Review of Umeck Cafe and Bakeshop

 Umeck Café and Bakeshop is a refreshing good coffee shop find!

It is located along Manila East Road (across NCBA Taytay) Barangay San Juan in Taytay, Rizal.

My husband was looking for a place for a message ~ he has been complaining for weeks about his tensed shoulder.  One Friday night after work, we chanced upon Sandie and Sky Spa.  

I was not in the mood for a massage or spa, but saw an inviting coffee next door.

We dropped by real late and it was good the coffee shop was open until 11pm during Fridays (check out complete schedule at Umeck's facebook page >>> Umeck Cafe and Bakeshop 

They serve coffee, breads, pastries, desserts, rice meals, pasta, pizza, chicken.

(I have tried the one of their past meals on a different occasion and found it exceptional). 

For this visit I only had coffee and an ensaymada 

(which I liked very much, that I ordered a box for take out)

I can't wait to try out their other pastries.   

Will definitely check it our next time (I think it would be perfect for gifting).

Final Verdict:

1. The place is perfect for meeting small friends.  
2. Staff are friendly. Food is commendable (hands down) and quite affordable. 
3. Parking though could be a bit of a headache as Umeck is located beside Don's Korean BBQ and Buffet Restaurant and Shishang Hotpot (which are notorious for long guests' list especially  lunch and dinner.
   

Note: I haven't checked if they have wifi though as I have my own.

Sorry for the poor picture quality, will try to drop by during day time for a better picture.

For inquiries check out their facebook page>>> Umeck Café

Blugre Coffee Manila East, Taytay Rizal ~ Coffee Experience

We are frequent visitors of Blugré’ Coffee at the Manila East in Taytay Rizal (near the New Taytay Municipal Hall).  It is just a few meters away Taytay's famed Tiangge Market.  Location is perfect to freshen up and lounge a bit after a stressful day of hauling stuff shopping.

Blugré originated from Davao and is famous for its signature drink ~ Durian Coffeccino, a cappuccino concoction that blends espresso and the durian fruit. And cleverly dubbed as “The King of All Coffee’s” ( Durian being the king of All Fruits).  

I have not tasted it personally though, and would rather stick to my regular brewed.  I need to psyche my self up a bit first.

Here is a look at the coffee shop's interior ~ setting is warm and cozy.

Sorry I can't help myself, posing by the Blugre Coffee wall...

We visited early and ordered breakfast.  Food was fine, but could be improved.

And our Coffee Uppers ~ with chocolate cake :P

The place is more than just coffee.

My husband and I love it here. It was peaceful and secluded, and you can truly enjoy your cup of coffee as you do some people watching.

Come and visit Blugré Coffee ~ Manila East.

For questions and inquiries check their website at

www.Bluegre.ph

or facebook page Bluegre Coffee Manila East Taytay

Mayad Cafe ~ Palawan's Goodness in a Cup

Good old times are cherished best with a cup of coffee at hand. Hanging out in a cozy place which feels like home.

Welcome to Puerto Princesa's Mayad Café!

Mayad pronounced as mã-yàd is a Cuyunon (a native Palawan dialect) word  which means good and pleasant.

 

The interior is dainty and elegantly decorated.

I highly recommend a late night visit to cap your day

with Palawan coffee at hand...

 

My yummy cheese cake :P

And another devilishly "mayad" moist chocolate cake (made me say bye-bye to my diet).  

When on vacation you may as well forget about dieting!

 Tips:

• Choose seats upstairs with a view. I personally find it more appealing.
• Call in advance and inquire about their acoustic nights. Best if you can time your visit to one.
• Order one of their creamy desserts to go with your coffee, truly "masabor" (that is Cuyonon for  delicious).
• Mayad also offer all day breakfast, we had take out and they were exceptionally good (too bad I forgot to take pictures).

After spending hours communing with nature ~  chill, relax and do some people sighting at Mayad Café. 

Mayad Cafe is open daily from 11am to 11pm.

It is located at

Freedom Park Ground City Coliseum,

San Pedro Puerto Princesa.

(If taking a tricycle, please ask to be taken to the City Coliseum you will find Mayad Cafe easy). 

For questions please visit Mayad Café facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/MayadCafe/

Charitos by Bag of Beans ~ TKO by Coffee

My-ex and I decided an impromptu joy-trip one weekend and found ourselves in Tagaytay.  We were feeling a bit romantic, having the alone time, without our extra baggages (our beloved but super "kulit" duo ~ awws you know who I mean), that we knew right away that lunch would be extra-romantic (meaning no fast food!) and yes a tad more expensive.

Restaurant hunting in Tagaytay is never a problem ~ good restaurants abound. 

We finally settled in Charitos operated by the well-known Bag of Beans. 

Unlike the Bag of Beans branch located at the Aguinaldo Highway, Mendez Crossing, Charitos is spacious with ample parking. 

Charitos is gorgeous ~ it has wide open spaces with a view of Taal volcano (unfortunately, the weather was gloomy that day and we only got glimpse of the famous attraction). 

Decoration is a bit eclectic, but more of the Victorian side.

I ordered Fish and Chips (P380), tender lightly coated fish fillet, with side salad and potato wedges.

My ex meanwhile herbs marinated Roast Beef (P450). 

I took bites and found it tender and really flavorful.   

For the finale (You can't say you have been to Charitos without) Bag of Bean's house blend coffee (P130) and  blueberry cheesecake (P160+).

VERDICT:

• Charitos by Bag of Beans is charming. It is perfect for a romantic or a special occasion date with your better half.  A clear view of the Taal Volcano below would have been the topping on the ice cream.
• It is bit upscale, but we didn't mind paying extra since service was A+ and food great.  
• We had a wonderful lunch at Charitos and would not mind coming back for more.

Happy customers :P

CHARITO BY BAG OF BEANS

Maharlika East, Tagaytay-Nasugbu Highway, 

Tagaytay City, Cavite, Philippines

Contact no: 046 4831279

Costa Coffee: London Style Coffee ~ #CoffeePaMore

I am really so excited about this new coffee shop at the Robinson's Mall Antipolo~ Costa Coffee! 

It is hard to find real coffee shops around and findings new ones, puts a smile on my face (#confessionofacoffeeaddict). 

Costa Coffee offers some real kick @ss coffee drinks (oh, the desserts were equally as good)...

My inquisitive nature led me to the internet and I was really impressed to learn that Costa Coffee  has been pouring coffee

 since1971, when they first opened doors in London.

My perfect cup of Costa Coffee (#CoffeePaMore)!

Minced Manila, Antipolo: Restaurant Review

Where to go for a birthday breakfast?

 

My itinerary for the day brought me to this quaint restaurant atop the hills of Antipolo.  Minced Manila is just a kilometer away the Antipolo Cathedral, which made it a perfect breakfast stop-over after mass. 

 

 

 

I first read of Minced Manila from a friend blogger of Memet Diaries, who rated Minced Manila as a worthy visit. 

 

We ordered from their breakfast menu (available from 7am - 10am only). The breakfast menu is served with garlic rice, two eggs and brewed all you can drink coffee.

 

My husband got Longganisa Lucban.

The longganisa smells so good half ended on my plate :P

 

Longganisa Lucban set cost P200.

 

I love their garlic rice... and their sunny side-up eggs were perfect.  The "atsara" with the longganisa was spot-on.

 

I got the Hungarian Sausage, which I of course had to share with my husband, after eating most of his longganisa.

 

Hungarian Sausage set cost P180.

 

Coffee was very strong, which was how we liked it.  "We were happy to hear that coffee was refillable, but one cup was all we needed to keep us up the entire day". You won't be needing a refill :P  

Minced Manila is more than just a breakfast place, they also boast a full lunch and dinner menu, that I am sure are also MUST TRY.

 

 

VERDICT

• Minced Manila is a wonderful find, serving delectable breakfast at really reasonable price. I would definitely come back to try their lunch and dinner menu. 
• Staff are attentive and amiable. 
• Secured location and ample parking a plus.

 

Minced Manila is located at the

2nd floor of EM Gems Building  L. Sumulong Circumferential Road Antipolo

For inquiries check out their facebook page: www.facebook.com/MincedMNL

Contact Number: 696-0148