From what started as an online business of selling baked goodies and treats in Instagram and Facebook, Kim is Hungry Cakes + Cafe is one sweet success story. With enough loyal customer base who enjoyed her dessert offerings, Kim Gonzales, the owner, managed to open her own cafe. Now, her customers and walk-ins can enjoy her cakes, and cupcakes with the addition of coffee, frappes and other meals.
Angono’s Balaw Balaw Restaurant: Continuing the Exotic Appeal
Angono, the art capital of the Philippines is not only a haven for artist but has a rich culinary heritage. Talk about Angono and Balaw Balaw will eventually pop-up. Balaw Balaw Restaurant and Art Gallery has been known to serve exotic dishes utilzing indigenous ingredients used by their forefathers like the balaw balaw (fermented shrimp sauce). They had been known to serve exotic dishes like butt and balls Soup #5, the fried itik (native duck) and uok (giant coconut worms). While the staples are still there, the Vocalan family who run the restaurant still try to innovate new dishes to adapt to the modern times.
Vibe Superfood: Nutrient-Packed, Guilt-Free Supermeals and Superdrinks
It’s refreshing to know that in the age of processed and fast-food meals, there are still alternative dining places that offer “clean” food with recipes stripped off of preservatives and chemicals that could harm our bodies in the long term. Coming off from another revitalizing yoga session from Life Yoga, I ventured to the adjoining cafe Vibe Superfood. Just a cursory look at their menu and reading witty, music-inspired names of the dishes instantly put me in a good mood. I placed an order for their Curry Me Away (a song from the Doobie Brothers) and Matcha-Twenty (from the band Matchbox Twenty) and got excited for the treats to come.
Mad about Burgers at Mad Monkeys La Union
There’s a reason to be mad about Mad Monkeys in La Union. This small street corner stall sells only one dish – burgers! And they are so good at it. Cue the funky jazz tunes, have a cold beer in hand and enjoy a bite or two (or more) of their Classic Burger (Php 180). In between the burger buns are 1-inch thick and juicy 180gm meaty burger patties with melted cheese smothered in beer sauce. Owner, Mateo, an avid traveler got inspired by the Mad Monkey’s hostel in Cambodia and decided to bring its chill backpacker vibe in La Union. He originally came to La Union to surf but fell in love with the place. Eventually setting up shop and overseeing operations since 2015.
El Union Coffee: Caffeine and Dessert Bliss at Elyu
I have a friend who’s known as the “Sound Check Guy”. He’s musically inclined and decided to live in La Union for good finding it felt more home to him. He worked as a barista for a small coffee shop there. That’s where I first heard about El Union Coffee. This small cafe ran by Kiddo and Sly sources locally grown coffee beans from around La Union. Their signature blend eventually was a hit among the locals and tourist. The cafe grew bigger than its size and had to move to a new location along MacArthur National Highway.
Chopstop: Place for Chops, Chows, Chugs and More
It’s a place where chickens can freely cross the road without being questioned. One of the amusing quotes found in the eye catching interior of ChopStop, a fastfood restaurant serving chops, nachos and unlimited margaritas. I must admit, the street corner theme complete with pedestrian walks and stoplights got me prodding to chop-around their offerings.