But First, Coffee - Ateneo Ave. Naga City

After more than a year after its opening, I finally tried But First, Coffee - Ateneo Ave Naga. My friends have been raving about their Spanish and Vietnamese Latte since then. I just love small cafes not only because it gives you a homey space but you can actually smell the aroma of the coffee in every cup that they prepare. 

Let’s go straight to the point, their coffee is SO GOOD but at a VERY AFFORDABLE price point, perfect for people who are always on the go and especially students who are mindful of their budget. 

Varieties:

 Drip Based starts at P55

 Espresso Based starts at P100

 Matcha Based starts at P100

They also sell pastries 

From L-R: Spanish Latte in 500ml Reusable Bottle, Matcha (Hot) & Auro Series -

And some limited series like aas of writing, The Auro Series - the Auro Choco Butterscotch has a unique chocolatey flavor that I haven’t tasted in other cafes before. 

Loved the Spanish Latte, as it was not too sweet. 

The Vietnamese Coffee is someone for those who need a little extra caffeine boost. 

The Matcha oooh matcha, that earthy feeling for the Matcha lovers will definitely dig this, I tried the Hot version, and as for someone who drinks Matcha based drinks on an occasional basis? This I liked! 

SIZES: 12oz for hot, 16oz for iced and 1 Liter for Bottled Coffee, they also have a 500ml which you can use next time you visit them with a discount yey!

And guess what they OPEN at 8AM! Morning coffee people, rejoice! 

But First Coffee is actually easy to find just go straight to Ateneo Avenue and turn right in Mother Francisca’s Street and they are at Melrose Place on the right. Do try the Coffee by Bottle, it’s perfect for the office and groups. If you will have it delivered, just request for ICE and it’s good for sharing. 

But First, Coffee - Ateneo Ave Naga

Mother Francisca St. Ateneo Ave, Bagumbayan, Naga City

Store hours: 8AM-9:30PM (Mon-Thurs), 8AM-11:30PM (Fri-Sat), 12NN-7:30PM (Sun)

Delivery: In House Delivery just messaged them via Fb Messenger m.me/butfirstcoffeeateneoavenaga

via Foodpanda and Grab Food

#NCDfoodtrip #nagacitydeck

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Chatime Downtown Naga

Chatime Downtown Naga

#SaTeasfaction Guaranteed right at the heart of downtown Naga, located beside South Star drug near Emall, Elias Angeles Street. #NCDfoodtrip #ShakingTeaUp

Welcome to #NagaCity Chatime Philippines!!!

Now available via Foodpanda and Pandalivery!

Store Hours:

Mon-Thurs: 10am to 8pm

Fri-Sun: 10am to 9pm

 

What time is it? Chatime is finally open starting tomorrow, January 29! #SaTeasfaction Guaranteed right at the heart of...

Posted by Naga City Deck on Thursday, January 28, 2021

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#NCDFoodtrip: Caffe Primo, an uptown cafe in Naga City

A drive to uptown Naga is always a treat. The turns and fine concrete road with the fresh air coming in through your car's window is something that you can not get from the downtown area. A dip in the hot or cold waters of Isarog always come to mind when we travel to this side of Naga. Now, there is a cafe worthy of your drive away from the city's bright lights and noise which is located inside Caceres Heights Subdivision called Caffe Primo. According to their page it is an Italian inspired Caffe sure to give guests a much needed break from Naga City’s busy environment.

Caffe Primo has the feels of a slow vibe. Much to be noticed is also a casual to a semi fine dining feels being part of the Primus Hotel & Resort. Right after we had a dip at Panicuason Hot Spring, I decided to check out the place since we were in the area. 

I always ask restaurants about their best sellers, Pizza is one in Caffe Primo, I believe. This is the All Meat Pizza, I was expecting an all-meat loaded pizza but hey I love veggies so I'm not complaining. It actually tasted good! 

We ordered Caramel Machiatto and Salted Caramel Latte, Cafe Americano and a Java Chip Frappe. I loved their hot drinks, the Java Chip was so-so, but hopefully the other frappes are good. One thing I learned in cafes, it's difficult to have a drink or food inspired from famous brands. It's either you get it right or you totally flunk.

Here's the price range of Caffe Primus menu:

Salad 150 - 220

Pasta 230 - 260

Pizza 450 - 480

Sandwiches 125 - 250

Burgers 220 - 260

Desserts 110 - 180

Hot Beverages 95 - 175

Iced Beverages 100 - 160

Frappe 145 - 180

Juice 140 - 160

Tea Beverages 95 - 140

They also included in one menu the restaurant of the Resort Hotel, I just forgot the name of the resto.

Was expecting the frappe to be in a fancy glass, perhaps this is what they really opted to use even in dine-ins

We sat near the windows overlooking the pool. Hoping to come back soon and I can't wait to try the other food and drinks. Ambiance is a so nice and the baristas who are VERY COURTEOUS tops it all! Even my mom noticed it so it's really a plus plus point. 

I believe the tranquility of the place is the purpose of this cafe together with the food that you can actually enjoy with your friends and family. Caffe Primo is also for solitary pursuits and the food and drinks that you can order is already a good company. Looking forward to my next visit at Caffe Primo! Don't forget to share your favorites!

Caffe Primo
Primus Hotel & Resort
KM9, Pacol, Caceres Heights, Naga City
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/CaffePrimoPH/
Cafe Hours: 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Contact No. 0917 506 9156

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#NcDFoodTrip: Hang-Out Resto Bar

Hang-Out Resto Bar probably has the most happy burgers here in Naga City to date. Double beef patties, hams, veggies and cool buns that will set you on a happy mood! This special burger with fries is priced only at P159! They also have pizza fries, tapsilog, buffalo wings, pasta, churros and monster frappes to cap off your burger run. Hang Out resto isn’t called a bar for nothing without beer, yes they also got you covered with a bucket!

Oh btw, they also have a Tower Burger, Monster Burger, Ultimate 8-inch burger and a 12-inch Burger to surprise you, so check them out!

For size comparison (beside an iPhone 8 plus) 

Special Burger: P159

Pangpatanggal umay after eating bunch of burgers! This strawberry frappe was surprisingly tasty especially on the inside. We also enjoyed scraping off the sprinkles!

Pizza Fries

Photo from Hang-Out Resto Bar Facebook Page

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Hang-out-resto-bar-587219858115435/
Price Range: P69 above
Location: Beside LCC Magsaysay
Magsaysay Avenue, Naga City

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Review: Tugawe Cove Cafe

Tugawe Cove Resort in Caramoan, Camarines Sur,  is one of Bicol's sought after tourist destinations. The exclusivity and the natural scenery being offered and not to mention the "Excellent" Trip Advisor ratings  is something that you can never deny that Tugawe is a must visit. Reviews and testimonies from those who have visited Tugawe means that the pay is worth the stay. Truth be told that I have been to Caramoan, but just not yet in Tugawe Cove Resort. The resort was actually included in CNN's list of the remote and luxurious retreats in the Philippines along with Ticao Island in Masbate.

 

A stepping stone to Tugawe Cove Resort is actually here in Naga City. Tugawe Cove Cafe located at the grande entrance of the newly opened Robinsons Place Naga will give us a glimpse of what the resort can offer to us gastronomically speaking. Just to get ahead of you, this is just a part of the whole gastronomic offerings of the resort.

I must admit, the first time I heard that there is a Tugawe Cove Cafe in Robinsons, my first impression was, "Hmm, pricing might be a little expensive compared to other existing cafes". Alas, I was wrong! Let me share to you some of the fine and unique dishes  Tugawe Cove Cafe has to offer.

Drinks come in Hot and Iced and starts at P50 to P130.  Coffee-blended drinks starts at P120 to P130 only. Blended non-coffee based drinks are at P120 and juices at P80. Sandwiches starts at P120 to P150. Pasta at P180 to P200. Rice plates from P180 to P220 and waffles at P120.  Dessert starts at P20 to P110. Wait until you see the uniqueness of the dishes.

Green Tea Latte, Mixed Berries Smoothie and Sea Salted Caramel

 I ordered the Sea Salted Caramel and boy I loved it. I like it when it's not too sweet and overpowering. It's just perfect when paired with food.

Breakfast in Bed anyone? This, perhaps is the most interesting dish that the cafe offers. Likened to a chowder in a bread bowl, it's cheesy, creamy, with egg and pork? bits that actually add up to the flavor of a pizza but sprinkled with herbs which tells us that it's different. They bake their own bread and pastries too, so this it is a plus point for them.

From the kinds of pasta being offered by Tugawe Cove Cafe, we were able to try two of them. First is the Laing Mac. A closer look below...

The Laing Mac has a creamy base with of course Laing. This is definitely uniquely made in terms of taste. When Laing is perfect with rice, this Laing with the pasta blends well with bits of pork on it. Second pasta is the Bicol Express Cannelloni. 

 A closer look at the Bicol Express Cannelloni. It's like lasagna but with Bicol Express in it. I like that Laing Mac better.

They also have sandwiches like this on on the photo below called the Greek Panini.

Take a look at the interior of the cafe. Native interiors partnered with an industrial type steel bars plus the accent of the leaves on the wall will actually let you imagine how is to be at the resort. What more if you can actually sat by the beach front while enjoying the food of Tugawe Cove Cafe. Just wow!

I'm also loving the patterns, shades and hues of color present at the cafe. From the flooring to the fixtures and even the ceiling.

Oh, I almost forgot, they also have waffles for your dessert.

Seems like every cafe in Naga will always a nice ambiance, it's becoming a basic requirement and Tugawe Cove Cafe really did good job on that department. But what I really like about the cafe is the pricing of their food. With the kind of food that they are offering, plus the plating and the uniqueness, the prices are surprisingly affordable. So my first impression is definitely wrong and I have to give it to them. I hope it stays that way though =P 

At least now I have taken one step forward to Tugawe Cove Resort lol. On to a few more saving up for that ultimate vacation that I may reach the cove and experience it myself. I also look forward to trying the other dishes and most especially their desserts. Leave on the comments below your favorites too, guys!

Thank you Tugawe Cove Cafe for having us! Thank you Ms. Sol for the invitation! God bless and more power!

Tugawe Cove Cafe 
Ground Floor, Al Fresco Dining
Robinsons Place Naga
Roxas Avenue, Corner Almeda Highway
Contact No 09088189149
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/tugawecovecafe/
Instagram: @tugawecovecafe

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Bingsu, now available at White Bean Cafe

Naga City - Summer is here! Is someone still "Bingsu-cold" to you? I think it's about time that I share to you this new "foreign" dessert now available at White Bean Cafe called the Bingsu which I tried last February. Bingsu is a Korean dessert usually of shaved ice, milk, syrups, fruits, and other ingredients which is appetizing to look at and will give you the chills. For White Bean they preferred to market the Bingsu having the shaved ice as "snowflaked ice / snow ice", because their ice has this very fine texture, so yes it can be likened to snow.

When I first heard that White Bean is now offering this dessert, the first question that came to my mind is that how will it be at par with the "Kakigori" of Iro Iro. Again it's a foreign dessert only that this time the Kakigori is a Japanese version of the Bingsu. Actually if you are a foodie you can add up to the list, the shaved ice dessert version of Hawaii too or even the sherbet of Daet.  

The Bingsu offered by White Bean has a finer ice than that of the Kakigori of Iro Iro. Which reminds me, Korean Kaz Cafe in Ayala Malls Legazpi also offers Bingsu, so add that to your foodtrip list when you travel to Albay. 

White Bean offers three flavors of Bingsu namely mango, oreo, strawberry (new) and injeolmi which is the Korean word for soy for a price of P160. I tried the Injeolmi for a change. 

First impressions. Serving Size with the Price ★★★☆☆. I had high expectations on this dessert when I first heard about it. Probably if White Bean was the first one to offer the shaved ice dessert in Naga, I can say that the P160 is worth it. Since there's already one shaved ice dessert in the market, my tendency is to compare the Bingsu to the Kakigori of Iro Iro. Back in September 2016 the Kakigori of Iro Iro is priced at P130 and the serving size is actually good for sharing (click HERE for reference). While the Bingsu (as shown below) of White Bean, the serving size seemed a little small and I was able to consume it on my own. While it might not be right to compare the shaved ice of the two desserts, still they will boil down to the same category in my opinion, shaved ice dessert. While cashew nuts are expensive, then I can say that P160 is justifiable, but for the mango and cookie flavor, I think it's not worth it.

Taste ★★★★★. I liked the Injeolmi, since I'm a fan of the "not the usual" flavors, I loved how the flavors complemented with each other including the cashew nuts. I have high tolerance for sweetness, I guess the condensed milk was not enough for me when it was mixed with the ice. I did not ask for an extra serving though, so I'm not sure if there will be an extra charge for that. I still have to try the Mango and Oreo flavor some other time. I almost forgot, don't expect too many cashew nuts, it's always different when you see it in menus, any restaurant for that matter.

We also ordered this delicious sandwich for our snack

Hope to try the other flavor soon! Share us your thoughts about these Bingsu's offered by White Bean Cafe. How about you guys? How did you find the Bingsu of White Bean Cafe?

White Bean Cafe

Ground Floor of Nagaland Hotel
Elias Angeles St. Naga City
Contact No. (054) 473 2111

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