The great thing about San Juan is the proximity to different cities like Manila, Quezon City, Mandaluyong and Pasig. Manila is also beside the edge of Makati specifically the Chino Roces Side. When I found out that a several coffee shops will be opening there I was thrilled! 

The first of the two is Restock Curiosities which is from the geniuses of Magnum Opus and several partners. The second one, is Habitual Coffee which I will be writing about soon! 

Restock can be found along Guijo street that intersects Kamagong. It is right across from the famous 12/10 restaurant. 

The Ambiance

As you walk along Guijo, you will see a building painted in dark blue with some plants infront of a huge window with the sign 'RESTOCK.' The entrance is a pair of thick wooden doors with small windows and thick pipe handlebars. 

Once inside you will be greeted by a collection of art in many forms. Furniture, knick knacks, paintings, drawings, craft bags and the like which mostly are made in the Philippines. Yes, feel good for patriotism!

The feeling of creativity exudes from every corner which truly gives you a wonderful relaxed feeling. If you need to work but need to think of Ideas, Restock is one of those place you should go to. 

Warm and inviting!

From the door, to your left is the bar. It isn't the most complex and expanded bar you will find but that the magic that happens here is just as amazing as any long bar you'll find around.

What I love about this place is that you are free to walk around and check what items that have been curated by the partners. They are priced reasonably well and I will bet you that you will find something you like.

The Coffee-Tonic is a great unique way to have your Coffee!

The Coffee, The Beverages and The Service

The bean blend they use are sourced from the finest sources that is delivered fresh every week. I encourage you to taste each one and find what you like! When you do find the blend that you love, the hard part comes next because would you take your coffee the classic way or a creative way?

That is the appeal to the beverages of Restock. There are the usual latte, espresso, mocha and etc., but there are also the bipolar, the flight and the coffee tonic.

The Malagos Mocha of Restock!

I personally love the Coffee-Tonic and the Malagos Chocolate Mocha because of the unique characteristics of the tonic and Malagos that perfectly blend with the beans! 

The Coffee-Tonic was interesting because the contrasting flavors of the beans and the earthy ingredients of the Tonic blend so well but are really distinct to the characteristics of the beans.

The Bipolar! Have your Coffee two ways!

They also offer Pizzadillas which is an interesting partner to the coffee when you're hungry or when you're with your friends.

They offer products from the Lost Nomad, Magnetic Poetry, Where to Next post cards, Satchmi Vinyls and a lot more. I encourage you to visit and see for yourself.

The staff are open and kind. They willingly, and happily assist you whether it be about the beverages or the curated merchandise. In fact at one point I just decided to come up and talk to them about random topics and the story of how the place came to be. It was a nice little change of pace!

The Facade! Restock Curiosities

 The Price

The coffee starts at Php 100 and can go up to Php 300+ for the flight! The Bags, Postcards and the rest of the curated merchandise vary depending on the item. It is best to come over and try and feel them for yourself.

Do you want to Contact 'Restock'

Address: 7635 Guijo St, San Antonio Village, Makati City, Philippines
Telephone number: (+63) 917-663-1011

Instagram: @restock

 Operating Hours: Mon-Sun: 12NN to 10PM

Before one becomes the master, one must first be the student. Shortly after I became eighteen while I was earning my college degree, I was getting burned out for studying anything related to it. I set out to make the most of my spare time by delving into other studies and curiosities. I have always been curious and earnest in learning new and different things. Most of the time I would find something interesting but find that it wasn't for me. It was fun but nothing compares to finding something that you are passionate for.

Learning about specialty coffee was one of those things, and at first I hated the idea of spending at least Php 150.00 for a cup of coffee from Starbucks. My resolve mellowed down after a couple of years where I started to like it but then grew sick of it because of sugar fatigue. I then tried the CBTL but it ended up the same way. 

Black Painted Steel and Varnished Wood evoke a modern version of a Log Cabin

A couple of months later I met a business consultant that predicted that the third wave coffee businesses will be the next big thing. It was then did my curiosity piqued because I recalled that when I was in Seoul Korea for some time and one of the things that left a huge mark was that there were coffee shops on almost every block that I went to. 

Months passed and I saw the business consultant's prediction come to fruition. Multiple establishments that are, and that promote coffee businesses have appeared. All of them are here to stay.

Wooden Animal Silhouettes and Animal horn trophies add to the Log cabin feel

It was then that I saw Department of Coffee's signage along Wilson St. whenever I went home coming from Greenhills Shopping Center. It was here that I got to taste my first specialty coffee. It also helped that the owner was there to teach and explain to me that coffee was far more complex than I had thought. He said that each origin has a unique flavors which I had to know to find the beans that would suit my tastes. At the time I only knew that I didn't like strong fruity flavors and high acidity. He recommended the beans from brazi; hence, my very first specialty coffee was a mocha Brazilian latte.  Sadly at the time they were moving to Tomas Morato which is a little far from my usual hangout spots.

Intermission!

The cool people of DOC has been kind enough to open the opportunity to make a simple how-to video of coffee you can brew at home. We made two using the more home-friendly methods of brewing with a french press and with the manual pour over method. You can check them out on these links: French Press and Pour Over.

They have a second floor for groups who prefer privacy!

The Ambiance

DOC's aesthetics is a wonderful combination of rustic and modern. The use of black painted steel and the thick varnished hard wood with accents that you would find in a log cabin. It strikes a balance between homey and productivity. Although at times it feels like I'm in the woods.

When you step inside you will see the wonderful counter with the huge La Marzocco Strada. It is an awe inspiring piece of machinery if you've ever seen one. The kitchen is behind the counter with a huge glass panel that lets you peak inside.

Right beside the counter is their huge coffee bean roasting machine. Behind it are wooden cut outs of animal silhouettes that serve contrast to the grey walls.

A conference room for a more intimate affair

The Coffee, The Food and The Service

They serve beans from international sources like Brazil and Ethiopia and from local sources like Benguet. It just so happened that my latest cup is a Benguet Cappuccino.

Less than ten minutes after we coordinated our order with their lovely waitress, Karen, the cups came and immediately you get a whiff of intoxicating aroma of the coffee. It was lovely and evoked a "I want to get to work" state in me.

As I take my first sip, I notice right away the smooth transition from the initial distinct coffee bitterness to the sweetness of the beans and then to milk seemingly taming the fruity flavor of the beans.

When I started drinking speciality coffee, I really hated the fruity taste. I would praise the baristas who are able to tame that flavor and bring out the others to make a balanced beverage. After a while, I began to realize that I am warming up to it. I still don't like it but I feel that it is a inevitable part of the coffee experience. I owe my first foray into this world because of the passionate owner of Department of Coffee and I highly suggest you try as much beans as you can until you find that one bean you can bring home to your mother to.

The Price

Their coffee starts at Php 80.00 and max out at Php 120.00. They also serve home made ice cream for Php 30.00 per scoop,coffee partners like cookies, and breakfast dishes like eggs Benedict.

The Verdict

Overall Verdict: A

Beverage Quality: A

Service Quality: A

Bang for your Buck: A+

Do you want to Contact 'Department of Coffee'

Address: 87A Don Roces Ave, Kamuning, Quezon City
Telephone number: (02) 374-6194

Instagram: @departmentofcoffee

 Operating Hours: Mon-Sun: 7AM to 11PM

After having my first specialty coffee at Department of Coffee, I felt that I could never come back but unfortunately DOC had to move so I had to find another Third-wave coffee establishment located nearby.

In my search, I found several establishments within a couple of miles of DOC. One of which is EPIC Coffee at Kapitolyo, Pasig. One would think that after 2011, the word epic would lose its efficacy because of over use. So I aim to answer whether this place lives up to its name.

EPIC sits on the ground floor of a building along East Capitol Drive with two big round signages that you can not miss. Parking like in most establishments in Kapitolyo is very hard to come by so remember that patience is a virtue. Usually the security guard will let assist you with this should you have difficulty. 

It feels like you've stepped into a cozy log cabin.

The Ambiance

From the outside is a slender facade that may give an impression of a tight space, but you'll be surprised at how long the space is. Once inside, you feel like you've stepped inside a cozy log cabin of a bicycle enthusiast that has been remodelled with modern touches.

As I took my seat, I felt the warmth of this place, and it made me feel like I was coming home. Thoughts on how my parents are flood my mind with the last thing being 'I should get some work done and give them a call.'

A long counter with all their utensils and their offerings on display.

The counter is long with most of their utensils and offerings on display. The different beans and different teas are on on top for you to take your pick. They also display the different cakes they offer and you'd better be careful because all of them can break your diets.

The Toasted Marshmallow Flavoured Latte

The Coffee

They offer beans from the usual bean sourced countries with the EPIC bean blend their home blend. What is unique to EPIC is their take on the Sea Salt Caramel, Toasted Marshmallow, Affogato and Frappes.

The sea salt caramel is straight forward. I wasn't really a big fan of the hype it had but when I had it with their Coffee it was way beyond my expectation. The sea salt perfectly clashed with the sweetness of the caramel, and the bitterness of the coffee. The flavors then danced in unison as they balance each other out in your mouth, but the flavors never dissolves the other. You taste all of them distinctively, and together. It is fine hot, cold or frappe. Pick your poison.

The toasted marshmallow is a little different. Toasting the marshmallow brings its sweetness out, and on its own it would overload your tastebuds. It did serve as the perfect contrast to the flavours of the beans from the coffee. I found it a good alternative to caramel when you want to have that hint of fluffiness from the marshmallow.

On the other hand, their affogato is different. It is a scoop of Ice cream served with a shot of espresso which they serve separately. You will notice that when you pour the espresso that it can't hold the scoop of ice cream and the whole pitcher of espresso which adds a different dynamic to the usual affogato where they are served together. By doing this, they let you add more coffee as you eat the ice cream bit by bit. It is also mesmerising to see the hot coffee collide with the cold ice cream. The way the ice cream melts so gracefully is quite appetising.

Enjoying the affogato is a balancing act. It exists as both liquid and solid. Drinking too much of the coffee will make it taste more like the ice cream. Eating too much ice cream will lead to a sweetened coffee mixture. The latter is less likely to occur since there is mire ice cream than coffee.
Overall the affogato is a sweet treat where it is more dessert than beverage, and more indulgent than energising.

The Service and the Price

The Baristas are kind, and are open to your requests. They welcome you warmly as you come in and patiently take your order and questions. 

Coffee prices starts  Php 80.00 with an espresso and can get up to Php 260.00 for the COLD Affogato. (the hot affogato is Php 160.00) while the cakes start at Php 125.00. They also serve sandwiches like turkey ham, smoked salmon and vegan sandwiches that start at Php 130.00. Prices are reasonable and well worth your time and taste buds. I just find the premium offerings to be a little pricey. I hope to see you there.

The Verdict

Overall Verdict: A-

Beverage Quality: A

Service Quality: A

Bang for your Buck: A-

Do you want to Contact 'Epic Coffee'

Address: 102 East Capitol Drive, Kapitolyo, Pasig, Metro Manila, Philippines
Telephone number: (+63) 916-355-4129
Facebook: www.facebook.com/epiccafeofficial
Instagram: @epiccafeofficial
 Operating Hours: 8AM to 10PM

I have heard of a coffee shop that serves #YKW coffee beans that is hidden at the heart of Legazpi Village right across the Park, but you won't find it if you weren't looking for it. Like any other day it was time to satisfy my curiosity so I set out to find this hidden coffee oasis.

Once you see the Cyrano Wine Shop along Legazpi you may find yourself a little confused because the wine shop itself isn't too big yet you will find the standard sauvignons and merlots on the shelves, but soon after you will notice a normal sized bright brown wooden door at the edge of the room which appeals to your curiosity and pulls you in and as you open it, you will find yourself into the Curator!

The wood from the upholstery and the bar and the artworks are sourced locally sourced

The Ambiance

The Cyrano wine shop's aesthetics is your typical store with huge windows and with huge shelves to accommodate their wide selection of wines, but once you see the Curator you will be surprised by the total departure from that design language where there are a lot of textured concrete with accents of steel pipes, steel switches and wooden upholstery. It is a modern take on concrete rustic look which amazingly is classier than the sum of its parts.

The wood from the upholstery the bar and the framed artworks and the art themselves are sourced locally which is a reaffirmation that Filipinos are capable of world class craftsmanship that leaves you smiling whenever you sit down and relax at this place

 

The Coffee, The Cocktails and The Service

Similar to Satchmi, they get their beams from #YKW, so EDSA Beverage Design Group staples like the Winds of Winter, Ethiopia Yirga Cheffe and the Panama Carmen Estate are present which in my book is already a winner. All that's left is whether their machine and their baristas are up to par.

As I've had my Ethiopia from EDSA once before I already had my expectations set; however, I was surprised that the signature fruity flavor at the end which I am not a big fan of wasn't as strong as I remembered. I liked it and with that two-thirds of the equation is set!

I then asked the kind baristas as to how this was so. Apparently, It is still up to how the barista who calibrates and who prepares  the ingredients. I promptly asked for the barista who calibrated and praised him.

This wasn't the first time that I had a lot of questions and Giann, Sonny and Ivan were all very kind to accommodate my curiosities and observations with regards to the beverages and the coffee. Their passion for their craft really shines as they patiently listened and answered my queries with out fail. It came to the point that they let me inside the bar and let me try making my own espresso.

It immediately catches your eye because of its copper color and Steam Punk Aesthetics!

Their machine is the Italian made Victoria Arduino which immediately catches your eye because of its copper color and steam punk aesthetics. It was wonderful to take her for a spin even though it was just pulling the huge lever that made a clicking sound to tell you it's done.

As for the cocktails I was only able to try their latest creation, the Shako-WHAT-o which at the time was only three days old. It was an amazing creation that was made from different ingredients and their home made cold brew which the only draw back was the fact that I couldn't sleep that night which could be a huge appeal for some people.

The Chakawhato is made with several ingredients along with their home made cold brew!

I am already finding reasons to come back so I can try the following: the Catcher, the Miss Gardner and the Rye 'n Gosling. I hope to come by again real soon.

The Price

Their coffee starts at Php 120.00 while their juices and cocktails start at Php 250.00 and can max out at Php 800.00 per drink. They also serve a variety of coffee partners like Beef tapa Brioche, and the Doughdealer Cookies that start at Php 90.00 where it can max out at Php 450.00 like the chiken Pastel.

A showcase of their Barista's Skill at Latte Art!

The Verdict

Overall Verdict: A

Beverage Quality: A

Service Quality: A

Bang for your Buck: A

Do you want to Contact 'The Curator Coffee and Cocktails'

Address: 194 Legazpi St. cor. C. Palanca St., Legazpi Village, Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines
Telephone number: (+63) 916-355-4129
Website: www.thecurator.com.ph
Instagram: @thecurator_
 Operating Hours: Mon-Thurs: 7AM to 2AM; Fri-Sat: 7AM to 3AM; Sun: 7AM to 6PM