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!

Mang Inasal Take-out and Delivery Valentine Blowout Starts February 5

I've been buying the Mang Inasal promo with the Palabok a couple months back and this time, they're doing the same this Valentines Day. This time though, it's going to be a really good deal for protein lovers.

If you love their chicken that much, go purchase four 1 piece of Chicken Inasal Large and you'll get an additional one for FREE. Yes, you're seeing that right... which means there's more chicken inasal for everyone in the family or for yourself! This costs Php 355, but is limited to three orders okay?

You don't even to be physically in the Mang Inasal stores because this is also available on Grab Food or Food Panda. Now go get your wallet and treat your family some good Chicken Inasal, you deserve a treat even in the pandemic! Promo will last until February 19th, more chicken oil on your dates is good LOL!

 

Everyday Christmas at Lydia's Lechon

It's not a complete feast in a Filipino party without Lydia's Lechon!

We all celebrate the wonderful experiences we have with family and friends on the dinner table because food keeps us together, it's a way to bond for us Filipinos. Even if we have visitors from here and abroad, when we see we're the only one eating, we ask others "Tara Kain" and always offer what little things we have on our plate, which is remarkably embedded in our culture, one which I absolutely love!

In fiestas, birthdays, or any party for that matter, we'll try and provide the best of Filipino cuisine. These are the times we think about Lechon, and know that in any celebration, it's just not enough if there's none of it on our table. 

It's like the piece de resistance, people look forward to it as the most important part of the meal, with good reason. The company knows they have to change with the times so when they came out with new items on the menu, I immediately said I'm there!

Now I'm no stranger to their restaurant because I frequently go to their branch in Timog Avenue, which moved in different places over the years (still in the same street) til they built their own place near 11th Jamboree. They also have one in Roces Avenue that I go to pickup things that I adore like their whole Lechon, their Lechon Paksiw and Dinuguan. Their research in a way produced some mean alternatives so you don't get tired of the roast pork, they did it quite good.

Kansi - Beef Shanks boiled for hours in Tamarind based broth and Lemon Grass. It reminds me of Bacolod and Iloilo.

Laing con Lechon - Your usual Laing leveled up with chunks and pieces of smoky pork Lechon and creamy coconut cream. Better if you have steaming hot white rice with it.

Minced Lettuce Wraps - Chopped Lechon and veggies wrapped on fresh lettuce and served with a dip on a side. It's like a toned down version but smoky Korean lettuce wraps.

Cheesy Beef Caldereta - It's a tomato based beef stew mixed with cheese so you get strands of them after pairing with hot white rice.

Sizzling Tofu - Fried Tofu pieces set ablaze on a hot plate. They also have creamy mayo on it, eat it while it's hot. Better that way.

Bangus Ala Pobre - Boneless deep fried Milkfish with tons of golden crunchy garlic and Thai bird chili on top. This was a hit, gone in 60 seconds.

Pritchon Wraps - Lechon twice cooked til crispy wrapped in mini pita bread with veggies and dipped in three kinds of sauces. I love this one with the Hoisin and Sriracha sauce, but you have to eat it while it's hot. The pita discs tend to dry out fast since the place is air-conditioned

Kare Kare con Lechon - Lightly sweet peanut sauce with boiled vegetables, banana heart and Lechon pieces, how can you go wrong with that? Loved how it felt with the crispy skin Lydia's Lechon is also known for, again, make sure you eat it while it's hot!

Buko Pandan - Their version is quite nice because I don't think they use coconut meat but Macapuno which is a different coconut breed, sweeter and a lot thicker. They also have Leche Flan, but I think this is better.

If you are also keen on taking home stuff or bringing pasalubong to your country of origin, you can get their Oyster Sauce, All Around Sauce and Liquid Seasoning. Pretty good stuff.

This new menu is available now in all 25 branches of Lydia's Lechon nationwide. They have plans to expand and get more franchisees next year. If you want your family to enjoy Filipino fiesta food, make an effort to go to their stores and try these new ones because it's a little fusion and won't be too hard to have when you have foreign guests or balikbayans. It doesn't have to be Christmas to enjoy all these food!

You may check out Lydia's Lechon on Facebook for more updates and promos. Their Lechon only costs around 3K++ and can feed around 12 people already, only if you don't eat too much of it though.

KUMAGCOW

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