Whether I'm sipping my coffee at home, all alone, or in a packed cafe or restaurant, I prefer and expect a bit of peace and quiet while doing so. That is why I prefer my cafe visits during odd hours.
Why? It's because I like to ponder certain matters while I enjoy my hot creamy beverage and sometimes focus on a few frivolous, and some "important" matters. Of course, if I have company then it's even better. When I have company, I just hope that the conversations are at least joyful and productive. That is why I choose my company wisely.
These days, however, I'm mostly sipping my coffee at home. Which is why I haven't been posting as much. Cafe visits only come into the picture when work calls or for meet-ups. I have been cutting down on my coffee intake for a few months now. It's not because of any health reason, I just prefer a bit of moderation and prefer to pause every now and then.
For those of you who know me, and have read my posts, you know that I am, or was a regular at Tabaq Coffee. The food, service, ambiance, and community offers they have is the best in the country I'd say. Consistency is what they have, and in our country, consistency is a rare factor for restaurants.
However, recently I've been visiting Awake Coffee Roasters a bit more. Mostly for meetups.
If we consider every crucial aspect that makes a good coffee shop, then I'd say Awake Coffee Roasters is in second place, right after Tabaq. Of course, they're much newer compared to Tabaq, and they have lots to learn and implement. They'll have to add a bit of zest to stand out, and to build that brand image, but I believe they're on the right track.
In a country like ours, price does matter for the people, but sometimes, the people here would rather enjoy some good food and create memories; no matter the cost. We love food, and those momentous events of love, friendship, and happiness.
The menu matters too, what a restaurant or cafe has to offer is of great importance. Yet, trying to tick every box isn't always the solution. A cafe and brand should stick to their strengths. Tabaq does just that, and 90% of their menu has been the same as day 1. And that is why I keep going back for more, whenever I get the chance, sometimes just for nostalgia's sake.
ᴵᵐᵃᵍᵉˢ ᵃⁿᵈ ᵒᵛᵉʳᵃˡˡ ᶜᵒⁿᵗᵉⁿᵗ ᵃʳᵉ ᵐʸ ᵒʷⁿ ᵘⁿˡᵉˢˢ ᶦᵗ'ˢ ᵐᵉⁿᵗᶦᵒⁿᵉᵈ
The other day I and a few friends visited Beans & Aroma, we were mainly there for work purposes in an area nearby. But we decided to come this way for a nice cup of coffee. And I went with a classic cappuccino, and it was out of this world! The frothy texture on top, the temperature, and the taste were all to the point. And even though the place was packed and noisy, the coffee made up for it; it was worth it.
We first had lunch at the Pinewood restaurant, the outdoor spot you see above is theirs, but the coffee is at Coffee Beans Cafe. We decided not to have coffee at Pinewood because they don't specialize in coffee.
Now, the thing that keeps bugging me, is if the coffee actually was heavenly, or was it because I badly needed some coffee at that time to satiate my tastebuds and mood. Or maybe it is truly one of the best cappuccinos I've had in my lifetime?
I guess we'll have to wait and give it another go, on another day.
Till then, cheers! ☕️