Book and Borders Cafe Opens at Eastwood City

Book and Borders Cafe in Eastwood City Opens Officially

I’ve always been a fan of cozy coffee shops such as Book and Borders Café. Imagine a place where you can have two of the things that excites you, books + awesome food and coffee? After having opened two branches of Book and Borders Café in Tomas Morato and Tuscany on McKinley Hill, they had recently opened their third and latest café in Eastwood City—giving residents from that area as well as BPO employees, students and shoppers a chance to experience what Book and Borders has to offer. 

Formally opened their doors to the public last November 26, 2016, Book & Borders Café promises great food, awesome drinks and a fun place where bookworms and booklovers will surely appreciate. Guests can spend hours and hours of reading while munching on sweets and patisseries or as they sip a warm cup of hot chocolate or Book & Borders’ signature blended coffee

Coffee are made with love!

With cute stuff that adorns the cafe, you wouldn't miss it!

Book and Borders Cafe Opens at Mckinley Hill, Bonifacio Global City

Sometimes, you just want to shut off the rest of the world, isolate yourself in a quiet nook and be alone for an intimate "me" time. If you're a bookworm like me, I'm sure there's nothing like a place where you could cuddle up a good read while sipping a warm cup of chocolate, infused tea or coffee in between. The good news is, there's such a place where you can enjoy life's simple pleasures called Book and Borders Cafe. A themed cafe where time stops amidst the aroma of brewed coffee wafting in the air. If you're a regular reader of my food blog, you must remember that I once wrote about the opening of their first branch in Tomas Morato, Quezon City. Now, people from Makati would be happy to know that Book and Borders opens a new branch in the upscale Tuscany, Mckinley Hill in Bonifacio Global City. 

Book and Borders Café in Tomas Morato Food Review: A nook where bookworms, foodies and coffee aficionados unite

I’m basically a bookworm. So finding a nice place such as Book and Borders Café in Tomas Morato where I could simply read lazily on a soft couch while sipping on a cup of warm Salted Hot Chocolate was truly something grand for me. Situated along the long stretch of varied establishments in Tomas Morato, Book and Borders Café easily stands out. It’s both charming and inviting, it’s also the latest themed café to open in Quezon City. It caters to customers who are into reading, coffee and good food. 

Coffee Empire Opens its First Branch in Quezon City: Marks the Rise of the 3rd Wave Coffee Concept in the Philippines

Coffee enthusiasts and aficionados have all the reasons to rejoice as the Coffee Empire launches its first cafe in the country. It introduces the third wave coffee concept and aspires to the highest form of culinary appreciation for coffee. "The preparation of this well-loved beverage has become an art. Every nifty little detail is specifically calculated--from the source of raw coffee beans, to the roasting process all the way to the final brew. With Coffee Empire, you can be assured to experience some of the finest coffee of the world alongside our very own grown coffee beans," shared Coffee Empire's General Manager Ernest Joggler R. Martin. 

Situated along the busy commercial district of West Avenue in Quezon City, the Coffee Empire (an 800 square meter property) offers a wide range of high-quality, hand-picked coffee beans roasted to perfection and served as its peak where excellent tastes, texture and aroma is achieved. Enjoy the very best and finest coffee from both local and international single origins such as Benguet Atok, Sagada, Guatemala Fancy Antigua Santo Domingo, Brazil Ceraddo SS-FC, Ethiopian Yirgacheffe OCR, and Columbia RFA Organic, among others. Aside from the selection of coffee beverages, the Coffee Empire also serves specialty drinks like wine, cocktails and craft beers. 

The Coffee Empire had this cozy ambiance that guests can look forward to. They also serve an array of mouthwatering dishes with modern comfort foods comprised of various salads, soups, finger foods, mains and desserts to satiate their customers. Multi-awarded Chef AC Agra refined the delectable dishes with Asian, Spanish and American influences while making use of French techniques with the aim to satisfy customers with a complete sensory experience. 

Going inside the Coffee Empire is an experience in itself. One can smell the aroma of freshly grounded, roasted and brewed coffee beans wafting in the air. The robust flavors of coffee with innovative and modern twist in their coffee drinks should not be missed. Grandiose dishes were presented with the Coffee Empire's delectable signature dishes. They gave diners a taste of flavors which started off with potato and ham croquettes and roasted chicken lollipops, pesto pasta, a selection of cheese and fruits, and some fresh greens to go with it. They also gave guests their Vanilla Nitrogen Cake--a first of its kind, where guests had fun as white smoke comes out of their mouth while eating them.

During the Coffee Empire grand opening, they held an art latte competition by skilled homegrown baristas perfecting the rosetta leaf. The lone winner from the said contest brought home a brand new iphone5  while other participants received consolation prizes as well. 

Overall, The Coffee Empire is a venue where one can enjoy all the wonders of coffee from here and around the world. It had all the great things to offer: great ambiance, wines, salads, finger foods, mains, desserts--anything that pleases even the most discriminating palate. 

Come and experience the difference. Visit the Coffee Empire at 74 West Avenue, West Triangle, Quezon City

Disclaimer: I am not compensated for this post. Opinions expressed are my own.

Harina Artisan Bakery Cafe-Katipunan Avenue's All-Day Breakfast Cafe

I remember my friend telling me, you can find anything on Katipunan Avenue. As it turns out, you can also find a cozy and homey artisanal bakery and cafe that sells awesome breads and cakes with an all-day breakfast meals! Zip into a swanky and jazzy bakery-slash-cafe, a welcome addition to the vibrant repertoire of new establishments sprouting across the metropolis.  Known for its old shop name Monsee's, Harina Artisan Bakery Cafe has a casual dining ambiance.  

Harina Artisan Bakery Cafe practices the traditional way of baking breads--meaning, they do not use shortcuts and other chemical additives. Each flavors and ingredients are fully developed. Thus, nothing less than premium ingredients are used. The breads are hand rolled and baked with love in small batches so you can be assured of its freshness and safety. In fact, there's an open baking area which allows customers to see how some of their products are being made. 

Harina Artisan Bakery Cafe boasts of a unique menu of an assortment of artisan breads such as breadsticks and Spanish breads which Monsee's is widely known for. They've assembled a menu of fresh and exciting items that appeals to urbanites who are usually on-the-go but still very healthy. They also have various Harina Artisan Bakery Cafe signature sandwiches like the Waldorf Salad Sandwich (flaky pastry with the Christmas colors of red and green apples, chicken and chopped walnut fillings) and their Breakfast Burrito Wrap (tortilla filed with breakfast sausage, hash browns, scrambled eggs and baked tomatoes served with ranch dressing), or better yet, try their yummy Chicken Caesar Sandwich--made from grilled Cajun chicken and lettuce in Caesar dressing topped with poached egg, bacon and parmesan cheese on baguette.

 Adobo aficionados will also be delighted to know that they have an Adobo Pulled Pork Sandwich--an honest-to-goodness pulled pork adobo with fried kesong puti, lettuce and tomato on baguette. If you want something with egg, there's Pork Adobo and Kesong Puti Omelet to satisfy your adobo cravings. For no frills sandwich, the Hot Ham and Cheese is your best bet. This one's made from flaky pastry filled with Canadian ham, Gruyere and pickles topped with a rich bechamel sauce. These all-day specialty sandwiches are served with french fries and a side salad. 

Those looking for something new should try Harina Artisan Bakery's unique Breakfast Tart (puff pastry filled with eggs, spinach, roasted tomatoes and bacon) or our personal favorite, Bloomin' Bread. Take your meals to the next level with the Bloomin' Bread (round Italian pull apart bread that's good for sharing) filled with basil puree and an assortment of melted cheese. It's truly an experience eating the Bloomin' Bread especially when you dip them in balsamic vinegar and extra-virgin olive oil. It reminds me of my Ukrainian boss Vlad's favorite snack. I've learned to love breads dipped in balsamic and olive oil because of him. I highly recommend the Bloomin' Bread to anyone who checks out Harina Artisan Bakery Cafe. 

To perk you up the entire day, Harina Artisan Bakery Cafe have different versions of French Toasts to choose from: a cheerful medley of Peanut butter, Banana and Chocolate French toast (wheat honey walnut French toast stuffed with creamy peanut butter, sliced bananas and chocolate spread) or the sweet Strawberry Cheesecake stuffed French toast (cheesecake-filled brioche topped with whipped cream and strawberry preserves).

For something a little more filling, Harina Artisan Bakery Cafe also offers Filipino breakfast staples such as Homemade Corned Beef with garlic fried rice, Lukban Longanisa meal with fried rice and Bangus Belly with salted eggs and tomatoes + fried rice. 

If you're looking for something with a little more to kick in, they also have the all-time favorite Eggs Benedict (Ciabatta topped with Gruyere, Canadian ham, poached egg and hollandaise sauce), and Biscuit and Gravy (fried chicken fillet, bacon, baked tomatoes and biscuit topped with a special gravy), and lastly,Vegetable and Cheese omelet is also available. 

Of course, when it comes to breakfast, the classic fluffy pancakes topped with whipped butter and syrup should never be left behind. Nutritious and healthy choices are also made available via the Muesli with Fruit selection. Those with sweet tooth would also be happy to note that Harina Artisan Bakery Cafe have an assortment of cakes on display to cap off their meals. 

For beverages, they feature an assortment of hot and cold drinks: Cafe Americano, Cafe Latte, Cafe Mocha, Cappuccino, Hot Tea (choice of chamomile, earl grey, English breakfast, peppermint (my personal choice!) or lemon ginger), hot chocolate, Harina Artisan Bakery Cafe's signature Iced Tea, red iced tea, frozen hot chocolate and apple pie smoothie. 

Take yourself on a comfy breakfast at Harina Artisan Bakery Cafe, and enjoy their delicious menu offerings and awesome selection of breads and pastries. Be it for lunch, merienda (snack), dinner, or for a late night cap, make Harina Artisan Bakery Cafe your destination of choice. 

Harina Artisan Bakery Cafe by Monsees Artisan Food Commissary is located at 118 Katipunan Avenue Extension, Brgy. White Plains, Quezon City

Store Hours: 6AM to 9PM from Mondays to Sundays

Call (+632) 3526721

For more info, log on to www.harina.ph

Disclaimer: I am not compensated for this post. Opinions and impressions expressed are my own. 

Explorer's Lounge: Coffee + Book Lovers and Traveler's Nook Serving French And German Food

 If you've come across the Podium Mall, you've probably seen Explorer's Lounge. It's a mini cafe in the middle of the mall serving not just coffee but comfort French and German food, even desserts. So what makes Explorer's Lounge different from your usual coffee shops? Well, for starters, they are also some sort of a library and bookshop. Yes, you can find a wide array of travel books as well as cook books and maps to help you navigate your perfect travel getaways and destinations, thus making your trip more worthwhile. Oh, and you won't find Dora The Explorer here because it is YOU who will explore the lounge.

For bookworms, you may opt to read the books while you're there and better yet, purchase the book straight from the coffee shop. There's also a free wifi access to keep you connected from your friends and lovedones overseas. And most importantly, you can enjoy their food--a taste of what comfort German and French food has to offer.

There's Rosti or Roschti by Swiss-Germany is a traditional Swiss dish made from potatoes. From a staple breakfast (served all-day from Explorers Lounge), it has evolved into a popular side dish served with meals, sausages or vegetables. Still, one of the traditional ways to serve it for breakfast is to top it with fried egg. It remains a favorite of diners, and is more often than not served with a bagel pretzel.

Roschti is made with rougly grated potatoes, it is fried in lard cooking oil or buttered mixture. It is simply seasoned with a dash of salt and pepper. At Explorers Lounge, it is served with a Shueblig, a traditional sausage from german speaking part of Switzerland. Shueblig sausages are available at delicatessen shops, but apart from it, other available sausages from Explorers Lounge would be veal bratwurst and cervelat.

So if you love books, you're a wifi hoarder and you love coffee and traveling as well, head off to The Podium Mall--and find Explorers Lounge located at the third floor. You might want to try their food and specialty drinks as well. And who knows, it might lead you to another travel destination you've been dreaming to explore.

Disclaimer: I am not compensated for this post. Opinions expressed are 100% my own.