I was invited to try GIGI Coffee and Cupcakes one weekend and didn't have second thoughts since I well know my range when it comes to sweets and desserts. I often go to Eastwood City to meet former colleagues and friends, but this place has gone unnoticed until that weekend. Their shop is located at the Ground Floor of Felina Bldg. which is nearly few steps away from Citibank Bldg. and Watson's Store. I used to work in this area seven years ago and this shop is exactly where Gloria Jeans was formerly located.
Just a bit of store background, GIGI Coffee and Cupcakes is a partnership formed by Gigi Gaerlan, Joey Luna, Dondi Gaite, and Cynthia & Ivy Almario in July 2012. I'm so happy to meet Gigi herself and her husband Patrick with unica hija Erika. Gigi Gaerlan's first business is Gigi's Custaroon, which practically gave her the expertise in this line of business. I haven't tried custaroons yet but they describe it as a combination of smooth and creamy flan topped with a chewy, buttery crust. How I wish they include them in the menu some time soon.
First thing you will notice is the combination of green, black and white interior which was by the way done by Cynthia & Ivy Almario. I would describe it as simple and elegant. Their objective is to give an outdoor feel but without the heat and the pollution, thus the grass-like carpet and indoor plants. If I'm not mistaken, they used rattan chairs. The entire place is just so relaxing.
The shop is WiFi enabled and look, they also accept credit and debit cards for your purchases!
The shop is somewhat part of the building lobby so tenants and employees regularly pass by. To maximize the allotted space, they also placed coffee tables and chairs on the side. The entire place is quite spacious whereas other common cupcake shops are stand-alone shops or for take out orders only.
The Menu:
They have a good selection of hot and cold coffee blends by Iberica Coffee. Notice that they offer Lemongrass tea and Organic tea bag too. Best of all, one cupcake costs Php40 only and bulk orders entitles you discounts. That is really affordable!
The Food:
They got sandwiches and fruit juices, ideal for employees who take breakfast at work. You may consider this option if you're monitoring carbo intake and not wanting to eat a heavy meal.
Chewy fruit candies
They offer between 15 to 20 different cupcake flavors and they change the variety everyday. That afternoon, available flavors were Sea Salt Chocolate, Raspberry, Green Tea and Chocolate Chip.
There's also Peppermint and Chocolate.
And the ever bestselling Red Velvet.
Cheese squares
I tried four different flavors namely Green Tea, Raspberry, Sea Salt Chocolate and Red Velvet and paired it with White Mocha frap. My frap was perfect for a scorching afternoon - so refreshing, with right amount of sweetness and very creamy up to my last sip. I noticed that their cupcakes come in a smaller size which is good because that gives you enough space to try more flavors. I also find it slightly sweet (sugar level probably intensified because of my mocha frap), and their cupcakes have a consistent moist in each flavor. In fact, the cake itself is already delicious even without the frosting. The cupcake's shelf life is roughly 4 to 5 days and best stored in room temperature.
So far, my top two favorites were Sea Salt and Green Tea. I love cupcakes with distinct flavors in each, one serves as a neutralizer to the sweetness. If you're not much into drinking green tea then I suggest you choose another flavor because the leafy aftertaste might be a bit strong for you. Sea salt, on the other hand, reminds me of tuyo and champorado. If you understand how well they go together then Sea Salt cupcake is a must-try.
Overall, I am impressed with their cupcakes and how they put effort from baking to packaging. As early as now, I'm considering them for a friend's baby shower later next month. GIGI Coffee and Cupcakes has one branch at the moment and is planning to expand soon in Shangri La Mall and Fort BGC. To get the latest updates and promotions, visit their official Facebook page.
GIGI Coffee and Cupcakes
Felina Corporate Plaza Lobby, Eastwood City,
1110 Quezon City, Philippines
(02) 234 2842
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Thank you so much for inviting us and for sharing the success story of your business.
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love all the cupcakes! the interiors looks amazing and cozy too! love your blog din!
ReplyDeleteThe cupcakes look divine! Will swing by Gigi next time I happen to be at Eastwood. :)
ReplyDeletewow ang dami nang cupcakes store. :D ive been seeing cupcake places na but haven't been to one. this place is so inviting :D
ReplyDeletei noticed patok ngayon yung cupcake business. i've been getting cupcakes myself too and i'm sure to visit this place to compare their flavors to what i have been sent so far. btw i love your blog's design, it's so dainty!
ReplyDeleteNice place! Around how much per cupcake? They have a lot of interesting flavors... :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Mary Jane.. :)
ReplyDeleteSo nice to hear that, thanks to my blog designer Pat of FancyGirl :)
ReplyDeletePhp40 for 1 cupcake..super affordable!
ReplyDeleteAmazing! :D
ReplyDeleteWe have the same favorites! The Sea Salt Choco and Green Tea. I was only able to try her cupcakes from a friend, but have not been to the shop. Will try to visit one of these days, the place look so pretty!
ReplyDeletei passed by that shop last sunday. will check it out next time i visit :)
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely place. I passed by it last Sunday, I can't wait to try it out soon.
ReplyDeleteThey have the best red velvet cupcake I've ever had, firm, moist, delish, and affordable too, compared to J Cuppacakes'. Their Cookies and Cream Frappe is a must try! :D
ReplyDelete