First Bite: Elephant Grounds Opens in Manila

Bonifacio Global City is staying true to the word global with the number of international brands and concepts filling all those empty spaces in the growing business district. Shake Shack just opened a few months ago and it was not too long before foodies shifted their attention towards another brand-- Elephant Grounds.

Hello, Elephant Grounds.

Elephant Grounds is finally open after almost a month long delay and its jam-packed shop is enough to prove that many were waiting to get a sip of its famous coffee and a taste of its ice cream and food curated and developed by Chef Nicco Santos. I actually haven't visited its main store in Hong Kong but I've heard from a few foodies that this place serves great food and drinks. And that was enough to keep me excited. 

Harlan+Holden Coffee now open in BGC

We've all heard the saying "Time is Gold" when we were younger. But it was only a few years back when I got a better understanding of what it truly meant. With the feeling that 24 hours a day not enough to have things done, I tried so many hacks to make myself more efficient. But I still end up rushing doing this and that, especially getting from point A to point B. Thankfully, there are a bunch of online services and apps to help me multitask and I sure am glad that there's a coffee shop that thought of a way to save us coffee lovers precious minutes.

Hello, Harlan+Holden Coffee!

The posh retail shop Harlan+Holden finally opens another branch of its coffee shop concept and this time, it's at One Bonifacio High Street!

First Bite: St. Louis House of Fine Ice Cream & Dessert

Always save room for desserts. I've been using that line as an excuse to get my hands on some sweets even after indulging in a heavy meal. After all, there's a separate tummy space or compartment for cakes, ice cream and everything sweet right? 

Hello, St. Louis. 

This Australian cafe and ice cream parlor has been a favorite of many. I was told that this place offers not just great treats but superb service as well. 

First Sip: Nitro 7 Coffee & Tea Bar

I used to be heavily dependent on coffee that I need at least a cup or two a day to function. Avoiding it has been a difficult task but I've slowly became less hooked to the fragrant drink after some time. But I could never say no to a cup of mocha. And when I spotted Nitro 7, I just have to try its Nitro Mocha. 

Hello, Nitro 7 Coffee & Tea Bar. 

As you could tell from its name, Nitro 7 Coffee & Tea Bar is not your usual place to get your caffeine fix. 

First Sip: Olivia & Co.

It is sometimes challenging to find a spot where you could work without any distraction and with reliable internet connection. Most of the coffee shops I've been to were too noisy or have Wi-Fi connection that loves to play hide and seek. Though there are co-working spaces here and there, I still prefer a real coffee shop where I could order a much needed cup of coffee that tastes good. And last week, I tried Olivia & Co. 

Hello, Olivia & Co.

First Sip: Dark Specialty Coffee

I found myself getting lost in SM North one afternoon. As I try to look for a camera store that sells the lens I plan to buy for myself as Christmas gift, I spotted Dark Specialty Coffee. And since I love anything with caffeine, chocolate or tea, I decided to take a break from getting lost and have a drink. 

Hello, Dark Specialty Coffee. 

First Sip: Common Folk

I'm usually a morning person. But I turn into a grumpy old lady whenever I lack sleep for days. Thankfully, cafes are popping here and there for that needed source of energy. And one of the coffee shops I've been targeting for months is located just a few steps away from my latest shoot location. 

Hello, Common Folk. 

First Sip: Magnum Opus

My college friends and I have been planning to visit Aguirre for the longest time but it always get cancelled, moved or totally changed to another location. But it finally happened! Today is an Aguirre food trip. 

Our first stop was Bread and Botany but it didn't leave much of an impression. And honestly, I was disappointed. The only good thing I got from it was that it is beside Magnum Opus, a well-loved coffee shop along the popular food street. 

Hello, Magnum Opus! 

I went straight to the menu as soon as I set foot. Well, the place is pretty small too so you'll hit the counter as soon as you open the door. 

I went with the famous Belgian Heartbreaker (PHP175) as I have been reading and hearing a lot of good reviews about it so I was excited with my cup.

I was surprised that it was served on a 9 ounce glass without handle. "How will I hold it?" Or so what I thought. But it was lukewarm. And I doubt that it was because I took a few snapshots of it. It was less than a minute. 

I took the first sip and... it was okay. The Belgian chocolate taste was evident but not too strong. It wasn't as sweet as I thought as it had espresso in it. Overall, it was good, but not as good as I thought. It was very similar to the mocha drink I whip up at home and it does not cost me more than PHP50 to make a giant cup of it. 

Iced Belgian Chocolate

Would I go back? Not anytime soon. 

Magnum Opus is located at 2nd Floor, Prime Building, 115 Aguirre Street, BF Homes, Parañaque City.

First Bite: Kandle Cafe

I have been hearing a lot of good reviews about Kandle Café. I must admit, I was so curious and dying to visit the adorable café. But two words discourage me from going... Quezon City. As a self proclaimed resident of the South (self proclaimed because my friends refuse to believe that Fort Bonifacio is "south") I hardly visit that part of Quezon City. But a very tempting food crawl invite to Tomas Morato made me brave Manila traffic to join the well planned food trip. And of course, one of the stops was Kandle Café.

Hello, Kandle Café!

This is probably one of the few restaurants with ample parking space. We didn't have a hard time parking at all. 

We were greeted by a homey facade and an adorable porch with Kandle Café on it. 

As we moved closer to the dining area, I noticed the beautiful lush landscape beside the al fresco area. It was very charming and that sight made it clear to me why this place was named one of the best (affordable) date places in Quezon City.

Love at First Sip: United Coffee

Now on our last stop, simply because the establishments in the area were getting ready to close, we decided to go for a nice and quiet place to chat. The coffee shop in the Nav compound made me curious and after our meal at Diner on 16^th, we opted to look for it. And thanks to the shop’s signage, finding it was a breeze. But the climb up wasn’t due to my aching knees. >.<

Hello, United Coffee.

There were only two other tables occupied when we arrived. The interiors reminded me of a humbler Yardstick—warm and cozy. We settled in one of the window seats.

The place is still on its soft opening, having opened its doors last December. Menu is not very extensive but since I was already full and slightly sleepy, none appealed to me. The friendly server suggested their bestseller, Espresso + Milk + Mocha (PHP160) and as a sucker for bestsellers, I gave it a try. I wanted to try the S’mores cake but I just do not have space for it anymore. T_T

Restaurant Love: Toby's Estate Coffee Roasters

I have always been a fan of Toby's Estate. I love its Flat White coffee as I need not add sugar to make it drinkable. I still remember the first time I tried it in Century City Mall after exploring Hole in the Wall, then a new foodie place. It was love at first sip. But I never get a chance to try its other offerings such as savory dishes and desserts till last month.

Hello, Toby's Estate Coffee Roasters!

I finally got to visit the Salcedo branch of Toby's Estate which serves savory and sweet dishes! Yay! But since we were all full from our Tsumura Sushi Bar & Restaurant  lunch, we just focused on drinks and desserts.

I was planning to order Toby's Estate's popular dessert Bucky's a la mode (PHP260) but J mentioned that it is not as good as the Sticky Toffee Pudding (PHP190). I trust J's taste so I went with the latter. For beverage, I went with my favorite Flat White (PHP150) and R ordered the Iced Chocolate (PHP150, 16 oz).

First served was the Sticky Toffee Pudding. Served on a dented tin bowl, the others commented on its poor presentation. "It looked like a dog's dish!" says one of my companions. And to be honest, it does look like one. Some restaurants do the same but manage to pull it off nicely. I'm just not sure if it was the dents that made it look so sad. 

Survive The Heat 101: Starbucks' Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino

April has been a crazy month and May is starting to get crazy as well. And I’m not even talking about the weather yet. Oh, speaking of the weather, what’s up with the intense heat??? It’s so hot that I feel like wearing tank tops all the time if only I have the body to flaunt it with. (If only I have the energy/time/inspiration to go to the gym. Excuses, excuses.) Since I can’t, I’ll stick with cool drinks.

 Hello, Starbucks! *waves frantically as it also serves as an instant fan*

 

After our short meeting with a venue sponsor for the yummiest event this year, we decided to hop to the next street and cool off at Starbucks as Frannywanny has some extra Starbucks GCs to spare. She recommended the new drink Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino (PHP165, Tall; PHP175, Grande; PHP185, Venti).