Epic Coffee Roastery

"The next EPIC thing to rock Kapitolyo, Pasig City since POCO DELI!" 

Cool Caption don't you agree? This is a fact and not just a self-proclaimed tag-line, as proven by the dynamic duo of business (and husband and wife) partners Joy and Sonny De Leon, who transformed Poco Deli into a by-word for fine quality food. Take two for this Power Couple as they dip their gastronomic hands this time in the realm of Coffee and everything caffeine with the opening of EPIC COFFEE ROASTERY.

A top-of-the-line ASTORIA 2-group Espresso Machine, home made pastries, signature dishes and espresso-based drinks powered no less by STASERO Flavored Syrups go hand-in-hand with the apt interiors they themselves conceptualized, designed and executed. All these effortlessly equate to Sweet S-U-C-C-E-S-S!

What a great Christmas treat it was for me to be hand-picked to train their enthusiastic staff and crew in conceptualizing their "drinks menu." Though I'm always up for the challenge, part of me was nervous given the excellent reputation of this couple in the food business. The bar is definitely high, thus MUST NOT DISAPPOINT was my frame of mind entering the "arena."

After several hours of trials and sampling we finally came up with THREE "to-die-for" drinks: Matcha Green Tea Frappe, Sea-Salt Caramel Mocha Over Ice, AND their very own EPIC Frappe.

Don't take my word for it, head on down to EPIC Cafe and witness the golden taste buds of Joy and Sonny at its best!

* Epic Cafe is in the same row as POCO Deli, you can't miss it!

Caffeinated Xmas Gift Box

LOVELY!!! Most certainly an instant pick-me-upper (and post caffeine rush once consumed) when you open this Christmas package.

Though not really up our alley, it is next to impossible to turn down a favor from our avid supporter and Boss Ms. Sydney Go, STUDIO SnR's dynamic Director for Marketing, who asked us to come up with a Gift Box for her to give away to preferred clients and close industry allies. Something different, most definitely fresh, best off something to cherish (and not recycled) once possessed. Presto Pronto, BOYD's Coffee 200grams Espresso Italiano paired with 2 x 50ml STASERO Flavored Syrups.

Now to find out who's been naughty or nice in Sydney's list... Happy Holidays from STUDIO SnR  and FAR SKYES ENTERPRISE!

Coffee, Tea, By ME! Pocket Workshop

The THIRD installment of the highly-successful COFFEE, TEA BY ME! WORKSHOP of Studio SnR can't seem to push thru... We're definitely NOT lacking in participants, those interested simply can't find a common time of convenience for it to take flight.

True to Studio SnR's ode to Total Learning Satisfaction, we decided to facilitate several "Pocket Workshops" in order to satisfy our participants' varying time of convenience. Expect the same fun, creative and best of all educational way of seeking knowledge in preparing popular Caffeinated and Creamy beverages (and more), yet in a toned-down and more private setting. A maximum of 6 participants per session will be accommodated, making it easier for crafty home entertainers, enthusiasts and start-up (even existing) cafe's/tea salons to actively participate.


BIG" Thank You!!!" no less to the Pocket Workshops' set of Brand Partners, for their unconditional support, generosity, and full belief in Studio SnR's aims. Cheers to learning!

JURA Espresso Machines

BLUE NOTES Single Origin Coffee

ALESSI Italian Design Store

BOYD COFFEE

STASERO Flavored Syrups & Sauces  

FAR SKYES Frappe Powders & Industrial Blenders

Pocket Workshop Dates are as follows:

August 6 to 10, 13 to 16,
Choose your preferred time slot: 9:00 AM - 12:00PM or  1:30PM - 4:30PM

Sign up now, call STUDIO SnR Workshop now 5845988, 0917-5349523. Spreading the caffeinated and creamy love, one drink at a time....♥

Gavino's Donuts

After dinner last night we finally had the chance to visit the "rapidly-gaining popularity" gimmick place called Greenhills Town Center, and mind you it is quite a distance from THE already-famous Greenhills Shopping Complex. This modest strip-mall houses several good-eats, but what caught our fancy was this new donut shop named GAVINO'S (on soft opening). Catchy name/logo, whimsical interior, inviting menu!

The place was packed not only with patrons, but also with Donuts in all flavors and shapes possible: from Basic (Pon De Ring);  Premium (Premium Pon De Ring); to Extra Special (Pon De Ball). So little tummy space, so many Donuts to choose from... we finally made our pick: Choco Glazed and Triple Chocolate.

Gavino's Donuts have just the right amount of sweetness (not overly sweet compared to the "commercial" brands); best of all their unique texture is soft yet springy, giving the eater a little more time to savor each and every mouthful. The verdict - it was "love at first bite!"♥

But what good is a donut shop without good coffee to pair with it? Necessary evil is the apt-most comparison, much similar to a Lennon-McCartney song. Gavino's serves coffee (hot and cold) extracted from a semi-automatic La Speziale espresso machine and flavored using Stasero Syrups, an indication that the owners are not scrimping on cost and quality. Take your pick from a simple espresso, to cappuccino, to the house specials Caramel Macchiato, Toffee Nut Latte and Hazelnut Latte. For the kids and kids-at-heart (a.k.a. adults with cardio problems, hahaha!) Milk Tea is also a staple, from the Classic Milk Tea to the Rock Salt and Cheese varieties. There's just something for everyone in this happy place!

Donuts freshly made, an open kitchen
where the magic happens!

Check them out:

Gavino's Donuts.Coffee.Milktea
Unit 5 Greenhills Town Center
#2 Granada St., Brgy. Valencia,
Quezon City
Tel: 09228358076

Coffee, Tea By ME Workshop

Take-part in this fun and interactive "Coffee Talk" led by yours truly and learn the art and science behind making HAND-CRAFTED gourmet coffee (and non-coffee) concoctions in the comforts of one's home or office...

Far Skyes Enterprise, in cooperation with Studio SnR invite to you a 3-hour active workshop entitled: "COFFEE, TEA BY ME!" on September 30, 2011, from 2-5pm (www.nipponesthetic.com/studiosnr); which covers everything from ingredients sourcing, beverage preparation, formulations, and possible recipe variations!  It is tailored to challenge coffee pros, discriminating enthusiasts, or those who simply want to learn how to make a mean joe!

Sample their coffee beans while picking-up useful tips and techniques in brewing the perfect cup from Boyd Coffee Philippines.... the leading coffee roaster in the country!

Test drive the latest SAECO automatic espresso machines,  IMARFLEX heavy-duty blenders and other cool gadgets from Evergood Marketing...

Be amazed by the endless possibilities, flavorful permutations and combinations you can concoct using STASERO Flavored Syrups, Flavored Sauces and Frappe Powders!

A dream-team workshop assembled.... what more could you ask for ??!

Oh, as an added treat get a chance to be a lucky participant simply by becoming a follower of this blog: farskyes.blogspot.com;  and write a comment as to why you are the lucky one...!

Come one come all... Coffee Drinks Galore!!!!

Gelato Affogato

AFFOGATO in the Italian lingo literally means "Drowned."  The ever-popular dessert  GELATO AFFOGATO  is a combination of vanilla ice cream with robust, piping hot espresso. Not only is this recipe a cinch to prepare, it is also dramatically irresistible...

But proceed with caution; make sure you use the best quality ice cream and coffee available to bring out the full glory of this easy preparation.

Ingredients: (to make 1 serving)

- 2 shots Espresso (I prefer FAR SKYES Premium Roast Arabica), about 50ml

- 2 scoops Vanilla Ice Cream

Procedure:

1) Place 2 scoops Vanilla Ice Cream into a small coffee or espresso cup

2) Top with double-shot of espresso and serve immediately

Oh, as a final advice:  after every spoonful don't forget to take time and bask in the mouthfeel of contrasting texture and changing temperature...

Flavored Gelato Affogato

To make this variation, simply add a tablepspoon (15ml) of your favorite flavored syrup (my favorites are Stasero Hazelnut, Stasero Cherry and Stasero White Chocolate) to the Affogato.

* You can do an adult (spiked) variation by adding your favorite liqueur such as - Sambuca, Amaretto, Frangelico, or Bailey's. 1-tablespoon per serving.

Fizzy Pops

Carbonated juices or Sodas have been a regular staple (a huge favorite in fact) at parties and widely enjoyed with meals. Known for its fun flavors and fizzy finish, the "soft drink" transcends all social classes and age groups, and is considered a healthier alternative to "hard drink" which contains alcohol.

Being bored with the usual variety offered in leading groceries, and at the height of summer season,  I decided to formulate my own soda pop, spiking 7-up with Stasero Mango and Kiwi syrups.

Here's how I prepared  it...

1) Mango-Bellini (12-ounce) *mock tails

- fill a 12 ounce glass with ice

- pour 1/2 ounce (15ml) Stasero Mango Syrup

- fill the glass with 7-up, soda water, or sparkling wine

2) Kiwi Fizz

Repeat the same procedure, just substitute Mango Syrup with Kiwi Syrup....

Serve and enjoy! Let your creative juices flow...