Saturday Bel-Air Food Crawl + Kapitolyo NIghtcap

That Saturday night was not extraordinary but it was opportune for an impromptu dinner with my friend Lou. What was supposed to be just a quick meet turned out to be a whole night of food, fun, and cheesy as it may sound, friendship.

First Stop: Sweet Ecstasy

I have been hearing about how good the burgers of Sweet Ecstasy was and it was about time that I go and visit. I booked a GrabCar when Lou came and thanks to their current code, LEGALLYGRAB, our P115 ride became only P15.

Approaching Jupiter corner Asteroid in Bel-Air, we expected the place to be packed. We got there at around a bit after 7PM but it had still a few tables available. Lou pointed out that it must have been because of the long weekend. We proceeded to order a burger and a shake each. Lou got the Nutella and I got the Black Bear.

Hamburger + Black Bear

The burger was completely satisfying! A brioche bun branded with an "X" hugs the lettuce, tomato, and the rightly grilled burger patty. Their special sauce accents that light crunch, smokiness, and flavor that would make you think if you ordered enough. 

Black Bear - Chocolatey Vodka Goodness

The burger is just one thing but you've got to try the milkshakes! The "adult" ones are a bit pricey at P160 but the Black Bear gave the best combination of chocolate and vodka in my mouth. At first, you may think that the alcohol is strong but the creaminess balances it out. I would have wanted it to be thicker and less fluffy, though.

Lou + Saul @ Sweet Ecstasy

Jupiter corner Asteroid, Bel-Air

When got to the place, I immediately thought of Maginhawa St. in Quezon City because of the size and the interiors. It was almost Maginhawa if not for the lack of next-door establishments. Lou and I were lucky to be in a seat where we could get the best part of the venue as our background. Sweet X is open from 11AM-12MN. They also accept orders for pick-up. Call 09063467989. Official hashtag: #sweetxmanila

Second Stop: Yamato Bakery Cafe

Lou remembered seeing Yamato Bakery Cafe as having great Japanese Cheesecakes. They didn't have small slices and their selection was not easy to resist that night. The burgers were filling but we went a little crazy in getting more since it was our first time there. We ended up with a Matcha Cruffin (croissant x muffin), a Cheese & Cheese, and a Nori Sushi.

Green Tea Cruffin + Nori Sushi + Cheese & Cheese

Green Tea Cruffin

We've never had Cruffins before and we were pleasantly surprised with what appears to be adzuki cream. I was already satisfied with the matcha on top but this complemented the flakiness of the pastry really well.

50% off!

We didn't know what time they closed but we were there late enough to get a discount on our food.  What was supposed to be P240 became just P120.

Third Stop: Bo's Coffee

Sagada Pour Over!

Commune is still closed so we had to settle for Bo's Coffee along Jupiter near Makati Ave. The Sagada Pour Over was a good way to help my stomach digest all that gastronomic goodness. 

Bo's Coffee Tambay

Gerald was able to catch up

This is one of my favorite branches as it is almost never too crowded and they are open 24/7. There were people doing work and brainstorming about what seemed to be a new business plus some friends catching up. Lou schooled me here about KPOP and Gerald was able to be there on time for our last few stops.

Fourth Stop: Commune 2.0

At the soon to be Commune 2.0

It's still closed but we walked so that Lou could see where the new Commune would be. Yes, we love Commune and we eagerly await its reopening in this new area of Makati.

Last Stop: Kanto Freestyle Breakfast

Kanto Freestyle Breakfast day ender. Hello The Soshal Network!

My usual order

I can't remember the time but it was already way past midnight when we decided to drive this time to Kapitolyo for the real nightcap. A filling and affordable nightcap.