Willow Cafe JR Borja — Restaurant in Cagayan de Oro

#reybarnsrestaurantreview

Willow Cafe

Three of my nieces Rachelle Lou Carla Lauro and Peachy Balase are currently in Tokyo to watch Taylor Swift’s ERAS Tour. Yes, that is their level of being Swifties.

So, to honor TS, my review is of the only TS-themed café in the city.

When you enter Willow, the music of TS greets you (currently You’re On Your Own, Kid). Her countenance is in all the wall murals with titles of her Albums, in the throw pillows, in the photo frames.

It is clean, well-spaced, and well-lighted. Cheap DIY white chairs (you can order in Lazada) destroy an otherwise elegant ambiance.

Food

I was the only diner, so obviously this is not known for lunch (an assortment of chicken wings on the menu can’t compete with the various eat-all-you-can chicken wings around the city. ) That is consistent with the branding though as TS is known to love chicken tenders.

Hazelnut on Ice was ordinary, and can’t even taste the hazelnut. So I assume, the hazelnut syrup was tinipid. I suggest that avoid the flavored coffee and go for the basic Americano or Cappuccino.

My sugar fix was Red Velvet cake which was neither red nor velvety. A genuine red velvet is actually red or scarlet because of the food tint. This one was just chocolate. It is dry and doesn’t have the texture of buttermilk and vinegar of a red velvet cake.

Service: Efficient and friendly , though she looked bored and was scrolling with her mobile.

Summary: Not worth the special trip, but if you are in the vicinity, certainly recommended, especially if you...

If you’re a Swiftie, this coffee shop is a dream come true. From the moment I walked in, Taylor’s music was playing non-stop—literally the best soundtrack for my day. Their iced coffee was superb, perfectly balanced and refreshing, and the fries were just as impressive. What made the experience even better was the staff’s kindness; they made me feel so welcomed and at home. Honestly, spending my time here felt like a little escape, wrapped in good coffee, great food, and Taylor Swift’s music on repeat. And not to mention— the merch! 🥹 Definitely a must-visit for fans and coffee lovers...

The ambiance and the atmosphere is great for a Taylor Swift fan. Taylor Swift's songs are playing in the background often from her world tour documentation films. Prices are on par with the other cafes in Cagayan de Oro City. They also sell collectibles like stickers, mugs, tumblers, and hats among others which are Taylor Swift inspired. The place is worth a visit to do a shoot for social media upload. Staff are courteous and accommodating. Overall, it's a great experience for a fan and even to those who know...