LAGUNA – On Purple Wings

Southbound Cafe

“It’s not just about seeing beautiful places, it’s about seeing the beauty in every place…”

I have been blogging about Interiors lately. And this blog I must say is more about Interiors more than their food offerings.

We spotted this new cafe in our home town, in San Pedro City, Laguna. You will find it on your right if you’re coming from Manila. Upon reaching the city it is just across the huge sculpture of the rooster. The landmark of my hometown. Which I think is a very strategic location indeed.

The car plates are kinda masculine for me.

I love it when there are paintings on the wall. =)

The ropes, gave the entrance a rustic feel.

So it is a fusion of rustic and industrial and a dab of little quirkiness. I think I have loaded my mobile phone with more than 50 photos in all angles, the place has a charm of entertaining you in an amazing way and now I had this dilemma of choosing what photos to include here. Whew!

So, please take a look.

I think this coffee mural is the focal point of the place.

Be that as it may, not until upon looking upwards, I saw this striking chandelier.

I thought this shade of orange might be too bright for a place, though they were able to balance it with a teal. =)

If you want it quieter, there is an enclosed area, providing you privacy.

There is actually a certain masculine feel on it. Due to the different symbols of cars: mags, plates, wheels, car logos, depicting the owners’ “could be” hobby.

Did I miss Toyota? I think this one will do and he will really love this! =)

So let’s check their food. =)

Aww, look at those Chefs! =) And that Sto. Nino…=)

Allegro is the exclusive distributor of the finest espresso machines, brewers, coffee beans, syrups, sauces and teas from Italy, Switzerland, France, Germany, Spain, Sweden, Ceylon, the Netherlands, and the United States. Our products cater to hotels, casinos, culinary and educational institutions, restaurants, cafes, and franchise chains.

It is the result of someone’s passion with coffee and brought with him over 30 years of entrepreneurial and financial experience managing 7 Italian Cafes and a coffee equipment wholesale distribution company in Dallas and Houston, Texas, USA.

Info source: http://www.allegrobeverage.com

Honestly, I loved their coffee. =) Nothing spectacular with our pasta, though it met our expectations, and the nachos is okay, however, I rather see fresh tomatoes than ketchup like a real salsa. =(

You need not worry if the cake you choose will fill the bill. As they’re carrying a popular branded one. That famous maker of “Mango bravo” which is Conti’s.

So I instantly know what to get. =) The Choco overload cake. =)

I can’t ignore the fact that they’ve chosen a good color scheme. ❤

This fab bouquet administered a soft and feminine feel when masculinity is found everywhere. Nice move. =)

Nowadays, the loos are no longer left-out. Like there’s a match as to where is the prettiest loo. =)

I love the pebbles on the wall and that modern spatial lamp.

So I am agreeing to this quote. =)

There are other tempting dishes from their menu. So, definitely, we will be back. =) As for the Interiors. All the elements were finely doled-out in all corners. =) Good job!

Their address is at #87 Mabini street, San Antonio, San Pedro City, Laguna, Philippines.

August 11, 2019August 11, 2019

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Chef RV’s passion in the kitchen – Chef RV Manabat Cafe & Resto in Binan City, Laguna

I’ve always been a sweet tooth. My craving for sweets is unbelievable. Something I acquired from my mom who wraps up her meals by having desserts or something sweet. Good thing about her is she is okay with fruits. The bad thing with me is I’m not so much fond of fruits, so I ended up with cakes, ice cream and other sweets. No worries, I’m a work in progress. I quit on drinking soft drinks three years ago. Please acknowledge me for that effort. =)

One scorching afternoon, my cravings plus the weather led our feet (Jen and I) to Binan, City. To try Chef RV’s version of halo-halo.

The place exceeded my expectations, I have seen their Instagram account and there are not much photos of the place. So seeing it in my own eyes, is quite amazing.

The interiors are well thought of, so comfy, well lighted and organized. Mind you it is only then I’ve witnessed such a huge showcase of collection of something that’s surely close to the owner’s heart. I could just imagine how many elephants does he keep at home?

Honestly, each time I saw one, I remember him. I am a collector too, however, I am not into collecting just one, and I was asking Jen if I’m going to do it, what would it be among my many collections? =)

So, enough of me, let’s go to the place virtually. And see the awesome collection in different forms and kinds. =)

Here’s the facade of the restaurant. You will be welcomed by their logo with an elephant. And a trellis with lots of elephants hanging as decorative charms.

Upon going inside, there’s a wooden elephant too.

On that glass door are elephants too. =)

While checking the cakes on the chiller, there are elephants too.

I’ll just try them soon, I can’t eat them with halo-halo altogether.

Whoa there’s another one in front of me!

So here’s our halo-halo. We paired it with a moist and warm bibingka (a famous cake in the Philippines which is made of rice.).

Loved that “sossy” pitcher! =) Pitchers I used to see only in hotels! =)

You will be glad to know of the many choices you can bring home.

It was such a delight to discover a nice place somewhere near. And to discover that they have lots to offer on top of the famous halo-halo. =) Till next time! =)

Having tasted different version of this very famous Filipino dessert, I might come up with my top 5 soon. =)

Chef RV’s Cafe & Restaurant is located at 172 Manabat Street,San Antonio, Laguna. They have schedules for cooking and baking class too. =)

PS – Being here, brought me back down sweet memory lane as I had my grade school years in Binan, Laguna. #ohhappyday

August 9, 2019August 9, 2019

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Upperdeck Bar & Restaurant

Upperdeck Bar & Restaurant #boozfoodfungames

There is virtue in work, there is virtue in rest. Use both and overlook neither. ~Alan Cohen~

If you’re the type looking for so much more than food and drinks and chilling down south? Upperdeck bar and restaurant has more. They have pool, billiard hall, tattoo sessions and they have live acoustic and open mic jam. There’s ladies night, pay per views, name it.

There’s no denying that Upperdeck is a place where I can bring my friends not because the Owners are my friends but because the place is literally noteworthy. =)

A sweet couple so busy, still made time to see me. =)

So, one night, Jen and I went to the place and these are what we truly enjoyed. Most of their “Best sellers”!

One of the best iced teas I’ve ever tried! =)

To check on their complete menu, please click this link: https://www.facebook.com/upperdecksanpedro/

It’s interiors by the way is not the soft type, and not too stiff at the same time. It has some quirky side and what’s eminent is its’ masculine side. Giving you hints that the prime movers of this cool place are actually four gentlemen. =)

Those are liquor bottles cut in half, so creative! =)

Over-all look and “feel” is just perfect for their offerings. =)

The whole idea just popped out during one of their usual time together and as determined as these four are, it came to life. Serving thousands who’d always leave pleased and are already planning as to when they’re going to go back. Just like Jen and I did. =)

So when you’re heading down south, wanting just to chill, unwind and enjoy the night, treat yourself by visiting Upperdeck!=)

Photo credits: https://www.facebook.com/upperdecksanpedro/

By the way, this is one of my favorites. Surely, everyone will pass the requirements right? Easy! =)

Address: Block 15 A-1, Lot 2, Main Road , Rosario Drive, Rosario Complex (2nd & 3rd Floor of Spin Off Express Laundry)
San Pedro, Laguna 4024
Contact number: (02) 817 5262
Opening hours: 10:00am to 2:00am

February 17, 2019

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Bricx Cafe & Bistro Bar

Bricx Cafe & Bistro Bar

“True friends are families you can select.”~Audrey Hepburn

Sometimes, I had this realization that I do not need to go as far to find some beautiful places to dine. Sometimes, it’s just a stone throw away from where I am located.

Jen and I recently discovered (accidentally) a cool place to dine and unwind: Bricx Cafe & Bistro Bar located in Pacita Complex, San Pedro, Laguna.

It is inviting due to the rustic interiors which you can perceive from the outside because of their glass facade.

brx 4 — What’s important nowadays to most people is that they have WIFI! =)

And this “attention-grabber” signage.

signange — https://www.facebook.com/pg/bricxcafe/about/?ref=page_internal

I even interviewed the attendant as to when did they open and why the news didn’t reach me. ahaha!

Out of excitement, you will notice that the combination of our orders are a bit weird as they didn’t complement one another. It’s like I wanted to try everything in their menu.

I got a burger, Jen got nachos and we craved for shrimps too.

It is recommendable if you happen to be nearby, the ambience feels expensive, yet, the menu list is affordable. And taste might not be “to die for” though it can meet expectations. The attendants are very accommodating too. They were trained to focus on up-selling too. =)

And there’s a spot which you can consider Instagrammable! =)

It is located at Pacita Avenue, Pacita Complex 1, San Pedro, Laguna. For reservations, you can call them too: (02) 838-4659.

January 13, 2019February 15, 2019

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Luna Cafe…

Luna Cafe…

“Coffee and friends, make the perfect blend.”

On my way to work, I spotted this newly-opened coffee shop in our hometown. Luna Cafe. It looks cozy from the outside, and I saw some splashes of the color pink inside. I instantly wanted to pay visit and check their menu so I scheduled it immediately over the next weekend.

I have been on the look-out for a coffee shop ala “Starbucks” that’s just near my place, like a rendezvous. I think this one’s the nearest so far. I have a leaning with “Picked” but it is 2 rides away from where I lived. And Starbucks is an hour drive from home.

Luna Cafe happens to be sitting beside another coffee shop. I just wondered why the owner of the place allowed tenants in similar businesses, it should be offer a variety as they will both benefit from it, looking at it, the other coffee shop looked gloomy, there was no guests at that time. While there are 2 tables occupied at Luna cafe.

Their interiors is the typical shabby looking, modern take of whats’ eclectic since they combined industrial chairs with girly and chic pieces, there are even flowers mounted on their walls that are made of papers. It actually added charm to the place or could be, because I just love the color pink.

My instant favorite is this wall. It inspired me to mount photos of those personalities that somehow inspired me and impacted my mindset, the likes of Mother Theresa, Frida Kahlo, or maybe even a photo of Madonna along my own portrait. Ahaha

Jen got quesadillas, as always, it has become her favorite. I tried the chipotle, because It reminds me of someone very special looking for chipotle when he visited the Philippines a few months ago.

We also wanted to try the mozarella logs, which also reminded us of the mozarella logs from Spatzle. I think I want to go back.

One of Cafe Luna’s best sellers are their artisanal coffees, intricately prepared in an artistic way, good to look at but you will always wonder if you’re going to eat all those decors since they are edible. Or should I leak the dripping chocolates on the sides of the mug.

I had avocado and Jen had their best seller specialty coffee: Cadbury Nutella.

The serving time was a bit longer than usual, so I again questioned what if it’s peak time. Jen asked me to not complaint and told her I will complaint, I am just sharing my views just with her. Or maybe they should have this standard spiel of informing their guests prep time of each item that we ordered.

Anyway, I just took photos of each corner to kill time, I even went out and took this pretty windchime, a hot air balloon, which is made of glass. It’s sound is so pacifying as soft wind came in that late Saturday night.

Their line-up isn’t pricey and I think is worthy for another visit when boredom at home hits me or should I need a little change in my environment. Anyway, it’s just 15 minutes away from home.