Starbucks JP Laurel and the new Crème Brûlée Macchiato

I first heard about Caffè macchiato from my 7 year old niece Anya - she is an experienced Choco-coffee drinker in Australia. It is also known as espresso macchiato, a coffee drink made out of espresso with a small amount of milk.



And there is no better place to learn and taste a macchiato than in the new Starbucks JP Laurel store. It is a historical place which has been restored by Starbucks instead of doing full alteration by exposing the high ceiling, restoring the original wood moulding that wraps the soffit and keeping the wood sun breakers behind the store’s perimeter glass wall.

The building represent the distinct look of 70’s architecture. And to complement the look and feel of this heritage concept store, the following elements were used: high wainscot wrapped around columns, high backed banquette and large framed photographs of Manila during the '70s.



It's a good place to pause and reminisce about the old days. When people were unhurried and enjoyed learning. Perfectly match the experience with the warm creamy mix of crème brûlèe flavored syrup and freshly steamed milk marked with bold Starbucks® espresso - topped with velvety foam and finished with a roasty, dark caramel drizzle on top.

Crème Brûlée Macchiato is also available as iced and blended beverage, but for old time's sake - I always prefer hot drinks during down time.



If you are feeling the classic vibe of the JP Laurel store and want to let your coffee take you back in time, then try the Starbucks Anniversary Blend. This coffee is aged for three to five years prior to roasting. The aging process adds depth, smoothness and complex flavor to its already full-bodied, smooth character. Perfect with the buttery taste of French Toast (also from Starbucks). Match made in heaven.



But for the new branch, I propose a toast for one of the most memorable and Pinoy New Breakfast Items from Starbucks:



I've enjoyed this too with the Starbucks Anniversary Blend (at home) and it was a delightful feeling <3 If you don't have a French Press or Coffee Maker, you can still get Starbucks VIA Instant Brew.



But then again, nothing beats the Starbucks experience especially on a branch that is brimming with heritage. Customers can enjoy a unique Starbucks Experience at this store as early as 6:30am during weekdays and 7:30am during weekends. The store closes at 1:30 am on Fridays and Saturdays and 12 am during the rest of the week.

Until the next coffee break :)

Good Mornings at YaKun Kaya Toast Ortigas

If there's one meal that is everyone's favorite, it would be breakfast! The first meal of the day and the freshest of them all. We tried having ours one fine Saturday morning at the newly opened YaKun Kaya Toast in Ortigas which is ran by the friendly Mr.Richard Co.


Yin Yang coffee with YaKun Kaya's toast

With other foodies, we started off with hot and cold drinks. I highly recommend the hot YinYang Coffee - a mixture of tea and coffee, that is just so creamy. The YinYang coffee can be ordered hot or cold, whichever you choose it would remind you of the nai-cha served in Singapore and other Asian countries. Finally, you can have that authentic taste in Manila.

Chocolate toast for chocoholics at YaKun Kaya Ortigas

Are you adding a note or a person?

YaKun Kaya's soft boiled eggs are perfect with any of their toasts

As for the toasts themselves, YaKun Kaya has a long list of different toasts that is sure to excite you and your companion. Among all the toasts that I have tried here, I like the Milo toast, Cheesy Toast, Original YaKun Toast, and Peanut Butter toast. The Milo Toast is sprinkled with lots of Milo chocolate powder (talk about energy boosters!) and sweet condensed milk.

Before and After - YaKun Kaya's famous Iced Tea

YaKun Kaya's rendition of the French toast is also great with any hot drink. Should you want something cold, their Iced Tea is simply heavenly and refreshing. Made of real and freshly brewed tea, YaKun Kaya's iced tea is so good you'll get a bottle to take home.

Located along Escriva Drive in Ortigas Center (beside Astoria Plaza), YaKun Kaya offers a homey breakfast joint with free WiFi access and authentic toasts in affordable prices.