DARK ROAST COFFEE HOUSE Opens Inaugural Branch in Maginhawa QC

There's always a reason to go to a coffee shop in Quezon City, and there's a new one that opened in Maginhawa Street. It's called DARK ROAST COFFEE HOUSE and we got first dibs on what they're offering.

This coffee shop is a passion project amongst friends. All of them were into into diving initially, but their bond was forged by their love for the dark roasted brew. Knowing their tastes, they want it different but couldn't get what they want from big coffee shops they frequent to. They want strong bold flavors, but less acidic. Hence, the dark roasted coffee beans. This is where they got their name from.

We got there during their soft opening (still is so you can already go there). The place is pretty homey. It's got bits of wood and metal, signifying a more industrial interior. They also have a loft where they have a couch, and two tables which I love. It's a perfect spot for people watching and a little privacy (for you).

Jianne, one of the owners shares "This is the first branch, but by the end of this year we want to open up a second one. Our near future plans include partnering up with resorts, or function as a commissary. We studied foot traffic in different places and Maginhawa was just something we loved. We're just lucky coffee shops here have lower rent, reasonable prices (which makes their products affordable) and we felt the universe was just telling us to do it here."

Meet Eli, Krista, Jianne and John, owners of DARK ROAST COFFEE HOUSE

Jianne adds "Dark Roast Coffee House is built on passion and love. We want to serve coffee without compromising quality. We are on soft opening today but will have our grand opening on the 13th. We hope you could visit us and have Dark Roast Coffee."

Spanish Latte and Strawberry Latte

They have a few items on their menu, but their top recommendations include Salted Caramel and Spanish Latte. They also have Creme Brulee which the owners stand by. For non coffee drinks, they have Matcha Latte and Strawberry Latte. 

They have pastries, breads, cakes, crinkles, cupcakes and others. They also have sandwiches, customized cakes (but ask). 

Krista who's in charge of the baked goodies told us "Red Velvet Cupcakes were already served in coffee shops, a lot of people love it. We want to do a variety, so we simply brought it back and made it part of the food served at Dark Roast. We also have breads, Beef and Cheese Turnover, Korean Cream Cheese Buns, Almond Croissant (topped), but made sure we toned down on sugar, and have a balance of savory and sweet products. We converted part of our house into a commissary, so we hope you get to try them all when you visit Dark Roast Coffee House in Maginhawa."

Here's a short tour! 

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Dark roasted coffee gives a deep and more robust flavor profile. It's got a bold, smoky notes. They also source their coffee locally from Baguio which was quite nice to know. If you're looking for a coffee fix while you're in this side of Quezon City, just head on the Ground Floor of TKC Building at 107 Maginhawa Street at Teachers Village in Quezon City (or simply search Dark Roast Coffee House on Google Maps).

It's this building here! Just walk inside a bit and you'll see it! (see red arrow)

Make sure you try the Peach Fizz on a hot day and my personal favorite, the Beef Turnover. Just have it toasted and it's a done deal! 

See you there!

HOPE in times of Crisis

Ever wondered why the Maginhawa Community Pantry has been so successful? It's because they do something that makes sense, don't cheat the farmers, and a lot of good, kind hearted people that choose to help each other in times of need. Although there are thousands of them lining up to fill up their pantries, the help didn't really run out and even the local government noticed, a really good thing.

That little brouhaha over red tagging (by some people that this pantry wanted to also help) was definitely an issue, but hopefully it's been cleared. I wish the support QC is giving the organizer (over security) is enough so that they could still help more people who need it. The good deed has also spread like wildfire in other parts of the country, and I'm so happy that happened. We need to still have HOPE that in some way, we all would get through this no matter how impossible it may look like today.

I've seen some private entities are also lending a hand. Like Pizza Hut who sent 10 whole sacks of rice to the Maginhawa Community Pantry, that's going to benefit a lot of people especially since Filipinos consider this as staple. I hope other organizations, corporations do the same. Aside from that, I hope those who line up only get what they need so that others would benefit from it too. (Although I don't know if this is from the corp or their employees, it still is important to help when you can.)

We can't lose hope even if we feel so burdened these days. There are good Samaritans out there that would still love to do it. We need to look for the opportunity to help in times of crisis, look for organizations that do and share what you can. 

We can.

Food Panda Maginhawa Food Crawl: Moonleaf Tea Shop

It must have been months since I've tasted a brew or two from Moonleaf Tea Shop. It was offered on a small kiosk in Eastwood City when I was still in the corporate world. I got addicted to the Wintermelon flavor and got so hooked with the pearls and pudding add ons that I even trade it for dinner because I got full from it. During the Food Panda Maginhawa Food Crawl, we went to the Maginhawa Branch of Moonleaf Tea Shop which consequently is the brands first store. This was where it all started, and they're proud to say that this is one of 10 company owned stores which is an all Filipino brand. 

It was the holidays so they came out with pretty cool new flavors just for Christmas and New Year. I got to taste Maple Milktea, Maple Yogurt Milktea, and Chocolate Peppermint. I loved it all! This is probably the reason why they have been able to vigorously expand these past few years because as owner Adrian Adriano (who was 24 back then) envisioned, it has encompassed just being an all Filipino brand that could compete locally, as it now has made itself available internationally. It's their second year of franchising internationally so don't be surprised if you'll see this in the middle east, around Asia or perhaps soon in North America. By the way, they are also working with communities by consigning products made by Moms in the area (cupcakes, cookies, baked products). They're doing that in other stores too. Now there's authentic milk tea, a good place to hang out (because they do entertain small meetings, workshops etc.) and a great venue to just chill with friends and family because their drinks bring people closer together... to talk and meet new people too. 

Thank you to everyone who joined us during the Food Panda Maginhawa Food Crawl. Thank you also to Moonleaf Tea Shop for accommodating us for our last stop. If you want to know more about their products, please don't hesitate to visit http://moonleafteashop.com or just visit them at their Maginhawa branch. It's one of the coziest places I've ever been to have tea, so it's your turn!

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