While Hatch Coffee has become a rising star in Baguio City, only a few outside of it has known this place, which makes it more appealing to me.
As of this writing, Hatch Coffee has been open in only a few months, yet it has already drawn loyal patrons and curious vacationers alike.
It is located in a residential area, so thank goodness for the signs that led to it. If it weren't for them, we would have spent longer hours going around Manzanillo village on Eastern Road looking for it.
I read in some posts that you had to pull a rope to ring the bell before you are let in. But we didn't have to do that when we were there.
Beyond the little black gate, we were stepping into a nice, open and sprawling garden, dotted with yoga mats, a couple of deck chairs, some outdoor dining tables, benches, and a wooden garden swing.
Despite having seen Hatch Coffee on its Instagram account, we had no idea how big it was. We had little expectations beyond seeing the images on social media.
We felt instantly relaxed the moment we entered the property. Hatch Coffee was wonderfully secluded, lush, and peaceful. We were towered by those tall pine and bamboo trees. At last, we were able to hear the ambient sounds of nature -- the gentle clapping of leaves, the chirping from the birds, and the shrilling cries from the crickets (which were the loudest).
It was a complete contrast to downtown Baguio which, quite woefully, has slowly turned into a concrete jungle. We were more than happy that we entered this "secret garden" of a coffee shop.
Although it was just minutes past its opening hour, there were already a lot of customers at the covered dining area. So instead, we happily settled at the garden dining table just near the gate area.
Ah, you know I hate dining al fresco, except when it's nighttime and/or when I'm in Baguio, or Tagaytay, or any other cool and windy place. There, I just wanted to savor its cool and comforting breeze. At first, it was cloudy, but later the sun showed up, but it was still fine for me and in fact I would love to soak up under it for some warmth.
With Clarita rice (brown rice), side salad of radish, cherry tomatoes and cilantro, and a sunny side-up egg.
With Clarita rice (brown rice), side salad of radish, cherry tomatoes and cilantro, and a sunny side-up egg.
The menu didn't say what was in the dip, but it was probably habanero-infused honey. Never thought that this combination would go well, but surprisingly, it did!
Of course, there was certainly an extreme contrast of flavors -- there was the salty, then the sweet and the spicy. But these flavors went together harmoniously, instead of clashing each other. There was obviously a party in my mouth!
I would have originally wanted the Strawberry French Toast, but it was not available. Before that, I actually saw a plate of the Strawberry French Toast that was why I wanted to order it. But probably that was the last one available. Perhaps they had just run out of strawberries or something.
We might have surprised ourselves by not ordering any hot beverage, considering that we were feeling cold already from the breeze. But curiosity won us out in the end and made us to try these two drinks.
Our curiosity, indeed, was rewarded by the unique taste of their Espresso Tonic and Strawberry Hatchata.
At first sip, the Espresso Tonic tasted like a newly opened bottle of Pepsi, where your had to find the sweetness first. Except that it was espresso-based. It was a strong, refreshing drink that brightened my taste buds! I'd take that to soft drinks any time, especially if I need a little chilled pick-me-up.
While the meals were pretty much simple, we were super-satisfied (and satiated) by them. It is the simplest things that give us comfort, after all. Fortunately, the meals were well prepared. The small cup of brown rice alone in our rice meals made us so full already. I will always love bangus! However, despite that, we still had space for the Grilled Cheese and it was delicious with the sweet-spicy honey and chili dip. Of course, it's more than the meals that you pay for, but the ambiance too.
However, we were especially bowled over by the drinks. They were delicious, reasonably priced, and different from the usual beverages we used to have. Once again, when you order the Grilled Cheese Sandwich, partner it with their "Hatchata" drinks.
Their selections, especially the eatables, are pretty limited. But of course, Hatch Coffee is still a relatively new place. Who knows, soon they will build their menu with new eats and maybe additional exciting beverages.
While we were eating, the Lab dog was mostly sitting by our side. But she (I bet it was a female) was a good girl, she didn't seem to beg for food.
Even before finishing our meal, we wanted to take a little stroll, do some picture-taking, and have a moment at the swing in-between. If only I could stay there all day long!
I must say that Hatch Coffee is worth checking out. It is an ideal refuge away from the busy lives of both Baguio denizens and tourists alike. Nature, nice garden, serenity, good food and good drink, plus you get to meet a couple of furry friends. Maybe next time we will try the hot drinks at night -- some say that the place looks more beautiful and enchanting during the evening. This secret deserves to be shared and spread!
135 Easter Road corner 1 Road,
Manzanillo, Baguio, 2600 Benguet
https://www.facebook.com/hatchcoffeeph/
@hatchcoffeeph
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