Dark Roast Coffeehouse Turns ONE!

Dark Roast Coffeehouse Turns ONE!

I couldn't believe it's been a year already. What started out as a normal conversation between diving friends, was all realized in this Maginhawa spot. Your favorite Dark Roast Coffeehouse is now a year old.

Business wasn't all smooth sailing, they admitted to have had challenges because while trying to improve their products and services, they didn't get a lot of feedback at first. Now they're taking suggestions seriously, and they are super thankful about the improvement and growth they have done during this time.

 

The fun bunch told us about the challenges they had about quality. Because they had different customers telling their preferences, and they also had different baristas at different times of the day, what could be sweet and earthy for one person wouldn't be the same for the other. They were able to standardize a lot of their prep work, their raw materials, considering these all were growth pains and something that businesses like them go through. They initiated telling their team about the standards they wanted to keep, not to say they've already overcame challenges, but knowing it's a continuous process of learning more about it.

Here's our interview with them that evening!

Their location is another one. Maginhawa after all is a food community and has about 5-7 coffee shops with more to open soon. It's not just the competition, but maintaining quality and consistency that every person behind the counter should adhere to. It's a lot of work just to make sure whoever is making the cup would taste the same whatever time of the day, made darker, bolder, better.

The celebration didn't end there as they launched 2 new bread variants particularly the OREO CROISSANT and the BLACK SESAME CROISSANT. They also released a new drink called MIDNIGHT MOCHA. As the name suggests, the breads are more on the sweet side (but not too sweet as Titos/Titas would love). I prefer the BLACK SESAME CROISSANT more since it also has a little nutty flavor with it. These were prepared by the same folks who did BUTTERBOY CROISSANTS who's known for their quality, big, flaky and sinful ones. In fact, it didn't take them long to collaborate with the new flavors because they were very easy to work with. Now you'll get super good croissants here every time.  

 

This month, they're also building a full pledged community. Aside from the good bread and coffee they just launched, they're getting Dark Roast Coffeehouse merch available for loyal customers. With several visits and purchases at their store at the Ground Floor of TKC Square Building, you could get their super cool tumbler and handy dandy eco bag with the Darker, Bolder, Better line on it. 

This is just the first year and they've managed to do a LOT in that short amount of time. I'm super happy for them and wished I could do the same with my set of friends. Folks usually won't suggest that, but seeing their success and milestones so far, I wouldn't be surprised if they're going to be huge soon.

Congratulations DARK ROAST COFFEEHOUSE on your anniversary! 

Rémy Martin Presents 1738 Accord Royal at Whiskey Live Manila

Missed this event but nothings gonna stop me from telling you good news about the Whiskey Live Manila event a few weeks ago.

Rémy Martin actually launched their 1738 Accord Royal. It's a really unique cognac heavily rooted in histroy as it has been granted Accord Royal status by King Louis XV in 1738. I must say, I got a taste of in mixes at Honeycomb where they also launched an event, quite surprised how smooth it is, not pungent, just the right amount of fruitiness, oak, spicy and toasted with a bold flavor. It's definitely something that can be done in different ways, and be paired with savory food without spoiling it.

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Cointreau Philippines Ed Guzman dubs this as something for the younger market. Whiskey Live Manila has been off for a number of years because of the pandemic, this certainly made it all worth the trip to BGC. Mad props to Rémy Cointreau Philippines Country Brand Lead Myke Soon who hooked us up at the Honeycomb event. That was certainly fun!

If you want to know more about the new Rémy Martin 1738 Accord Royal, you may visit remymartin.com or their social channels RemyMartinPhilippines on FB, IG. You can order them now at boozy.ph or singlemalt.ph if you want to try them out!

New Spot: ARCANA LOUNGE

If there's something that is lacking in San Juan City, it's the fact that there's really a scarcity of good bars... but here's good news. ARCANA LOUNGE finally has opened and we've got first dibs on things they offer.

Ambiance: I think I've seen this being worked on a couple months ago when a couple workers went outside and pat dust off their clothes... and I saw a new sign put up in front, I stopped and said to my self, this is interesting! When I entered ARCANA this evening, my eyes were certainly drawn on the copper clad ceiling. I felt they did this on purpose so you get to feel how large the room was. The place could seat 50-60 people (maybe more) and tables were arranged for groups of 4 or more to fit friends, family. The back side had a long bunk chair and the others were upholstered thick, pretty comfy to be seated for hours. They also had fresh flowers, dropped in several places. Design wise, it reminded me of a little mix of modern, industrial and art deco. There's a sense of it being posh, their attention to detail was astounding.

The Bar on the other had was built differently. The racks are filled to the brim with different kinds of booze as they serve hard drinks and cocktails. The bar is all clad in gold, black, aimed to complement the restaurant interior. It also has their huge logo, intimidating to look at but once you know the bartenders, you'll love them instantly.

Gourmet Nachos -Warm nachos with hearty chili con carne topping. Fresh and complements Gin, Tequila based drinks.

Purple Sour - Something they whipped up to surprise me, this was refreshing and perfect to start the evening.

Buffalo Wings - It had the flavors, not too spicy... make sure you eat it while it's hot!

Sisig Rolls - A different take on the usual bar chow. Like a mix between Filipino and Vietnamese. Again, make sure you consume while it's hot.

Truffle Pizza - One of my favorites that evening. It had the right amount of cheese, crispy crust and truffle permeated all over the top.

Sliders - If you need something filling, the sliders would surely do that. It comes with fries, which I think was also laced with a little truffle.

Fra Diavolo - Fresh pasta with shrimp, cheese and lemon on the side.

Steak Fried Rice - I liked their version, like the other items I mentioned earlier, eat it while its hot.

USDA Rib Eye Steak - They made it the way I like it. Medium, still has the right amount of fat (which I love) and buttery soft still. I would even love to have seconds. I would go back for this in a heartbeat!

Prawn Thermidor - For prawn lovers out there, here's your fix. You may have this shared but I doubt you'll do because it's cheesy good.

Lamb Rack - For those who would want something a bit more lean, get the Lamb rack. They cooked it perfectly... I'd assume this would be for those special date nights or "treat to self" days.

ARCANA LOUNGE maybe new, but fret not as they've got some seasoned Chefs and Mixologists behind all their counters. They plan very well, and honestly, the ambiance is a huge selling point. If you have guests, friends or family that need to be given a classy dinner, something to drink afterwards, this is the place you should be looking for. A plus is that they also customize drinks, just ask the friendly bartender what you prefer so they could whip up something for you.

ARCANA LOUNGE is located at the Greenhills Promenade's second level. You may enter through the stairs from Music Museum or the one on the left door of the mall's old door. I enjoyed my time there and surely, I'd be back for more!

Coca-Cola Shows You Real Magic

Truth be told, we have history with Coca-Cola. This Christmas season, they're starting to tell us about community and togetherness, called aptly as "Buksan ang Magic ng Pasko".

This reminds us of the connections we make, with family, friends, with others. The human connection, the friendships we make, the community we help especially during the holidays in the country. Each time we go have a meal together, ending a plate of your favorite meal includes that fizzy, sharp and caramel like end which comes with a glass of coke. Coca-Cola's Marketing Director Cesar Gangoso says "Our Christmas has changed a bit in the past two years, but Coca-Cola has remained a part of everyone's story.

For them, magic is everywhere. You maybe alone, or in grandiose celebrations, or making memories while sharing with people we love dearly. The connections remain the same. Check out this video they've made for you.

 

By the way, this is just the star because they're having a lot of activities this holiday season. It's time you celebrate the #PaskongCocaCola you've always done through the years. It's not to late to reconnect, establish that magic once again inside your homes. Check the Coca-Cola Philippines Facebook page for more information about it.

Try The Vitasoy Plus Milky Banana Oat Smoothie

It's so hot out today and I'm pretty exhausted because of the weather. I wanted to have something real cool and filling so I wouldn't just collapse on the side of the road. I've tried Vitasoy Plus Milky a couple weeks ago and honestly, it was one of the most refreshing drinks I've tried this season.

It doesn't feel much different from actual creamy milk but a little nutty, so I was actually cool with it if it came into something fancy like a drink with things on it. This is a smoothie recipe from the good folks at Vitasoy. It also takes a few ingredients at home to make something real good.

Here are the ingredients:

1/2 cup oats (which you can blend or soak in milk overnight)
1 Cavendish banana
1 tbsp Pure Honey
1 cup Vitasoy Plus Milky

Just put ingredients in a blender and wait for a few minutes. You can leave it more than 2 minutes if you would like to make it smooth, but if you would like it a little chunky, a blitz of a minute would be so fine. You can even play around with the recipe by using your own favorite fruit or fruits in season. 

If you're in the Philippines, you can use mangoes, add soy milk and it's going to be one of the best things you'll ever have as refreshments. There are more recipes over at Vitasoy Philippines Facebook page, you should go get info there! 

Jack Daniel's Bar No.7 Opens at BHS Central

Hey people! If you are around the Bonifacio High Street Central area, Jack Daniel's is officially opening their Jack Daniel's No. 7 Bar at the front of Shake Shack and Adidas store in Taguig. We got here during the soft opening, and by gowd the drinks are so good! I like mine simply as Jack Coke but they're preparing cocktails and straight shots all for 120-200 bucks per drink. Best gift for Dad or your boyfriends!

This will be open until the second week of January so if you want to have fun right after work, this would be so cool to just jump in and relax. Oh and I almost forgot, they've got a huge Barrel Christmas tree made from real Jack Daniel oak barrels which they upcycled from their cellars.

They have a cool hangout area in this loft.

The classic Tennessee Sour Mash Whiskey

My fave is the Tennessee Honey, Tennessee Fire is a close second

Mine is simply Jack Coke

Extra fireworks!

The Jack Daniel's Barrel Tree

Gabe Fajardo the Senior Brand Manager for Jack Daniel's says "Tonight marks another special event for Jack Daniel's. Everytime we make it, we make it as good as we can. These are used barrels, with history, we are a major brand that use our own barrels. This took over two weeks to build, these barrels makes Jack Daniel's unique. This is a first in the Philippines and in the region. This is our Holiday Barrel Tree! It's not what is under the tree that is important, it's who is around it. Let's light it up!"

Now don't take my word for it. Rush to the Jack Daniel's no.7 Bar in BGC and have much needed break. Enjoy the holidays!

Cointreau Announces PH Representative

We've got great bartenders, I've seen how we have been able to win a few competitions outside the country and yes, they've made us proud.

A few nights ago, I felt that much enthusiasm as they held the finals for the La Maison Cointreau Philippines 2019 wherein they'll be sending the winner to Thailand for the regionals. The program was short and sweet as contestants from different parts of the country converged in Run Rabbit Run in the Poblacion Makati district. After an ardous battle a few weeks ago it was judged to have the top 5 battle it out who will be this year's La Maison Cointreau Champion. Jacques Buenviaje fro The Peak Grand Hyatt, Ian James Osilo of Mandalay Whisky and Cigars, Jay Natividad of The Spirits Library, Hi Agunat of Versus Barcade and Abigail Quilan-lan of Proof Manila had to bring their ingredients up the stage and prepare their contest worthy concoctions that has the secret ingredient put in. This time, they had to incorporate TEA.

It only took them a few minutes to whip up their best cocktails using the world's finest Cointreau French Orange Liqueur. They jazzed it up with different gins, spices, burned stuff and juggled a lot to make a drink that would best represent them.

After the mixes were all done, they got us a treat with free flowing cocktails the whole night. Might I say, the ones they prepared for us. (tried and proven recipes) were all awesome! Some of my friends were already bumping and grinding prior to the announcement of the winner. Using the Cointreau French Orange Liqueur made the drinks bright and fruity.

Honestly, I wanted one of the guys to win, because they prepared well and their flair was entertaining, but the judges preferred a solid story, a believable one explaining her inspiration on why she made the drink. They were all good but they had one clear winner.

Congratulations to Abigail Quilan-lan of Proof Manila! She bested 4 guys to get the crown. Well deserved, all of them had their best drinks on top of the table but she clearly won them over. Now she's going to have to make another designed cocktail drink for the regionals as she has to represent the country as she gets pitted against other Asian countries at the Bangkok, Thailand regional finals.

As for me, I obviously had so much fun! Got drunk and settled for tons of porridge at 1am LOL

Cheers! I've had so much fun with new friends, new people that night. I wish her the best in the next few months, she's going to do the country proud!