It was a bizarre and amusing sight: the barista was pouring the brewed coffee I had ordered into a wine glass. In the same way a sommelier would describe a bottle of merlot, he explained to me the flavors of the Ethiopia roast I was about to enjoy—citrusy with hints of jasmine, and light-bodied, almost like tea.
This is a bit of a departure for me, not just in topic and from my usual restaurant coverage, but from my usual Makati haunts.
When the Nescafe Dolce Gusto Piccolo machine arrived in our office on loan, my first impression was that it looked like a space-age penguin, so much so that I kept patting it on the “head.”
Yeah, it’s everywhere. And by that, we mean everywhere. Those who have been to Seoul have most likely seen a Caffe Bene shop at every corner. Plus, Koreanovela fans might recognize the café from the kilig-inducing “crème kiss” scene in the romance/drama “Secret Garden,” where the male lead kisses the cappuccino foam off his lady love’s lip.
We were given a sample menu for the Manila branches. Prices range from P95 for the basic Espresso and Tea drinks, classic or walnut Liège waffle and single-scoop Italian gelato, to P135-175 for the specialty drinks (Frappeno, Yogurt Smoothies, Lattes, Mocktails), Honey Bread and waffle with toppings.
It’s that time of the season again, when coffee and peppermint mix and each cup brings you closer to a coveted planner, adding a new high to your morning caffeine fix.
Coffee has had to start sharing its popularity with the tea culture, which has been growing in the country these last few years. With more and more places offering afternoon tea sets and buffets, and from the sheer number of milk tea places mushrooming all over the metro, it’s safe to say Filipinos are crazy about this drink.
For those who like their coffee with a strong nose Thailand could be the ideal destination, after a blend made from elephant dung was put on sale by an upmarket hotel chain.
Breakfast was prolonged on the day I had to judge coffee concoctions. And while I was tasked to taste about 20 cups, the sum of a teaspoon each must have just been half a regular cup.
Disposable coffee filters are more versatile than we think.
For a coffee person, a day is not complete without a cup or two of good brew. It signals a fresh new morning, provides a jolt of energy at midday, or lets one have a nightcap after a long day.
-01-FA.jpg)