Category: Food & Drink

  • Max’s Restaurant Celebrates Father’s Day with This Splendid Feast!

    Max’s Restaurant, the iconic Filipino restaurant chain famous for its Sarap-to-the-Bones® Fried Chicken, is celebrating every kind of dad with a special feast this June. As the upcoming Father’s Day draws near, families are looking for great ways to show love and gratitude to dads who have been a source of inspiration, strength, and pride, and what better way to do this than through their stomach?

    Maxs Fathers Day Bundle

    Whether a biological dad, step dad, single dad, grand dad, or however else you call him, a celebration with delectable food will surely make his day. Max’s Restaurant is offering its Father’s Day Bundle where one can save as much as P383. For only P2,349, customers can get a sumptuous celebratory meal for a family of four to five. The bundle includes a Regular Whole Fried Chicken, Lechon Kawali Kare- Kare, Tinapa Shanghai Roll, Gising-Gising, Tamarind Chicken Skin, Sizzling Corn Sisig, and a Large Plain Rice, plus a Choco Dulce Delight Mini Cake by Max’s Corner Bakery.

    The 5-inch Choco Dulce Delight is a moist chocolate cake with rich dulce de leche filling and frosted with luscious chocolate fudge icing. It’s topped with a charming mustache-shaped chocolate tile as a symbol of appreciation for the loving father in each home. Expect everyone to devour this decadent dessert after an enjoyable meal. It can also be purchased separately for only P499 for dine-in. The Choco Dulce Delight Cake is available in Luzon stores except Naga and Palawan.

    The special bundle is available for dine-in, take-out, and delivery until June 30 for a month-long celebration. For a hassle-free feast on Father’s Day weekend, order in advance and get a free liter of Sago’t Gulaman. Just order from June 1 to 15 for delivery on June 18 and 19 to avail the freebie, so it’s best to plan early. Visit delivery.maxchicken.com or call 888-79000 (Metro Manila).

    For more information, visit the official Facebook page at @MaxsRestaurant and use the hashtag #AllDadsAtMax

  • Don Limone Napa Grill: A Hidden Gem in Tagaytay That Is Worth Visiting

    Tucked away in the gardens of NBB Farm, a stone’s throw away from the ridge side restaurants that Tagaytay is frequented is the crown jewel of Cavite’s hidden gems, Don Limone Napa Grill.

    This quaint restaurant is owned by husband and wife Allan and Betty who worked with their Executive Chef AJ Eugenio to create a menu that will take you to a Californian epicurean experience. It is the combination of fresh local produce, flavors from various influences, and cultural diversity that reflect the culinary landscape of California.

    Don Limone Napa Grill Tagaytay

    Upon entrance, you are immediately welcomed by colorful interiors and with the cool Tagaytay breeze, you will think you have been transported to the West Coast. They also have a wine cellar which, at the time of our visit, houses 6,000 bottles of vino that they import and are exclusively available to them.

    What To Order at Don Limone Napa Grill

    Start with their Starter Sampler (P1,500), a huge serving of hummus, pico de Gallo, chicken liver terrine, eggplant tahini, chicken potato remoulade, labne tzatziki, and muhammara that’s meant for sharing with the entire table. Don’t miss out on their focaccia that’s fresh out of their recently opened Focacceria! While you’re at it, order a side of their signature quesadilla that’s worth sharing with the group as well. Choose from flavors like roast beef & garlic, chicken with onion, or the roasted mushroom & olives.

    For the mains, some of their notable must-tries are the Chicken Fesenjoon, a sweet and slightly tangy chicken dish served on a bed of herby rice. There’s also the Porchetta, a melt-in-your-mouth Tuscan pork belly drizzled with a fruity merlot sauce sitting on a bed of savory rice. Other choices are the Fillet Mignon Steak, Fish Kabob, Tuna Delmonico, and the Surf & Turf. Their mains ranges from P885 to P1,395 but you’ll be surprised how huge the servings are, actually.

    Don Limone Napa Grill is located at UNIT D, NBB FARM, Purok 122 Aguinaldo Highway, Tagaytay, Cavite, Philippines. They’re open from 11 am to 8 pm on Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday; and from 11 am to 10 pm on Friday and Saturday. For reservations, call 0932 873 2316.

    Like them on Facebook and follow them on Instagram for exclusive news and offers.

  • Rediscover the Flavors of the Archipelago at Diamond Hotel Featuring Chef Tatung Sarthou’s Renowned Dishes

    Rediscover the Flavors of the Archipelago at Diamond Hotel Philippines during the Filipino Food Festival from June 6 to 12, 2022 featuring renowned dishes of Filipino Chef Tatung Sarthou – award-winning celebrity chef, restaurateur, best-selling cookbook author, and YouTuber.

    Pansit Pusit

    To celebrate Philippine Independence and unity, curated culinary treasures of the Philippines will be highlighted at the Corniche Lunch and Dinner buffet spread spanning Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao for P3,300 net per person.

    Kulawong Talong

    Savor creatively prepared dishes by Chef Tatung starting with appetizers such as Pako Salad, Kinilaw na Tuna and Sinuglaw. For some warmth and comfort, try the soups Sinampalukang Manok, Papaitan Soup and Beef Hinalang. Main dishes that will surely satisfy include Pancit Pusit, Callos, Balbacua, Pinaggang and Beef Kulma. The carving section will highlight the popular Lechon Belly Roll and Roast Beef Adobo. To end the meal partake of Browa, Torta Bisaya, Leche Flan, Buco Pie, and more.

    Corniche Buffet Cycle

    Plus, guests spending Php 5,000 net at the Corniche Buffet will get a chance to win roundtrip airline tickets for 2 persons via Cebu Pacific Air to any local destination of choice at the raffle.

    For restaurant reservations, please call (02) 8528-3000. You may also reserve online via onlineshopping.diamondhotel.com.

  • Ember by Josh Boutwood Produces Sophisticated Food with Elements of Fire

    Chef Josh Boutwood, who is known for his maverick approach to dining, offers a new restaurant concept that smolders with sophistication.

    Ember is a sly wink to his other concept, Savage, that attracts adventurous diners with the primal feel of having food cooked with pre-industrial methods using fire, smoke, and ash. “Ember is a sophisticated evolution of Savage with high emphasis on amazing ingredients and a more delicate cooking method. While fire is Savage, after it blazes through the material, what is left glowing from your flame is the ember, which is actually the best to cook on,”  Chef Josh explains.  

    Ember Interior

    Ambience-wise, the interiors are meant to evoke the warm feelings of enjoying a relaxing meal.  “I want to trigger memories of Sunday feasts spent with family, where the kids, parents, and grandparents gather for a leisurely meal of items freshly-grilled from a backyard barbecue without having to lift a finger. In my mind, it is enjoying dry-aged steaks absolutely perfectly done with just the right amount of smokiness and paired with a glass of wine,” explains the chef. “All of my restaurants are positioned to create memories, the warm feeling of enjoying good food in a great atmosphere. Our aim is that every meal at Ember is logged as a beautiful memory.”

    Ember Octopus

    To achieve this, he takes off from the industrialist look of Savage and the dark walls of his other concept, The Test Kitchen. Ember is modern chic, with a soft and elegant balance to a masculine menu and cooking method. To add to the relaxing atmosphere, the approachable staff will treat guests like family. “Essentially, it is going to sophisticated yet warm, with earth tones and a splash of olive green and red for accent,” he says.

    Ember Chef Josh

    The menu does not focus on a specific cuisine, as Josh’s cooking philosophy veers away from limitations and instead focuses on gathering inspiration from multiple cultures. The meals will be prepared using a variety of cooking methods from convection, ovens, stove tops hearth, and a smoker to infuse a smoked essence in the dishes. 

    Expect nothing but the best; no boundaries, just exceptional food. Ember is located at the Greenbelt Mall in Makati City, with al fresco seating available for patrons.     

  • Healthy Appetite by Rhian Ramos Treats Friends, Fans, and Foodies To A Food Tasting Experience

    Healthy Appetite, Rhian Ramos’ digital and delivery-only restaurant, has grown into a healthy habit for many Filipinos. Launched in April 2021, Rhian partnered with pioneer cloud restaurant company CloudEats to help bring healthier and more affordable options to the food delivery space. The Healthy Appetite menu consists of many of Rhian’s favorites and personal health hacks, like more complex carbs, plant-based alternatives, and of course a whole lot of veggies. With the growing interest in more mindful eating, Rhian looks to continue growing the brand and inspiring even more people to join in her journey towards a healthier and happier lifestyle. 

    To thank her dedicated fans and loyal customers, Rhian opens up the Healthy Appetite experience with an exclusive Eat-n-Greet event where close friends, fans, and food lovers take part in a food tasting session to try and rate the new dishes in the running to be part of the menu this June. 

    8 lucky fans were chosen through a social media contest hosted on @healthyappetitebyrhian social channels where they were asked to share why they love Healthy Appetite. Many fans shared their appreciation for the delicious dishes that have become staples in their diet, as well as how Rhian has helped introduce healthier habits to their every day with the convenience of 24/7 delivery. Other than good food and great company, fans get the exclusive opportunity to hear more about Healthy Appetite from Rhian herself and participate in a collaborative feedback session with CloudEats chefs. 

    This Eat-N-Greet experience is also a sneak peek into Rhian’s close collaboration with CloudEats, flexing its agility in curating a menu that both Rhian and her fans can help build together. A few crowd favorites these past few months include the Eggplant Katsu with Cauliflower Rice, Chicken Tapa Bowl with Adlai, and Spicy Kani Mango Salad. After the event, Rhian looks forward to adding another fan-favorite dish to the Healthy Appetite menu in the next coming weeks. 

    Salad Kani Mango DSCF0285

    Healthy Appetite is exclusively available on GrabFood 24/7. Don’t forget to follow @healthyappetitebyrhian on Instagram & Facebook for updates on new dishes and future events! 

  • Bistronomy: A Filipino-French Dining Destination at Sofitel Manila’s Le Bar

    Discover a new concept of Filipino-French indulgence as Le Bar, one of Sofitel Manila’s dining destinations, celebrates its grand launch on June 16, 2022 in partnership with high-quality local producers Auro Chocolate, Esguerra Farms, Aba Pardes Hyrdoponic, and Malagos Farmhouse. This night of elegance will also be highlighted with our wine partner from Möet Hennessy, the official distributor of Whispering Angel, the world’s best rosé. 

    LE BAR 1024x673 1

    Sofitel Manila’s Executive Chef Bettina Arguelles launches the latest menu of Le Bar highlighting Filipino flavors while incorporating French culinary techniques. 

    “It has always been my dream to showcase Filipino cuisine and support locally-sourced products”, expressed by Chef Bettina. As the first and only Filipina Executive Chef in a 5-star hotel, Chef Bettina boasts her newest menu creation with her own interpretation of Filipino cuisine as an emerging global cuisine. 

    Le Bar menu

    The new Le Bar menu takes familiar Filipino homey dishes and is given a luxurious twist for gourmands to try and discover the new Filipino flair. Bold flavors, rich textures, and high-quality ingredients are the key components that give a new perspective to Le Bar’s unique concept of Filipino – French bistronomy. 

    Le Bar Poster

    Apart from taking the local food scene to another level, Chef Bettina has proudly advocated and supported the use of homegrown products in her new creations. While integrating her culinary experience, she also highlights the use of local ingredients on the plate. With our partners from Auro Chocolate, Esguerra Farms, Malagos Farmhouse, and Aba Pardes Hydroponics, the new menu proudly presents Filipino farm-to-table dishes. 

    Gourmands are in for a gastronomic discovery at Le Bar’s grand launch on June 16, 2022 for only Php 3,500 per person. Join us for an elegant soiree as we showcase Filipino- French indulgence, book a seat at (+63) 2 8832 6988 or email H6308-FB12@sofitel.com 

  • Here’s Everything You Need to Know About the First-Ever Muji Coffee Opening in BGC

    Since opening its first store in the Philippines in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) back in 2010, MUJI hopes to once again delight the BGC community with its latest store environment via a 1,400 sqm space in Central Square located at the corner of 5th Avenue and 30th Street – a store that will be over three times the size of its previous store in Bonifacio High Street.  

    With a much bigger space, MUJI aims to enrich the daily lives of its customers, especially those in the BGC community, by offering products and services that are essential to achieving a simple and pleasant life.  With the opening of its second-largest store in BGC which features more expansive spaces and new store contents, MUJI Philippines aims to contribute more to the people, society, and environment within the community especially.  

    The MUJI Central Square store will again introduce select everyday products at better prices with its Price Review Campaign. This expanded store in BGC will also have new and exciting features starting with MUJI Philippines’ first-ever MUJI Coffee – a place where customers can relax and enjoy their favorite coffee or tea drink. It will also have the biggest display of MUJI Walker activewear, Children’s Wear, and Innerwear, as well as the MUJI Water Refilling Station where anyone who visits the store can get free water using their reusable bottle. 

    MUJI Labo

    In addition, MUJI Central Square will also carry specialty products and services such as the MUJI Labo unisex clothing line, Open MUJI, and free consultation services with our Interior, Styling, and Experience Advisors.  

    MUJI Coffee

    MUJI Coffee

    For the opening of its newest store, MUJI will introduce the first ever MUJI Coffee in the Philippines – a small space where customers can relax, work, or spend time with friends and family. MUJI Coffee will feature a cozy environment where customers can enjoy their favorite coffee or tea drink with some light snacks that are inspired by Japanese treats. It will also feature a clean and calm environment, equipped with MUJI furniture, which customers can experience while they take a break inside the store. To further improve its relationship with nature, all coffee and select tea beverages served in MUJI Coffee will make use of coffee beans and tea leaves that are certified by the Rainforest Alliance, an international non-government organization that fights against deforestation and climate change. And like all of its merchandise, MUJI will offer MUJI Coffee products in sustainable or recyclable packaging to help conserve the environment. 

    MUJI My Water Bottle 2

    The MUJI Water Refilling Station

    With Bonifacio Global City known as a “walkable city”, MUJI understands that making free drinking water available to customers and guests is an essential service to offer such an active community. With the Water Refilling Station, MUJI aims to work together with its customers to reduce plastic waste and to conserve our natural resources. 

    Customers are encouraged to bring their own reusable bottle or MUJI My Water Bottle to the store instead of buying water in single-use plastic bottles. With this initiative, MUJI hopes to encourage more people to consider the environmental implications of single-use plastic. MUJI believes that this simple act, when done together, can help reduce the amount of plastic waste. To complement this service, MUJI Central Square will also carry our Reusable Water Bottles available for purchase.

    MUJI Walker

    MUJI Walker

    The MUJI Central Square store will also house the brand’s largest display of MUJI Walker items (activewear line).  MUJI believes that it is essential for everyone to maintain an active lifestyle to achieve a balance of mind and body. With its line of activewear, MUJI aims to promote the importance of staying active in order to live a full and healthy life. Whether it be through indoor exercises or light walks around the neighborhood, these activities can help stretch one’s muscles which can relieve stress and fatigue, a common problem that people in the city experience as they spend most of their time working. The MUJI Walker series is made soft, smooth and stretchy fabric and is equipped with sweat absorbent and quick-drying features which are ideal for at-home exercises, outdoor activities, or even traveling. 

    MUJI Innerwear 2

    MUJI Innerwear 

    The MUJI Central Square store will also offer a wide selection of Men’s, Ladies’ and Children’s innerwear which are made with 100% organic cotton. MUJI’s innerwear line is cool and comfortable on the skin, even in the summer, due to its excellent breathability.

    MUJI Childrens Wear

    MUJI Children’s Wear 

    MUJI will also offer its selection of Children’s clothing and accessories to the BGC community for the first time.  These are everyday Children’s wear that are tailor-fit for every stage of childhood.  Made with 100% organic cotton, MUJI Children’s wear are designed for all-day comfort and are easy to wear for young kids, providing convenience for parents.  The popular MUJI Organic Cotton Printed T-shirt for kids which features prints of animals that are in danger of extinction from the planet will also be available in the Central Square store (prints of actual available stocks may vary). 

    MUJI Labo 

    MUJI’s newest store will also offer MUJI Labo, the brand’s line of unisex clothing. MUJI LABO is a laboratory for the concept of distance from excessive fashion. MUJI wanted to create a clothing line that gives a feeling that it can be worn by anyone, regardless of gender, age, or body type with its simple and streamlined design featuring colors and shapes for easy coordination. With LABO, both men and women can create a wardrobe that only has what is essential and can easily be shared between couples and other members of the family.

    Price Review 

    Aside from its new offerings, MUJI will open its Central Square store with a selection of everyday products on Price Review. As MUJI continues its initiative of making products that are more affordable for customers, the brand revisits prices of its best-selling items, especially everyday essentials. By further promoting reasonable prices for its products, MUJI aims to better serve the daily lives of its customers. 

    Since its inception, MUJI has been offering reasonably priced high-quality products that focus on using natural materials from sustainable sources. By visiting the production sites and factories of raw materials and sharing knowledge with production partners, MUJI is able to reduce its operational costs and offer products at better prices. For this price review, MUJI focused on basic everyday items that promote a simple and pleasant lifestyle, which customers can look at and say “This is enough”. Today, it has become harder to create a balance between work, study, and relaxation, as people tend to stay home daily. With that, MUJI aims to help customers experience pleasant daily living by providing good quality everyday products which can be used for day-to-day activities such as working from home, running errands, or even relaxing. 

    MUJI Advisors

    MUJI Central Square will also offer free consultation services for its customers via its Interior, Styling, and Experience Advisors. 

    The Interior Advisor service helps customers visualize a space-efficient home with the brand’s simple aesthetic. The Interior Advisor can also help give recommendations on what MUJI furniture best fits a customer’s home, as well or other household solutions. 

    The Styling Advisor service can help customers refresh their wardrobe by giving guidance on which MUJI clothing fits their lifestyle and personal taste. The Styling Advisor is equipped to address styling concerns such as questions on fit, color, and sizing options. 

    Lastly, the MUJI Experience Advisor service helps customers better understand the different products which MUJI offers under the Stationery and Health & Beauty departments.  The Experience Advisor is equipped to suggest items such as skincare and stationery products that are used daily, and which are complementary to a customer’s lifestyle. 

    Open MUJI

    MUJI Central Square will also have an Open MUJI space, which will provide a venue to showcase MUJI concepts and hold various activities. The Open MUJI Area is a platform where the brand can communicate and convey its message with customers. It is also a place where MUJI Advisors can conduct workshops that help support the community. During opening, the Open MUJI space will be used as an extended seating area for MUJI Coffee customers who wish to experience MUJI Coffee offerings while in a cozy MUJI environment.

    Eco Card

    As part of MUJI’s efforts to create a better relationship with nature with the help of its customers, MUJI is offering a free MUJI Eco Card to all MUJI Members. To complete the MUJI Eco Card, Members need to accumulate 9 stamps which can be done by using their own reusable bags in lieu of MUJI packaging when shopping in any MUJI Philippines store, or by using the MUJI Water Refilling Station with their own reusable water bottle. Once all 9 stamps are completed, MUJI Members can either receive a free 12 oz drink at MUJI Coffee, or get a Php100 discount (with a minimum purchase of Php500) applicable in any MUJI store.  Through this initiative, MUJI hopes to make a small contribution to waste reduction with the help of their MUJI Members. 

    In the Philippines, MUJI is also located at Greenbelt 3, Power Plant Mall at Rockwell, Shangri-La Plaza East Wing, and SM Mall of Asia. For more details visit facebook.com/muji.ph or follow @muji_ph on Instagram.

  • 12 Shops for Delicious Donuts in Metro Manila

    Whether it’s for our personal comfort and cravings, or as a pasalubong everyone can enjoy, donuts are truly the perfect go-to snack for the sweet-toothed crowd. Available in different shapes and flavors, these decadent treats are often topped, filled, or dunked in flavored cream, dusted with sugar, and/or crowned with tempting toppings that we just cannot say no to!

    If you’re currently seeking to sink your teeth into delicious donuts around the metro, we’ve got you covered. Here are some donut shops and brands in Metro Manila to get your donut fix from!

    Baker on East

    This home-based brand originating from Quezon City offers a rich selection of cream-filled donuts. They offer combined classic and unique flavors including Pink Polvoron, Burnt Honey, Peanut Butter, Raspberry Rose, Toasted Milk Jam, Milk Chocolate with Sea Salt, and more.

    Order here
    Location for pick-up: Teacher’s Village, Quezon City

    Bungalow Cafe

    From hearty meals to savory sandwiches to delectable desserts, Bungalow Cafe has so much to offer. For their donuts lineup, they have the classic donut-with-a-hole in Glazed, Pumpkin Spiced, Sugar Coated, Auro Glazed, and Homer variants. Their filled donuts also have delectable flavors such as Chocolate Sundae, Dulce de Leche, Turon with Langka, and more.

    Order here
    Location:  Molito Lifestyle Center, Alabang, Muntinlupa City

    Cello’s Doughnuts

    Cello’s Doughnuts also gives us a delightful roster of treats that are generously topped and filled. Aside from their wide selection of flavors, they also have letter-shaped donuts, perfect for giving greetings and gifting sweets in one go!

    Order here
    Locations: Katipunan | Shangri-La Plaza

    Dunkin’

    Dunkin’ is perhaps the most accessible source for our much-needed donut fix. With over 2,600 stores in more than 30 countries, some of Dunkin’s most popular offerings here in the country are the Choco Butternut, Choco Honeydipped, and Boston Kreme donuts.

    Green Bar Cafe

    Green Bar brings vegans the guilt-free indulgence of our beloved comfort foods. For their donuts, they offer a long list of flavors including Churro, Chocolate Biscoff, Coconut Caramel, Very Berry, Samoa, and Chocolate Dream Filled Donut, just to name a few.

    Order here
    Location: Legaspi Village, Makati

    J.CO

    Originating from Indonesia, J.CO is another accessible brand for premium donuts whenever and wherever one’s cravings hit. They have over thirty flavors of donuts, including Alcapone, Oreology, Forest Glam, Avocado Dicaprio, Green Tease, JCOccino, and more!

    Locations

    Krispy Kreme

    This American donut brand has also become a staple to the donut-loving crowd of the city. Aside from the familiar flavors you could never go wrong with, Krispy Kreme is also best known for their Original Glazed donuts that are soft and doughy with a satisfying sugar glaze.

    Order here
    Locations

    Lola Nena’s

    Home to Pinoy favorites such as the pichi-pichi, one of Lola Nena’s most popular offerings are their old-fashioned donuts, available in classic and triple cheese. Their donuts are more familiar to Filipino palates, being a sizeable snack with a soft dough coated in sugar, like a premium version of the breads we often purchase from our local neighborhood bakery.

    Order here
    Locations

    Numnut

    Numnut brings together the goodness of donuts and sourdough bread. Their sourdough donuts available in pre-orders come in tempting flavors such as Maple Bacon, Darth Choco, S’mores, Cereal Milk, and more!

    Order here via DM

    Poison Coffee & Donuts

    Poison Coffee & Donuts is the shop to keep your eye on if you always like to try new flavors. They continue to bring unique and exciting flavors to their roster, perfect for adventurous palates. Some of their latest offerings include nostalgia-inducing flavors such as the Hawhaw Doughnut and Chocnut Doughnut.

    Order here
    Location: The Alley at Karrivin, Karrivin Plaza, Makati City

    PUFFT Doughnuts

    PUFFT Doughnuts offers the beloved treat with soft and fluffy dough plus a generous filling you can really dig into. Aside from their filled and frosted donuts that go the extra mile in their eye-catching toppings, they also have loaded donuts that are basically sweet sandwiches filled to the brim with fruits and other delectable flavors.

    Order here
    Locations: Power Plant Mall & Uptown Bonifacio (Thursdays to Sundays)

    Tim Horton’s

    Tim Horton’s has been serving donuts in Canada since the 1960s, and the brand finally reached our shores back in 2017, bringing with them their premium donuts that are just addicting to the sweet-toothed crowd. Some of their offerings include the Chocolate Dip, Maple Dip, Old-fashion Glazed, their bite-sized Timbits, and more.

    Locations

    ALSO READ
    GUIDE: Where to Order Luscious Cream Puffs in Metro Manila

    Stay in the loop and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

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    Homestream image from Poison Doughnuts and Numnut.

  • BAD Cafe in Makati is Your New Hangout Spot for an Intimate Cocktail Sesh

    Tucked within the bustling streets and towering buildings of Legazpi, Makati, BAD Cafe is a cool and quiet space serving comfort food and coffee for the Makati crowd’s collective cravings. Now, the cafe has expanded its menu adding a cool lineup of cocktails and offering a chill spot for anyone who wants a calm kick of alcohol as they relax and unwind after a busy week!

    After entering BAD Cafe’s doors, one can easily loosen up as they’re greeted by the cafe’s easy-on-the-eyes interior with Japanese wood accents and minimalist decor. The cafe’s atmosphere feels intimate yet is quite spacious at the same time, having a seating capacity of up to 40 customers.

    BAD Cafe 2
    BAD Cafe 3

    But what gives BAD Cafe a BAD name (literally) despite having such a good, cozy vibe, you ask? BAD actually stands for the names of its owners, Brian and Dianne, whose love story inspired the lovely cafe. The place, as well as their offerings, are an ode to the couple’s first meeting in a Tokyo cafe and the adventures they’ve spent together in Japan’s capital city.

    “BAD Cafe has always been about what we – Dianne and I – love, which are coffee, food, and now cocktails. We hope our regulars, and even first-timers fall in love with our new drinks and enjoy the experiences we want to share – in a glass, or maybe two,” shared Brian.

    A Good Time at BAD Cafe

    Like their food and coffee, BAD Cafe makes sure that their newly-added cocktails are concocted with quality ingredients. Not only that, the man behind their cocktails is Kenneth Bandivas of Spirits Library and Kampai, who is a winner of Diageo Worldclass’ Around the World Challenge Global Finals and was also recognized as Bartender of the Year.

    For every drink they serve, BAD Cafe aims to transport customers to the famed bars of Shinjuku Golden Gai. Here’s a roundup of their new drinks you can now enjoy any time of the day.

    If you lean towards the classics, you can order their Whiskey Sour (P350), Negroni (P350), Moscow Mule (P350), or Sazerac (P480). You can also opt for a refreshing glass of Gin Basil Smash (P350) or the cocktail combined with coffee goodness, Espresso Martini (P350).

    But if you really want to have the BAD Cafe experience, be sure to order their signature cocktails. The Open Book (P450) is a gin-based drink with the fresh and fruity flavor of elderflower; the Oto Kichi (P420) mixes vodka with the umami of matcha; the Not Suspicious (P450) is a bittersweet drink, mixing blended malt whiskey with apricot liqueur and chocolate bitters; while the Albatros Golden Gai (P330) is a spiced rum-based drink concocted with horchata and cinnamon.

    Last but definitely not the least, the Deathmatch in Hell (P420) combines the kick of spiced rum, the caffeine kick of coffee, the bittersweet flavor of Campari, and the taste of sweet vermouth.


    Visit BAD Cafe at Legazpi St, G/F Windsor Tower, Makati City, open from 8 AM to 9 PM. For more information, follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

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    Homestream images from BAD Cafe.

  • PICKUP COFFEE: Manila’s Newest Coffee Shop Offering Drinks Below P100

    Just when we thought we have enough coffee shops in Manila, PICKUP COFFEE comes into the picture. This newly founded start-up in the Philippines aims to make espresso and milk-based beverages more accessible by offering drinks from P50 to P100 only.

    They’ve always been a cloud kitchen since it started three months ago in locations like Rockwell, Julia Vargas, Alabang, Banawe, UP Town Center, Mall of Asia, Ayala Malls Vertis North, San Juan, and Nuvali. With nine kitchens already in operation, they’ve decided they wanted more. And with the goal of being closer to their customers, they finally opened their first branch in BGC, Uptown Bonifacio.

    PICKUP COFFEE

    To celebrate their first branch, on June 3 and 4, they have exclusive launch perks for customers. Ten lucky customers get a chance to win one year’s worth of coffee and all you have to do is sign up upon purchase! Other launch perks include free UPsize for drinks, and free drinks between 5 to 7pm.

    Must-try drinks at PICKUP COFFEE

    Drinks at PICKUP COFFEE may be affordable, but that doesn’t mean quality is compromised. They’ve developed value for money beverages that uses locally and internationally sourced beans Mt. Apo and Brazil, and use only top-of-the-line espresso machines to ensure quality and consistency.

    If you like it simple, there’s the Americano and Latte priced at P50 and P70, respectively. Their Kape Kastila (P75) is their version of a Spanish Latte, it has leche condensada, creamy milk, and a shot of espresso; and then there’s this unique Avo Latte (P85) which has a dollop of fresh avocado with creamy milk and espresso. For caffeine-free drinks, choose from the Matcha Latte, Golden Turmeric Latte, Chai Latte, or the Classic Chocolate, priced from P70 to P80.

    Other than making their drinks accessible, they have partnered with homegrown businesses like Claudia’s Cookies, Hola Empanadas, Butterboy, and Malia Home Bakery, all of which you can nibble on with their coffee.

    PICKUP COFFEE is at Uptown Bonifacio, 36th Street, 9th Avenue, Taguig. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for more details.