Over Cheesecakes and A Cuppa' Coffee

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If you noticed my previous post about Cafe Juanita in Burgos Circle last September, this was our second stop after that sumptuous dinner. I'm glad that my teammates chose Coffee Bean that night over other coffee shops nearby. (Boy, this incomplete entry was in my draft folder for quite a while!)

I am always fascinated with their ambience. So far, they were the most consistent in the market (I think). I am easily displeased by shops with empty displays and disorganised facade.

See these yummy cheesecakes? All of them are worthy of that added dreadful calories, aren't they? No guilt feelings!

I'd like to present our people from development and finance. They're all Daddies - meaning they most likely go home straight after work so  we're lucky to book them at least for that evening. Umm, except for the one in stripes pala. Haha! Coolest Dads I've ever worked with!

You'd probably ask what's up about this dinner / coffee group date we had? Well, this is supposedly a send off dinner for my Billing partner - Dan. Our team organised this solely for one person.. but.. after the unexpected turnaround, it happened to be a send off party instead for the entire Billing and Support team. And that includes yours truly! It was really funny to think that it was me who originally came up with this plan! *grins*

Well, just to share you some highlights, my decision to leave was absolutely a major leap this year. I consider my job a stable one and the earnings involved is something that a married woman with a 20 month old daughter cannot easily decline these days. Besides, it's almost the end of the year so landing to a new job is quite at risk. Though of course such decision gravitates to a valid reason, which I'd rather not disclose, thank you. So many things shook us and believe me when I say it's been a series of inconvenience. But yeah, those were just a few of life's major tricks and you should always be prepared to maneuver the situation. What happened taught me to remain positive as much as I could. Honestly, I can't be grateful enough for having a husband who shares the bittersweet taste of reality. It's like having a second opinion if and when you can't pick which cake to try below. :)

Anyhoo, let me continue indtroducing my team. Here's Zen beside me (our application support) and Dan (who has now ventured in another BPO company). I'm really happy that we all had the chance to work together. You were like brothers to me and I thank you for your commitment to meet our goals each month. You guys made my technical life easier in billing!

While here's the entire Select MNL team (this time with Julie in white skirt from design and Judith from accounts). You see, we were just a small group compared to the others in the company but never a dull moment in that quarantined room. I will certainly miss that "aquarium" area overlooking these condo buildings where I am at, our never-ending pizza deliveries, our Sunny Dad's lunches with Zen's favourite ketchup meals, our jittery elevator rides, our deadlines before COB and of course, all of your presence. Our laughter and frustrations each day of that 6/7am shift were all worth it. Thank you for the years of friendship! Cheers, mates!

Now, just like these coffee mugs below, which represent myself, one has turned its back with a history written on while the other one is facing and standing firmly near the edge. It seriously needs a coffee refill, don't you think? See future post for updates. *winks*

x,

OneGutsyMom

Cafe Juanita, Burgos Circle

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It was a funny ride going to Cafe Juanita in Burgos Circle. We were first instructed to meet the other half of the team at CBTL High Street, so we went off straight not knowing that what was meant was CBTL Burgos Circle. Funny how the ride literally went into circles! Good thing Dan's the one driving, otherwise, we'll all panic. Haha! Anyway, it felt so invigorating dining to a place where I don't frequent a lot. I am more familiar with BHS, although if you ask me where a particular shop is exactly located then I'm definitely not the best person to give you instructions. So going back to Cafe Juanita, it has been a month-long plan to visit this resto and originally planned to check out the Kapitolyo branch. 

I think Cafe Juanita is known for having a bohemian interior. You can see laces, sequins, knitted chair covers and bright tiny lights. It also has this gypsy feel, I was hoping to see a crystal ball or something.

We took the liberty of taking photos while all other tables are unoccupied. See how tables and lamps are covered in unconventional cloths. These lovely angel figurines also captured my attention.

Their chandeliers are also the main attraction. Really there's a lot of decorative objects around. We were seated at the second floor which can accommodate a bigger group and where the air condition is almost at freezing point. Brrrrr!

See the vintage photos perhaps of the first Cafe Juanita used as the menu cover. This reminds me of horror or suspense movies during first world war.

Although I kinda liked how the table was arranged. Mixed and matched patterns neatly laid are wonders that only an artistic eye can do.

We picked a few orders of Yang Chao and Crab rice and I think they were both good. Main course are the infamous Crispy Pata, Beef Kare Kare, Pinakbet. Nothing very remarkable about these dishes but they tasted like home-cooked meals, meaning the ingredients weren't limited and neither hurried to be cooked. This is one thing that please customers like me who keeps coming back. How I wish most restos would keep up to that.

The Crispy Pata is expected to be crunchy, juicy and tender.
I just wish they can make a little twist on their sauces.

I think the one on top is the Vegetable Curry with tofu which I would want to try at home. This deep fried Lapu Lapu was presented like a butterfly, it's good that I didn't taste the oil.

(Too late to realize I'm seated at the end of the table, no decent photos of the food.)

The entire food experience was generally ok and our bill is reasonable. (Php3,8 for 8 people) This deserves a second visit most probably with the family. If you ask me about the interior, I think the one in Kapitolyo is more eccentric. I wonder why others say it has a cozy ambience. For me, the style is diverse and overdone for an intimate gathering, but if you're with a bunch of people who are as funny and crazy as the glittery surroundings then this is a perfect spot to gather unlimited photos. Plates will surely be wiped out after.

You may click this link  to view the rest of the photos.
They were all taken in automatic mode and flash is mostly  turned on.

Cafe Juanita
Burgos Circle, Fort Bonifacio
Taguig City
(02) 403-1952