Summer is beginning to make itself felt. Pretty soon, people would be reaching for something cool and comforting to beat the summer heat. If one is passing by Burgos Circle in BGC and recently at SM’s the Block, check out Casa Italia. Don’t be intimidated by the fancy interiors of this Singaporean-based Italian coffee and gelato cafe chain. A warm greeting of “Ciao!” from the friendly staff once you step on the checkered floor tiles is enough to make you smile. Then, the array of colors from the numerous gelato in display will awaken your dessert indulgence.
Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe: Lettin’ the Dogs Out
It actually came as a pleasant surprise that the cafe has already celebrated its first year anniversary as I felt that while as a dog lover I dig the idea, I don’t know if the novelty would wear off after a few months. Sure, it was a swell idea when it first came out, a concept that you’d probably read about in Japan or Singapore where the high costs of keeping pets or strict housing rules has created opportunities for creative pet lovers to build a business around a petting zoo type of establishment.
The Coffee Library in Baguio, Vietnamese coffee and cuisine come to the highlands
Your Happyfoodies trudged to the northern highlands for the days leading up to the new year with an overnight stop in Baguio. By chance, we got billeted in a hotel on the quieter street parallel to the always-busy (also noisy) Session Road and chanced upon the barely month-old The Coffee Library on the ground floor of the Rex Hall Student Residences along General Luna Street. Needless to say, it was a serendipitous find. Yes, it is eye-catching, with tasteful touches of ethnic crafts, mix of red brick and warm wood, even vintage “padyak” (foot pedal-powered) sewing machines converted into tables, but how was the food, you may ask.
Catching Up with J.Co Donuts and their Tropical Treats
It’s been more than three years since J.Co Donuts and Coffee came to the Philippine shores. I still remember the unbelievable long queue on the very few branches they had. We can’t blame those people as happyfoodies too raved about their not-too-sweet but delicious donuts. Lately, J.Co has a more relaxed atmosphere with more manageable lines that doesn’t seem to be in a state of panic to take home boxes. People can enjoy coffee, frappes and their donuts in an unhurried pace and actually share some quality chats with friends. Happyfoodies was just glad to find a window-side table with comfy chairs and get to try what’s new to add to their old-time favorites.
Coffee 8065 | Nothing Fancy Just Good Coffee and More
I’m glad an old favorite cafe returned. Coffee 8065, a cafe owned by the same people behind the 8065 Bagnet re-opened early this year to a new location in San Antonio Village in Makati. Moving from their former home, 2nd floor of a building along Estrella, their new home is more accessible being on the streetside. A bambike (bamboo bike) holds their signature sign parked just in front of their entrance. From outside it looks like one of the houses in the neighbourhood, inside is the familiar cozy ambiance with very homey vibe.
Isla Casoy de Palawan: Cashew infused Drinks and Goodies
The whole region of Palawan has cashew trees in abundance. Even in El Nido where I stayed for a while has people freely picking out fruits of these trees by the roadside. It is no surprise Isla Casoy de Palawan, a humble cafe at Mercado de San Miguel in Puerto Princesa have a menu offering based on the local favorite Casoy or cashew nut. It has become a favorite stop for me in the city not only for pasalubong (take-home presents) but it’s cashew infused meals and drinks.