COFFEE BLANC — Restaurant in Mandaluyong

ORIGINAL REVIEW 4/23/24 - 3 STARS:

Honestly, the coffee and food are nothing special. I was excited to go here after reading the reviews and hearing about it from family, but I was disappointed with what I ordered.

I tried the salted white chocolate latte, which I was told is one of the most popular drinks. It didn’t taste salted at all which was unfortunate. Aside from that, the coffee itself was nothing memorable. It tasted like almost every other iced coffee I’ve had, except that it didn’t even live up to its name.

Next, I tried the chicken ciabatta sandwich. I really wish there were at least tomatoes and lettuce, because the sandwich is VERY heavy on the mayo, making it a bit too rich and salty. Even a little bit of lemon juice would go a long way in making it more palatable. As you can see from the first photo, the ciabatta didn’t even seem to be toasted. The whole sandwich looked very pale and gave an unappetizing first impression.

The side salad was saturated in the dressing, making it soggy and a bit unpleasant to the senses. The cereal mango croissant was the best part about the order. I enjoyed the little mango bits inside the croissant, but the almost candied exterior made it a little too rich. The corn flakes on top were also stale.

The interior of the cafe itself is nicely decorated, though, and looked like one you might see in LA or Seoul. However, the table I sat at to wait for my food looked a bit dirty. I think that stains show up more easily on the tables because they’re white. That particular table was also in an awkward spot as it’s right at the foot of the stairs and near the bathroom. There’s not a lot of room in the cafe to begin with, so I understand why they squeezed that table in there. It’s just a little awkward is all.

Overall, I wasn’t impressed with my initial visit. I found that the prices didn’t justify the quality of the coffee or the food. That said, I’m sure this place has good reviews for a reason, so I’m willing to come back and try other menu items. Here’s to hoping that my future visit will be more satisfying.

NEW REVIEW 4/26/24:

Updated my rating accordingly. Today, I tried the black and white sea salt iced coffee. I really enjoyed this one! I found it much better than the salted white chocolate drink I reviewed a few days ago, so I would definitely recommend this one. I loved the earthy flavors, and I could actually taste the salt in this drink.

I also tried the truffle flatbread, which was fine. It seemed to be drizzled with honey, which I didn’t care for. If I’m ordering truffle flatbread, I’m expecting a savory treat. It’s not that the overall flavor is bad, but it just wasn’t what I was looking for, especially since the coffee itself is already sweet.

This time, I decided to dine in. The staff member who took my order, Grace, was friendly and helpful. I believe she’s the same one who took my order before, and she informed me of the most popular items on the menu which I appreciated.

The area on the second floor seemed clean. There are plenty of charging outlets, which is nice. I did hear that you have to pay for internet access, so keep that in mind if you plan on staying to get some work done. I’d also suggest bringing a light jacket as it can get a little chilly in there due to the AC unit.

The steps on the staircase are a little small, though, so it’s a bit awkward going up and down. I can see it being a little weird using the staircase if you’re wearing very chunky shoes, and/or if you wear a larger shoe size. Also, I noticed that the stairs themselves seemed to already be chipping in a few areas. Coffee Blanc has only been open for just about a year now, so I’m wondering about the quality of the construction materials if the stairs are already showing this kind of wear.

All in all, had a generally good experience this visit. I’m still not completely sold on the food, but I was pretty happy with the...

Step into this vibrant café, where youthful energy pulses through the very air. It's an inviting spot that appeals not only to the young at heart but to all seekers of a lively culinary experience.

A Coffee Odyssey A visit here is incomplete without delving into their array of specialty coffees. The appeal lies in their prowess in crafting a truly distinctive coffee experience. They undeniably excel in this department, delivering a cup of coffee that satisfies. Though my palate longed for the enchanting aroma that typically accompanies exceptional brews, each sip tantalized my taste buds with the essence of quality coffee. However, I did wish for a more defined distinction among the various coffee offerings, as some occasionally veered toward a milky homogeneity. My next visits will be dedicated to seeking out those nuanced flavors.

Sweet Delights A culinary jewel that undeniably shone was the Cheesy Mamon. Infused with the delightful essence of queso de bola, it tantalized with its perfect consistency and flavor. This treat beckoned for repeated indulgence. The cookies, while a tad denser than my expectations, nevertheless struck a harmonious balance in flavor. An enticing selection of culinary creations awaits future exploration, stoking my curiosity. My only quibble lies in the presentation, which was a bit on the plain side.

An Ambience for Connection The café's ambiance plays a crucial role in its allure, providing the ideal setting for engaging conversations with friends. It resonates with a youthful spirit, making it the perfect place to unwind and connect. The music selection, finely tuned to the sweet spot of mellowness, sets the stage for a relaxed atmosphere, conducive to genuine connections.

Service and Future Reflections Service maintains an "okay" level, although more expeditious table clearing would undoubtedly enhance the overall experience. The accumulation of empty drink vessels bore witness to the enjoyable time spent. Furthermore, my hope lingers for the café's aromatic embrace to become more pronounced, enriching its already authentic coffee...

Well recommended. I'll be going back to try their other pastries, well other offerings in general.

They should put a sign, or, it wasn't visible to me at that time that there were more seating upstairs. Potential onlookers/passersby customers might be discouraged to try if they saw that there are limited seating when in fact, they have more once you step inside.

IG worth ambiance. All white but a play on different textured walls and seating. Inside is a three tiered loft. Well thought of floor plan that maximizes the seating capacity.

Service was warm and accommodating. While I was drinking my coffee and eating my pastry, I was enticed when I took a whiff of the Truffle Pasta on the table beside me. When I saw one of the crew, I mentioned that I'm not done with my table, I just need to order food downstairs. He told me he can forward my order in my stead so I don't have to leave and go down. A good sign of service when given an option of convenience.

I got the Salted White Chocolate Foam cold drink and the Pain Au Chocolat. The coffee itself was flavorful and not too sweet. I loved the touch of dusted clove on top, complimented the drink really well. The Pain Au Chocolat was on point with its flaky layers and striped semi-dark chocolate drizzle.

Eventually, I got food. So I had an additional order of the Poutine and Truffle Pasta.

The Truffle Pasta was on the more garlicky profile but I am a fan of it. The garlic bread needs to be a little toasted though for a personal preference, it might be the fact that the AC's draft is directed at me so it might have affected the texture.

Loved the poutine since it was a thick cut oval shaped chip, and was happy they've included the rind.

More often than not, a lot of new cafés tries to be different and standout but failed miserably. Some of them are different but the offerings are more to invoke curiosity and eye candy.

With this cafe, the offerings are well thought of. They have their own spin but it works really well.

Definitely returning for more. Good job owners, great concept and awesome service from...