Cafe Shibuya at UP Town Center

Our friends Jon & Cathy, Berry's Ninong & Ninang, and their in-laws opened Cafe Shibuya in UP Town Center back in October, and we've been meaning to go ever since, except that something always turns up and our plans to go to Quezon City always gets foiled.

So by the time we finally made it there, I had already heard so much about Cafe Shibuya, I knew we were definitely in for a treat! 

Cafe Shibuya is named after their Shibuya Toast, which is a Japanese version of a French toast. Decadent and indulgent when eaten with ice cream & fruits on top, slathered with Nutella or drizzled with honey, Cafe Shibuya's bread alone is so soft, and tasty, it can stand by itself. It's that good.

I told Jon they should start selling their bread, I would happily eat it for breakfast everyday.

It is not surprising that most people I know who have been there think of it as a dessert place, especially since their "There's always room for dessert" wall is the most photographed corner in almost all the blogs and Instagram photos I have seen.

More so because people often stop by after lunch or dinner, for their best seller, the Ghirardelli Triple Dark Chocolate Frappe.

Ghirardelli Triple Dark Chocolate Frappe

Yes, they have the license from Ghirardelli to use and prepare their hot chocolate and coffee drinks the Ghirardelli way.

But more than just sweet drinks and desserts, Dada & I loved their savory dishes as well. You really do have to try their Savory Toasts, as the chalk board suggests.

This, we loved. The fried poached egg with smoked salmon. O.M.G. This is what brunch is all about.

Berry had the Spaghetti al Tonno - tuna, capers and olives in a tomato basil sauce. Healthy and delicious.

But I really have to direct you back to their fried poached egg on Shibuya Toast. That, with a Cafe Shibuya Latte, are what Saturday brunches are made of. 

Cafe Shibuya
UP Town Center, Katipunan Avenue
Diliman, Quezon City
Telephone: +632 722 2237
Mobile: +63 947 221 3836
Sunday to Thursday 10:00 am - 10:00 pmFriday to Saturday 10:00 am - 12:00 am
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CafeShibuya

The Exchange Regency

The day after Berry's party, we spent our Sunday at The Exchange Regency in Ortigas, which is just across Benpres building. Benpres is right beside Tektite. Our friend Kat, whose family owns the hotel, asked us to try it out while it was still on dry run. Of course, we happily packed for an overnight stay and with eagle eyes, scrutinized everything, as she specifically asked, hehehe. 

So fun pala to have a job trying out and reviewing hotels no? Kat asked us to try out all the facilities, quiz the staff, and basically give them a hard time. Just kidding! We were nice no, and besides the staff at the hotel are all courteous and polite, so no complaints there. 

Plus, the lobby is so pretty:

Once we were led up to our two bedroom suite, Berry dived into the bed and scribbled on the notepad on the side table:

While I documented everything. This is the toilet - tiny, but clean and stocked with toiletries.

Here's the kitchenette and dining area. I think a suite like this would be perfect for staycations, or transiting balikbayan families or a group of friends from abroad who want to stay in Ortigas before heading out of town.

This is the living room, see the Benpres building behind the window?

This is at the 3rd floor, where the pool, jacuzzi, function room, gym, putting green and kids' play area are all located:

Of course, Berry had a grand time just going up and down and around the slides. That evening, Dada took her swimming and she had a blast!

The following morning, complimentary breakfast was served at Benassi. The cafe at the ground floor of  The Exchange Regency, right beside the soon to open Tully's. It's equally pretty and it has become a favorite breakfast destination. 

They serve Illy coffee as well as Saint Cinnamon buns...

And breakfast comfort food like pancakes (these were yum! A bit crunchy outside and fluffy inside. Especially yummy when paired with sausages)...

And beef tapa...

The last time we were there, at 8 am, the cafe was abuzz with the comings and goings of hotel residents as well as people from nearby offices having meetings over breakfast. Great atmosphere and energy, plus hearty breakfast dishes. A great way to spend a morning. And I am not even a morning person, haha!

My friend Pam also wrote about their stay at The Exchange Regency, HERE! And as part of her 1st year blog anniversary, one of her raffle prizes is a stay at The Exchange Regency! Bongga diba? Check out her blog, Run Around Girl!

Thanks for inviting us Kat! We enjoyed our stay! =)

For reservations and inquiries please call:

THE EXCHANGE REGENCY RESIDENCE HOTEL
Exchange Road corner Meralco Avenue
Ortigas Center, Pasig
Tel: (632) 998 0022
www.theexchangeregency.com