COCONUTS HOT SPOT — If you’ve been frequenting coffee shops in Metro Manila, you know people lugging around their big books and other photocopied paraphernalia are a common sight.
Sure, they might just be reviewing for their big exams, but everyone knows that one of the best things to pair with good coffee is a good book. And in this quaint little coffeehouse in Maginhawa Street, you are served with both. Cool Beans, right?
Brightly lit and cozy, Cool Beans seems to have been designed to specifically cater to students and bookworms killing time over a cup of coffee. But, do not dismiss this as yet another coffee place. Cool Beans has a unique twist to offer: it has a mini library that features a great selection of books, from graphic novels to biographies.
One night when I came from work, my friend and I went to Maginhawa Street to have dinner. I remembered seeing Cool Beans the last time I was in the area, and I thought it looked cool. So we passed by it, hoping they offer rice meals — and I was so glad they do. They even posted a sign on the door, saying, “We offer rice meals.”
I ordered their Pan Grilled Chicken Alfredo (P160) and paired it with Iced Latte (P100), while my friend had the Pan Grilled Pork Belly (P160) with the Hot Benguet Roast Specialty Highland Coffee (P70).
The drinks came first, of course. According to my friend, the coffee was okay — not too acidic and bitter but a bit watered down. I wasn’t completely blown away by my drink either, but I still had fun sipping it while leafing through some Betty and Veronica comics and a nice book on quirky cubicle designs.
As for the food, I had the chicken, and I like the simplicity of its Alfredo sauce. Nothing too amazing, just basic comfort food, but for the price, it certainly wasn’t bad.
The pork belly, meanwhile, needed a pinch more of salt and pepper but paired with the accompanying salsa, it was more than enough to satisfy a hungry stomach.
They also have some pastries but unlike other coffee shops, they have very few selections. They had some cookies and banana bread.
But according to the staff, since they’re still on soft opening, they are still experimenting and are more than likely to improve the menu (most hopefully, the desserts menu!).
Word to the wise, though, parking is very limited. Only two slots are available in front of the store.
But like almost all Maginhawa establishments, just take a cab, a tricycle or find an empty space on the street to park and you’re good to go.
Happy reading!
Cool Beans Café is at 67A Maginhawa Street, UP Village, Quezon City; Facebook. Daily 3pm to 11pm.
