtFbPCH1iaUHl6OffBG5K2nvRPpBSv_tLxSL8Cdyem/s320/photo+4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Katsu Cafe is located a few steps away from Xocolat on B. Gonzales St. near the corner of Katipunan Rd where Bo's Coffee stands.<br />
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<br />java jivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08043764233952325904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211190257253005732.post-48779514058440503232012-12-13T21:08:00.000+08:002012-12-14T15:41:38.257+08:00Kuppa's House Blend <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">"Surprise me,"</span></b>I challenged my friend Marco when he asked where I wanted to meet up for coffee. We were supposed to meet for lunch, but the traffic that day was so horrible, I finally got to The Fort in Taguig over three hours after the time we initially set our 'lunch date'. So coffee it was and the venue, up to the hungrier person - me. </div>
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Yes, I was surprised, and absolutely pleasantly so. The place was Kuppa Roastery and Cafe at the ground floor of CommerceCenterBuilding, 31st St. cr. 4th Avenue, Fort Bonifacio Global City,Taguig.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3U3aQrKt9V1rOhajH0UT0Wr1v_YVMYMNVkpIVYBAYBT3Ql-KX_8N_39hhSrh4HV4wxDSavXte9e5t1m9F4AieZ26VwvwpIWRynHF0WMdR7Ab5Q5v69RyYtlBLFg8DSJTVsFqaNIM7qiTt/s1600/20121109_165454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3U3aQrKt9V1rOhajH0UT0Wr1v_YVMYMNVkpIVYBAYBT3Ql-KX_8N_39hhSrh4HV4wxDSavXte9e5t1m9F4AieZ26VwvwpIWRynHF0WMdR7Ab5Q5v69RyYtlBLFg8DSJTVsFqaNIM7qiTt/s400/20121109_165454.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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From outside, the place looked so hip and inviting, yet it was surprisingly peaceful inside. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq7vbUnu2PWsP5x8ePe2LvViFXkQmOHfc2TWJ42Ph9gYkuANl-LDrutfkgDqOKKqkRJTkrlUt8ACyG8VmOk09dGqmny0O0ylRBphOvR9zIK2YV6DcRfdqXz7E8lTaAwUk0WaA2UYLvBGw4/s1600/P1050287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq7vbUnu2PWsP5x8ePe2LvViFXkQmOHfc2TWJ42Ph9gYkuANl-LDrutfkgDqOKKqkRJTkrlUt8ACyG8VmOk09dGqmny0O0ylRBphOvR9zIK2YV6DcRfdqXz7E8lTaAwUk0WaA2UYLvBGw4/s400/P1050287.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU7HDW9JBHmAwu5ldcDZYQcMsJTDbLCyxZ01DK1U7sgf8vfN5HR0Z3vnoyt68evE6BpcmsRa2nBADrlwT_v4Q5VNMk1TW0mL7MbMO2axI-iCq-GfvQkvohDoSkRiBJyAueBxuQT_iA-Bxg/s1600/P1050286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU7HDW9JBHmAwu5ldcDZYQcMsJTDbLCyxZ01DK1U7sgf8vfN5HR0Z3vnoyt68evE6BpcmsRa2nBADrlwT_v4Q5VNMk1TW0mL7MbMO2axI-iCq-GfvQkvohDoSkRiBJyAueBxuQT_iA-Bxg/s400/P1050286.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">In case you can't get a menu, just read from their glass windows, black boards around <br />the counter, and on the table top standees.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; outline: none;">From their facebook page:</span> </span></blockquote>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; outline: none;">Kuppa (pronounced, cup-pa) started from a family that knows coffee. It took 50 years to make their first cup of coffee, starting with their grandfather after the first World War, who passed the roasting trade down to their father, who passed it on to his children.</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; outline: none;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; outline: none;" /><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; outline: none;">Kuppa Coffee first opened its doors to the public in Bacolod on January 2006 by Eugene and Karen Lo-Tsai. The first coffee shop was built on the same lot where the Lo family started roasting coffee in the 1950s. Kuppa was the first coffee shop to introduce in-house coffee roasting in the Philippines, to ensure superior tasting coffee. </span></span></blockquote>
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Their menu covers items from breakfast through happy hour, to dinner, and of course, desserts. Having already missed lunch and barely survived about 5 hours total in the car, I had to have something to make me feel better. I narrowed my choices down to sandwich or pasta. Pasta or sandwich? </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Don't ask me what it was because I can't remember exactly. It was a four-cheese penne dish. <br />Ask me how it was. That I can tell you.</span></td></tr>
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Pasta won. Delish! Then I had to give the place <i>the</i> test. Coffee!</div>
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Since the entire place began with a love for coffee, Kuppa, of course, has a list of coffee variants, blends, and twists. I chose to try their basic brew - their house blend. What kind of coffee's in it? The server said it was their secret. So I waited, intrigued, till it was served. It came in a coffee press.<br />
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Color looked wonderful. Smelled heavenly. Yup, those are a couple of coffee grounds that escaped the coffee press' filter, but it didn't matter because it was a perfect panacea for my frayed nerves from my long and slow crawl through that day's traffic.<br />
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With a packet of cream I usually take my basic brew with - just perfect. You can tell by the color. No grey tint and not still mud brown. Strange as it may sound, that's one almost-sure indicator of a great cup of coffee for me. <br />
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I was so happy with my time spent there catching up with my good friend who knew the perfect way to perk up my mood, and I was delightfully full. I didn't have any room for dessert, but walking out, the pretty strawberry muffins got my attention, so I just needed to take a couple home. (They were heavenly!)<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 13.333333969116211px;"><span style="color: #666666;">"Kuppa serves coffee as it should be: sweet, smooth and complex. The cupping of each blend and single origin coffee is done on a daily basis to ensure the quality and the freshness of the coffee are maintained. Kuppa strives to have each visit a fresh new discovery."</span></span></blockquote>
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If that's a promise, and with my first experience there as basis, I'm definitely going back.java jivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08043764233952325904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211190257253005732.post-14564652685719078932012-11-07T02:05:00.002+08:002012-12-31T01:00:23.263+08:00Americano at Chez Karine<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I</span>t's probably been there for some months now, but I only had the pleasure of enjoying a cup of their wonderful coffee recently. A few steps away from sweet tooth-fave Cupcakes by Sonja, it was a delightful surprise that stirred my coffee desire, if I may call it that.<br />
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I came from a heavy lunch with the hubby, and even with just under 2 hours to spare (which I decided on spending in FullyBooked and/or Muji in the next mall complex), I needed a cup of coffee to break me out of lunch heaven. Their very charming, simple (meaning not rustic/shabby-chic cliche cafe) but inviting store facade called out to me, and I couldn't resist a few minutes (or more) inside the promise of a cool, airy, bright place to have my afternoon's dose. So in I went.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The seating area outside? That's the majority of it.<br />
Inside, one would have to battle with a huge group to get any one of the 6 bar stools by the "bar". </td></tr>
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Upon entering, I got a whiff of javaroma, then the temptation from a whole glass display case of pastries to the right, but what got me and what could probably get you, should you be wary from hours of shopping or drowsy from a long, heavy meal - is a huge board with their Coffee list. A welcome sight.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Priced just right, I think.</td></tr>
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Running through the list, I chose an Americano, which I loved. Coming from an espresso machine, it was hot enough, had enough froth, and after a sip, didn't disappoint. I believe that once a coffee place's basic coffee is good, there will always be another time to have a dressed-up one. So the rest of the coffees on their list, plus some pastries, of course, if I deserve it, will have its time. Can't wait :)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Post-sip verdict: Very Good Coffee!<br />
Gotta try the Royal Puddings or Panna Cottas next visit. Soon.</td></tr>
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<br />java jivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08043764233952325904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211190257253005732.post-63978139236313374582012-11-02T20:44:00.004+08:002012-12-13T21:31:30.999+08:00A dose of coffeenspiration, please!It's been some time since my last post, but definitely not very long since my last coffee. I've been uninspired for some reason or another. For my other blog, it's simply because I've been very busy and lost my discipline to put in a paragraph or two every so often. For this coffee blog, upon reflection, I have several excuses:<br />
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<ol>
<li>I've had mostly starbucks coffee. Nothing new, so I felt, what's there to share?</li>
<li>I've lost the motivation to share.</li>
<li>I felt a bit of a complex as a coffee lover. Who am I to say I love coffee when I was reduced to gulping down several cups of 3-in-1 instant coffees at home? How can I say I love coffee when I have the one and only drip coffeemaker left for my grains? How can I explore the wonders of coffee at home when I choose to buy a pair of shoes over a new coffeemaker?</li>
<li>It got easier to share via twitter, FB, pinterest, etc.</li>
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*crickets*</div>
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Ok, that should explain my absence from javajiving.</div>
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From this point on, 3-in-1 or brewed, homemade espresso or coffee-out, I will share in any way I can, and I will begin with pics I've saved in my computer folders (in no particular order) over the past several months of my bloglessness.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXmVk2NUl4Yw5Y8C-h9q9_fU1qE9W5BRyzbCg5-hxB7CI2KnZcG-h6_X6cNISoEO95QIQb4dio1EW2h4RsI5jyzUFYVxI5vIKQYnDKMsx4SrLuJ_oQWRsCsJ1szjhHn-e-JCBd3xV1f2z2/s1600/P1030704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXmVk2NUl4Yw5Y8C-h9q9_fU1qE9W5BRyzbCg5-hxB7CI2KnZcG-h6_X6cNISoEO95QIQb4dio1EW2h4RsI5jyzUFYVxI5vIKQYnDKMsx4SrLuJ_oQWRsCsJ1szjhHn-e-JCBd3xV1f2z2/s320/P1030704.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Swensen's, a fave sundae, fried chicken, & steak go-to in Singapore</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">is now in Eastwood City Mall. They serve good coffee:) </span></span></td></tr>
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Happy to be java jiving again :)</div>
java jivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08043764233952325904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211190257253005732.post-90337100823691688072011-05-26T23:30:00.003+08:002011-06-03T12:34:13.614+08:00Americano at Cafe del Sol, Boracay<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuYF8f-OPCCkRjzrT0oLsTjpUDhlDc3uLi9XOZ9_cVvArCNiCns9pav-fFASdfoXgmJTsHEYvBHWvOeFn6OiovOiOgsiTsSmrCRDpH-PL6Jo3-Tr9o296PA8iZEQYtRBPuPG3wBA2wG7YA/s1600/Image0616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br />
<img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuYF8f-OPCCkRjzrT0oLsTjpUDhlDc3uLi9XOZ9_cVvArCNiCns9pav-fFASdfoXgmJTsHEYvBHWvOeFn6OiovOiOgsiTsSmrCRDpH-PL6Jo3-Tr9o296PA8iZEQYtRBPuPG3wBA2wG7YA/s320/Image0616.jpg" width="240" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b>A</b></span>fter that amazing omelet and great coffee find at <a href="http://stilljavajiving.blogspot.com/2011/05/real-coffee-at-real-coffee-station-2.html">Real Coffee</a>, we had just a few hours left before flying out of Boracay, our white sunny, white sand, clear sea haven for the last 3 days. I thought I was done with coffee, but after all the shopping and sunbathing there was just this one more stop I wanted to make. Cafe del Sol. We'd passed that conveniently-located cafe so many times, whiffing the inviting aroma along the way, it would be a shame to not even have a taste of their coffee.</div><br />
Although all the pastries looked so delectable, I could still feel my breakfast, so I opted to pass. What could they have that I couldn't get in Manila, anyway?<br />
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So coffee it was going to be, and coffee it was... I ordered an Americano, thinking I could sit outside and bask in the sunshine one last time, but all the tables were filled, so I plopped down the comfy two-seater couch at this one and only table inside the place to take a breather before heading back to the resort for a quick nap before packing up.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLRrxRUC4tjcKUtvEnpOuUztMumdT2aO-O_jZ9x6eOZD8k7UIJPe26-cViorYceVu24x9EfhzJwAcZ_dmmDDgGRCxe6_RAujxhrZJmkyuXs3hD_He9DCJueSx2KJ9-CFQInVdT49LARZDj/s1600/260520111061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLRrxRUC4tjcKUtvEnpOuUztMumdT2aO-O_jZ9x6eOZD8k7UIJPe26-cViorYceVu24x9EfhzJwAcZ_dmmDDgGRCxe6_RAujxhrZJmkyuXs3hD_He9DCJueSx2KJ9-CFQInVdT49LARZDj/s320/260520111061.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I ordered an Americano to-go, just in case we didn't find a seat.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRsQzXJdTG4IjkTlPN9xp9kb6SJt1_Gc5DBTa22C004l2BjN2MymkqFLeS5wldAJgB4NmQ1M48KNd5A32atPBOZAC9gRY5NDMJlZ0_WiHANJeOW36PryvpUsSASZCTjJFSv4MqHgp2G0dB/s1600/260520111063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRsQzXJdTG4IjkTlPN9xp9kb6SJt1_Gc5DBTa22C004l2BjN2MymkqFLeS5wldAJgB4NmQ1M48KNd5A32atPBOZAC9gRY5NDMJlZ0_WiHANJeOW36PryvpUsSASZCTjJFSv4MqHgp2G0dB/s320/260520111063.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My coffee, creamed-up.</td></tr>
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<div>While not the best I've tasted while on this particular vacation, their coffee had the right strength, flavor, and temp. I liked it enough to linger and enjoy, Ok, those are three sharp moves this place has made, and it's no wonder they're a hit in station 2. Too bad I was leaving soon after. I love Boracay, and I'm glad Cafe del Sol does, too *wink*</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuDYHOL5atIGxvoZBBtpOufx891N0tlUX-vtM696jI6q-uHFvztSSNGzJkBPo4wXql_C6TbpTZ9ZCTcPiY-jHqgmKIxcWRAXiFhxWk-Z6eVOWUoeRys-0vMt4ArGMUeo6Kh06iuReo9i_A/s1600/cafe+del+sol.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuDYHOL5atIGxvoZBBtpOufx891N0tlUX-vtM696jI6q-uHFvztSSNGzJkBPo4wXql_C6TbpTZ9ZCTcPiY-jHqgmKIxcWRAXiFhxWk-Z6eVOWUoeRys-0vMt4ArGMUeo6Kh06iuReo9i_A/s320/cafe+del+sol.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br />
</div>java jivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08043764233952325904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211190257253005732.post-5419956374607712362011-05-26T19:00:00.003+08:002011-06-04T12:28:22.493+08:00Real Coffee at Real Coffee & Tea Cafe, Station 2, Boracay<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">During my recent 3-day vacation on Boracay island, I had the opportunity to get my fix in several places, even in Starbucks! But I thought, why go all the way to another island -the world-renowned white sand beach- just to have the same things you enjoy everyday where you live? Where's the beauty of traveling in that?</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYjvFrf_NyjCSYzyNJZKfBHdz-J_CxFiqPz5bmNey1lsuWOaU4YyXB-rctIKcvG1FB7psJ0G874gsur1v6MRMV-yM6tsmxuZdIHH_qEK__vJCb9ynKZOV4vJVbhyphenhyphenGCilF8fiPA3kaVs60H/s1600/starbucks+boracay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYjvFrf_NyjCSYzyNJZKfBHdz-J_CxFiqPz5bmNey1lsuWOaU4YyXB-rctIKcvG1FB7psJ0G874gsur1v6MRMV-yM6tsmxuZdIHH_qEK__vJCb9ynKZOV4vJVbhyphenhyphenGCilF8fiPA3kaVs60H/s320/starbucks+boracay.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So,ok, I had my standard grande soy mocha, but just that one time.</td></tr>
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<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Apart from that one fix, I tried to get coffee only in places that are unique to the island. A friend who has been a frequent visitor for years, and knowing my love for the beverage, suggested a visit to Real Coffee. I totally missed checking out the place during my trips (for work) last year, so I swore I won't go back home this time without having tried their brew and breakfast.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My husband I decided to have brunch there on our last day. We were told it was on Station 2 (the more commercial and populated area), but very close to Station 1 (where the beach is not as crowded, and places more posh). We almost missed it, because several establishments have mushroomed and crowded the area, so it was a real mish-mash. Thank God we saw that relatively teeny-tiny sign, because we were already famished by then.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJspyzuS1Ku3PYSXkq7gwobvgnWq_pmM4iu0AMupAa2NmAkOiC98_aaTkH5QLqzdMsE8o9vlKKQaWlsWKdSJuvUfuoVGV2idSkiJ8ueawZjjzQu0AYSB-xL7DuTCVs7Zo5bDofVH0EYTDR/s1600/Image0610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJspyzuS1Ku3PYSXkq7gwobvgnWq_pmM4iu0AMupAa2NmAkOiC98_aaTkH5QLqzdMsE8o9vlKKQaWlsWKdSJuvUfuoVGV2idSkiJ8ueawZjjzQu0AYSB-xL7DuTCVs7Zo5bDofVH0EYTDR/s320/Image0610.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Go into a narrow alley where...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9bCFOOLyRg8tn45kKs_-wJjNdakJfmjoRuBh3Tc50oEsswZyo8BtBEqQnOSKgJeMZPWmD_uStobon4gXpwZIfz5Jb2AHG2QbDbUJHdLlycMSvjLVgMo6zns_ttEa4vkTvlpW2E-MIaYYh/s1600/260520111055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9bCFOOLyRg8tn45kKs_-wJjNdakJfmjoRuBh3Tc50oEsswZyo8BtBEqQnOSKgJeMZPWmD_uStobon4gXpwZIfz5Jb2AHG2QbDbUJHdLlycMSvjLVgMo6zns_ttEa4vkTvlpW2E-MIaYYh/s320/260520111055.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a larger sign tells you you've arrived.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOVZjC3U8yNt5kaSuioFOw3WPR8ydMAoP9YPsOk-L1Qa6ICxVJ6h6GrD0P539LDdIGqB4SfmybwOANd7knB0UCVrs4kdNeBuUtbJwoGFqnliB2boTRbk8GngxS9rts3dP6u_ZAJ0hD8-3-/s1600/260520111056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOVZjC3U8yNt5kaSuioFOw3WPR8ydMAoP9YPsOk-L1Qa6ICxVJ6h6GrD0P539LDdIGqB4SfmybwOANd7knB0UCVrs4kdNeBuUtbJwoGFqnliB2boTRbk8GngxS9rts3dP6u_ZAJ0hD8-3-/s320/260520111056.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's a hut dominated by a bar/work station, made cozy with books,<br />
photos, mismatched dishes, and artsy lamps.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Put up by a mother-and-daughter (Ms. Leigh and Nadine) team from San Francisco, this cafe has a cult following of Boracay residents and regulars. It's been around since 1996 (as the sign says),when the beach front was less cluttered and commercial. I think what really adds to its appeal is the mix of bamboo and rattan seats, barstools, wooden tables, and counters, make the cafe more ideally beach-front than most establishments' metro-looking appointments. Icing on the cake would be the pictures of past and fave customers displayed on an area above the kitchen prep/bar showing just what a "pioneer" this place is, Boracay-wise.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp64xFj6Olwk8yPlw0ojueRuPAITdxRQ5dsU44-94-r6xHHss-mru4F2xwCOBH2b2-y7423HBsmn1R_bWI2WihpsyjON2ZiHObDLK9iPDWsgRsJrG2OwJU7x0l2DqpnHgRg1-Mpw3UN7UA/s400/260520111059.jpg" width="400" /><br />
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After a quick browse of their menu, I decided to order Real Coffee, a concoction of brewed Baraco and Arabica with a shot of Espresso, the latter, brought in from wherever the owners traveled to last, according to the staff. It was different, full-bodied with a kick, but very good. Good enough to jumpstart my day and a perfect match to my breakfast omelet of tomato, onions, and cheese, buttered toast (they bake the bread themselves), and mango jam. The omelet was heavenly - the eggs perfectly browned outside, but creamy, cheesy and moist inside, and the veggies cooked just right.<br />
<br />
The place is known for their Calamansi (Philippine lemon) Muffins, which I had ordered for delivery to my resort-hotel during one visit last year. Since I didn't find it quite what people raved about, I opted not to have it this time. It didn't matter, because I finally tasted their coffee and discovered their omelet. Those were enough reasons to make a promise to myself: another visit to enjoy the same breakfast, though at a more leisurely pace, and perhaps take a book to read while enjoying another cup of coffee, another time soon.java jivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08043764233952325904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211190257253005732.post-34601468381285384842011-05-25T22:00:00.001+08:002011-05-31T12:24:25.456+08:00Espresso at Lemon Cafe, Station 2, BoracayIt rained on our second evening in Boracay. Fortunately, we were done with our early evening dinner of tapas and wine at Dos Mestizos, and were going around just getting a vibe of the cultural mix and commercialization of what is today's Boracay beach front, hunting for some items to take home to the fam, when it poured. Even more fortunately, it was just a 15-minute interruption of the idyllic evening stroll.<br />
<br />
To stay under a roof, we decided to stop for a coffee, choosing the closest uniquely Boracay coffee place we could find, and that was at Lemon Cafe at D'Mall on Station 2 (the most commercial clustering in the most populated among the island's stations).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXoTJSRaS8akpCf_kxkqmPDGfvlvKiZzwwwB8PMrYWOmV0Rz7Bh25m3Qmi6eEquAldzGwq_1tKp5T0tT5XswNPJf8A2P73GwT7TJgR_8jprj8cqgbQj57xETnjj7kDNk9wllIkwv2QPoHd/s1600/250520111049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXoTJSRaS8akpCf_kxkqmPDGfvlvKiZzwwwB8PMrYWOmV0Rz7Bh25m3Qmi6eEquAldzGwq_1tKp5T0tT5XswNPJf8A2P73GwT7TJgR_8jprj8cqgbQj57xETnjj7kDNk9wllIkwv2QPoHd/s320/250520111049.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The place carries Danesi coffee, and I chose the first item on their bev list... the espresso. It was very strong, of course, but very welcome during that short damp period.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglOD5RiDwr3EJVL4co7j9-_rclCiD1LuHUTh-5vnooMfUNSLxqarQXoqrZzL48KJf8b5601XoHPbevRf8nYbZ56Wrpuq_tKuCyZ59WaDivW4UVfLNmSZrmwud3rdZTxoCVrcIHwqgxPU2G/s1600/250520111050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglOD5RiDwr3EJVL4co7j9-_rclCiD1LuHUTh-5vnooMfUNSLxqarQXoqrZzL48KJf8b5601XoHPbevRf8nYbZ56Wrpuq_tKuCyZ59WaDivW4UVfLNmSZrmwud3rdZTxoCVrcIHwqgxPU2G/s320/250520111050.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Although the pastries looked inviting, we opted not to try out any, since we wanted to relish the sensations from our tapas experience earlier that evening. There was quite a melee when the rain began, with people running for cover, parties breaking up, and groups suddenly texting each other for every member's whereabouts. It wasn't a very pretty sight, so I took another shot of the place early next morning.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik8V_iJi1o4gcbeynvoAx9dWbCGJCoT9PSJ9xtyVsy8BnsBJpiQF3EDCAgd57zfgiRX0kCQPk0-KwqNyec9xPOHruXAQEooKVdxJpo4dGq-V3J8pdkzc6Ye3pIBYCGDrs1zk2GESx79f5b/s1600/260520111051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik8V_iJi1o4gcbeynvoAx9dWbCGJCoT9PSJ9xtyVsy8BnsBJpiQF3EDCAgd57zfgiRX0kCQPk0-KwqNyec9xPOHruXAQEooKVdxJpo4dGq-V3J8pdkzc6Ye3pIBYCGDrs1zk2GESx79f5b/s320/260520111051.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivkN0Pkx0dtrKJV49xyElfX17YXTFc8JiayaY17hkmMizt1Rt1CGckAIGUjdsrClbIfeo540dGXE5ErArOrN3IkvAcNRJJGCDtwWo18hERdugMxKnh-PMckCJxiG38-P8ZCguMiNa3L4mH/s1600/260520111052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivkN0Pkx0dtrKJV49xyElfX17YXTFc8JiayaY17hkmMizt1Rt1CGckAIGUjdsrClbIfeo540dGXE5ErArOrN3IkvAcNRJJGCDtwWo18hERdugMxKnh-PMckCJxiG38-P8ZCguMiNa3L4mH/s320/260520111052.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Nice and bright. Next time, on a better day, with people in better moods, I will have another coffee in Lemon Cafe.java jivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08043764233952325904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211190257253005732.post-47972539699316832432011-05-25T09:30:00.001+08:002011-05-31T12:10:18.242+08:00Brewed Coffee w/ Breakfast at Palay, Asya Premier Suites, BoracayFinally, a vacation without the kids for the hubby and myself; the first since our honeymoon! We didn't want to waste any time so we caught the earliest flight out and was in the beach resort Asya Premier Suites before 9am. We were still in time for their buffet breakfast at their Palay restaurant. Asya has very good coffee, designed and delivered fresh periodically by Boyd Coffee Philippines, so that was first on my list.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTiBrnFlH790U7n6jBIc7yKurFBAUL7LQYV5ab1DQNXcoNy7AA1RMGymuzQ8zgurGhbuFZnjqU6z4M9w7-1EzJu5SSCF7LDtEG5yOBI-lFzkBSd7Gg8DaEB9FuFKLFco-vhnIQlaS8gpkN/s1600/250520111034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTiBrnFlH790U7n6jBIc7yKurFBAUL7LQYV5ab1DQNXcoNy7AA1RMGymuzQ8zgurGhbuFZnjqU6z4M9w7-1EzJu5SSCF7LDtEG5yOBI-lFzkBSd7Gg8DaEB9FuFKLFco-vhnIQlaS8gpkN/s400/250520111034.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first vacay coffee w/ buffet spread choices of frittata, toasted cheese bread, and fruit</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCVFVGxXwIELxbF30lQCDHJSIFano1H1AflA8KAHFa-TldecMRPjlKLAgeM5v7arIcSbWsdQFUWQIU1HKjnM4_VwLZf1X41ZuXSpemxGfb2lheCX3aqW9gcIzJgbPlwMUjnW8bjmnFjdR3/s1600/240520111002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCVFVGxXwIELxbF30lQCDHJSIFano1H1AflA8KAHFa-TldecMRPjlKLAgeM5v7arIcSbWsdQFUWQIU1HKjnM4_VwLZf1X41ZuXSpemxGfb2lheCX3aqW9gcIzJgbPlwMUjnW8bjmnFjdR3/s320/240520111002.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...then a refill with my main breakfast, Eggs Benedict.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4Q8aEiLnhoM1h4Lv1RAtJuqLxpXIJLdu-0Nmseliz3FEGOZqfKkFtHpjQOEoWF1ba7NRpgnTX3Er-vPgLA4BLGh9c6SSPaWL12T6CTirt0TKWRl2GVzW8bkbTDLT0WW9DUcUhnvlNmkd/s1600/240520111007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4Q8aEiLnhoM1h4Lv1RAtJuqLxpXIJLdu-0Nmseliz3FEGOZqfKkFtHpjQOEoWF1ba7NRpgnTX3Er-vPgLA4BLGh9c6SSPaWL12T6CTirt0TKWRl2GVzW8bkbTDLT0WW9DUcUhnvlNmkd/s400/240520111007.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and yet another one at the beach front, while waiting to be checked into our casita. Coffee, my vacation read, the sun, the sand....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>For our second day, we knew we just had to have breakfast at the same place.<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2pDl42EPoRBhOGbj8bGV2CThE4uxjo-QD3oalle5IFmxwoE0XVgrgV4wOC1bYJ9eaNp8vkF4mf3K3j81cGFZYIrR1R9FSWGFMXQc6takWhoI7SUwvjFPqEDnk6L3NCDPqeWgPA5k5l1-4/s1600/250520111031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2pDl42EPoRBhOGbj8bGV2CThE4uxjo-QD3oalle5IFmxwoE0XVgrgV4wOC1bYJ9eaNp8vkF4mf3K3j81cGFZYIrR1R9FSWGFMXQc6takWhoI7SUwvjFPqEDnk6L3NCDPqeWgPA5k5l1-4/s320/250520111031.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="" style="clear: both; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">The view from our casita. Palay is somewhere past the pool area (Adlaw lounge/bar and the beach)</span></div><div style="font-size: medium;"></div></td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Coffee #1 bright and early. This time, I was having an American Breakfast after my buffet treat.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2pDl42EPoRBhOGbj8bGV2CThE4uxjo-QD3oalle5IFmxwoE0XVgrgV4wOC1bYJ9eaNp8vkF4mf3K3j81cGFZYIrR1R9FSWGFMXQc6takWhoI7SUwvjFPqEDnk6L3NCDPqeWgPA5k5l1-4/s1600/250520111031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0kWv07_O9S8a2PfgGz123hdyYdie7oMmT_VWfSyIzQCP2H1T3oJ2rbBoRP4lC1hpNOz-sDScSiCWIxbLaDaL3Ym5UTMpjnoUrYfB-3PgjQMclm_brS0DFR2dDs7-DNITd2ndx2DZSiRmb/s1600/250520111038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0kWv07_O9S8a2PfgGz123hdyYdie7oMmT_VWfSyIzQCP2H1T3oJ2rbBoRP4lC1hpNOz-sDScSiCWIxbLaDaL3Ym5UTMpjnoUrYfB-3PgjQMclm_brS0DFR2dDs7-DNITd2ndx2DZSiRmb/s400/250520111038.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimkvrh2MF-t-zFQ2c7wNG7OkwBDUM7yQbBxEl0U6weNz_nfYE0_IYU2GebpdMNaPf64WS96V1S5frmOGAg1CJ1butyVcDaR432jq94O70zawvbovfFc0m7t95UUhhERqf1l2HZaGI64a2c/s1600/250520111039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimkvrh2MF-t-zFQ2c7wNG7OkwBDUM7yQbBxEl0U6weNz_nfYE0_IYU2GebpdMNaPf64WS96V1S5frmOGAg1CJ1butyVcDaR432jq94O70zawvbovfFc0m7t95UUhhERqf1l2HZaGI64a2c/s400/250520111039.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">our view from Palay</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv08eFuS2JbnNm5j39q8ZdqzoXZhfNrO4xtU02eCRsfzpjOZ1K3m3azqJmDL9lHd1UTfXuqwDYHY292e47VY4okYRutdhvr4aWlY46jlTOeBSteEBvIaOnwwGjDeYakmQG_O2bT4qKZNDu/s1600/250520111036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv08eFuS2JbnNm5j39q8ZdqzoXZhfNrO4xtU02eCRsfzpjOZ1K3m3azqJmDL9lHd1UTfXuqwDYHY292e47VY4okYRutdhvr4aWlY46jlTOeBSteEBvIaOnwwGjDeYakmQG_O2bT4qKZNDu/s320/250520111036.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coffee #2 and #3</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXiThyphenhyphenmxXaaTocFwEAqJxEn_KopMsNa5rqVxfIK0vIWqWZR4qQzooz_CLXVgiXtRp4f109PQvuV5v8a1_d0rKQ8_Au5n0KDUy9Brf1sXPkIICBAXUP2G7iojAGHH0RmxECeJbaNwnykaZR/s1600/250520111037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXiThyphenhyphenmxXaaTocFwEAqJxEn_KopMsNa5rqVxfIK0vIWqWZR4qQzooz_CLXVgiXtRp4f109PQvuV5v8a1_d0rKQ8_Au5n0KDUy9Brf1sXPkIICBAXUP2G7iojAGHH0RmxECeJbaNwnykaZR/s320/250520111037.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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By then, after updating our kids online, we were ready for our second day of enjoy the white sand and clear waters, and exploring the shores and restaurants of Boracay.java jivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08043764233952325904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211190257253005732.post-30376234523773076922011-05-24T11:03:00.002+08:002012-11-02T20:33:21.652+08:00Early Morning Americano at Esspressamente Illy, NAIA Domestic Airport Lounge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">W</span></b>e were at the relatively new NAIA Domestic Airport, having already checked in at a little past 5am, with about a couple of hours' wait till our flight out to Boracay for our little holiday at the beach. Probably still in that illy mode (or was it mere coincidence?), I chose to have my early morning brew at esspressamente illy among all the other cafes and restaurants (chai cofi, Mrs. Fields', Cinnabon, etc.) lined up at the departure lounge.</div>
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I had a muffin to go with my Americano, and wifi to help while the time away. It was an exciting trip, the first without the kids for the hubby and myself since our honeymoon, so it was important that nothing spoiled the trip, especially this early. </div>
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We had fun waiting, even if the comfy chairs and tables had some crumbs and water rings from the guests waiting before us. Maybe it was the reason we were there, maybe it was the company I was with, or it could have been the rare early morning cup, but it <i>was</i> good coffee; they did not disappoint; <b><a href="http://stilljavajiving.blogspot.com/2011/05/americano-at-espressamente-illy.html">esspressamente illy</a></b> just won some more stars from me.</div>
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java jivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08043764233952325904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211190257253005732.post-35110263909830978632011-05-21T15:07:00.002+08:002011-05-23T01:28:07.131+08:00Caffe Lungo at Segafredo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;"><b>A</b></span>fter spending enough time waiting and shopping at the Podium in Ortigas four evenings in a row --well, almost because there was a break between the last two-- I had enough time to have coffee at the mall's Starbucks, Figaro, NYPD pizza, Cafe Breton, and Cinnabon (I'll pass next time). By the 4th day, I felt the Segafredo Zanetti Espresso bar calling out to me from its lonely spot on the 2nd floor.<br />
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I've had coffee here before, but it was never this empty, so I wondered if their coffee changed or if they weren't such an attraction anymore, but then that wasn't a fair assumption, since the entire mall just had a few patrons. And I was right. After warming up the barista with friendly chatter, I found out that weekday evenings were not their strongest periods. People usually had their coffee there after lunch or on weekends. The rest of the day and evening, they lose the crowd to the more accessible Starbucks and Cafe Breton.<br />
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This time, I tried the Cafe Lungo, or long extraction of espresso coffee, a.k.a. Americano (about P90.00). It was just right temperature and consistency, and was full-flavored. I loved that they have maintained the mod Italian look of the Segafredo brand, from the standing umbrellas (which, on a bad day, might make you wonder, "but inside a mall?!") to the table tops, which have images of the ubiquitous high fashion coffee scene in Milan, perhaps.<br />
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I loved their coffee, and even if they are just an open area with a small service counter that doubles as food prep and display/order area almost tucked under the stairs, I love that they are right smack where one would suddenly feel tired of walking all over the mall to check out fashion boutiques, health and beauty outlets, lifestyle shops, and bookstores. While enjoying your cup of brew, you might also suddenly remember a drugstore item or two you could have forgotten about, since they happen to be in front of Watson's. If it weren't for the bright white lights and the openness of the Segafredo space, I'd almost say it was cozy. Almost.<br />
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I'm getting tired of having to wait for an available seat at Starbucks and sometimes having to walk to the far end of the entrance for a cup of Cafe Breton's caffeine fixes. For a quick fix, this is a great cafe to hang out in.java jivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08043764233952325904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211190257253005732.post-31572897235870470802011-05-11T23:44:00.001+08:002011-06-01T13:13:07.362+08:00illy brew at Chelsea Market and Cafe , Serendra, the Fort<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I</span></b> mentioned in my last <a href="http://stilljavajiving.blogspot.com/2011/05/americano-at-espressamente-illy.html">entry</a> that there were several restaurants that carry and serve illy coffee, and I've never been disappointed. Especially right after I found the esspressamente illy outlet in Power Plant Mall, I assumed illy can't be bad anywhere. So I chose to meet a friend over coffee at this restaurant in Serendra, the Fort (Global City), Taguig called, Chelsea, where they also serve... yes, illy.<br />
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</div><div>My friend and I decided to share a (huge) slice of their banana cream pie or cake, and order our own favorite styles of brew. She got hers first, and after adding her cream/milk and having a sip, kept adding more milk. She thought it was quite strong, but only perhaps because she was not a coffee lover. So I tried my brewed coffee. Yes, it was strong. Very bitter and kind of thick, even after adding milk AND a bit of water. See below.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4-7JqLoE_n7rCdFDwVG-k2xVO4NgPu2rnS09xNEqGKY0wgj7ICf9M5_fzYkHSeVADNO9vH6r5aizarc9p1OPagfzz3jNgYpIRijda0txpnCvSbRbzNCNHocysfRUBoJngbY4Diguylwmn/s1600/11052011965.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4-7JqLoE_n7rCdFDwVG-k2xVO4NgPu2rnS09xNEqGKY0wgj7ICf9M5_fzYkHSeVADNO9vH6r5aizarc9p1OPagfzz3jNgYpIRijda0txpnCvSbRbzNCNHocysfRUBoJngbY4Diguylwmn/s320/11052011965.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My forlorn cup of coffee. So strong, yet looking so defeated :(</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div>So was it the coffee variant used, the manner by which it was prepared, or just their own style that made the coffee so unenjoyable? I don't know for sure. I may have to try it again some other time, but for now, I'm not looking forward to doing it quite yet. The food may be very good at this restaurant, and they do have quite a wine selection, and it's not easy to get a table for dinner and after on most nights. For coffee, though, if it's always the way it was that afternoon, I just think it was too expensive to try again soon just to find out for sure.</div>java jivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08043764233952325904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211190257253005732.post-7592791993643516352011-05-10T21:06:00.000+08:002011-05-31T11:14:30.520+08:00Americano at Espressamente illy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The past couple of months I've been at the Power Plant Mall in Rockwell, Makati, I opted to have coffee where we dined. But having the time to stroll around for the first time in a long period, I just noticed just the other week, that Figaro, the good old fave coffee break place in the middle of the mall, was gone and in its place, a fabulously inviting chic cafe: <b>espressamente illy</b>. I was not able to resist. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4a4a4a; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">While I know about illy since a number of restaurants serve this coffee, is what's on its website: "</span><span style="line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">a unique blend of high quality coffee originating from Trieste, Italy, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">made from 9 types of pure Arabica beans A careful balance of ingredients from South and Central America, India and Africa creates the unmistakable illy flavor: always identical in any espresso cup, wherever it is drunk around the world, and what I've tasted and liked, so far. This particular visit would be the first time I've had coffee in an <b>espressamente illy</b> cafe. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">First of all, I was impressed by the design of the place, which actually called out to me from an upper floor. Red and silver/grey -- how could one miss this place? </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4a4a4a; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;"><b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">The view from the other aisle</span></td></tr>
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<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">It was the aroma of their freshly ground and brewed coffee that eventually pulled me in. Having had a couple of coffees by that time, I decided to order an Americano.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4a4a4a; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;"> </span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">My mid-afternoon Cafe Americano</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">True to the promise of illy, the Americano was a blend of acidic, sweet, and bitter notes, and tasted very good without the milk (first sip), after the milk (next sips), and even with sugar (my last sips). I'm happy, too, that the order came with a little biscotti. And -- the place had wifi connection. Pleased with my find, I now know where to get my fix on my next visit to Power Plant Mall.</span>java jivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08043764233952325904noreply@blogger.com0