Ever since I changed my work hours, I haven’t been waking up in early mornings. However, I made one saturday an exception as I wanted to experience having breakfast at the El Pueblo branch of Cafe 1771. I’ve heard raves about this restaurant particularly its ambiance, and food. I wanted to experience it myself. Even though breakfast items could be ordered any time of the day, I still felt that doing it at real breakfast hours is the way to go!
The building where Cafe 1771 looked like an old historical building. As soon as I saw the restaurant, I was in total awe! Cafe 1771 was beautiful!!!
There are three sections of Cafe 1771. Each area had a different design and feel. It’s really up to the customers which wonderland they would want to dine in. I loved how Cafe 1771 conceptualised the whole restaurant so we could have a different experience on each visit.
The Whimsy
The Whimsy is the first one everyone sees when entering Cafe 1771. It’s a stylish cafe designed in blue, pink and white. According to people, it was like dining in a European cafe. I haven’t gone to Europe so I guess if I want to feel like I’m there, then Cafe 1771 is my place to go to 😛
I liked how they used plates as an artful display on the walls. The Whimsy is the ideal place if you want to have coffee, sandwiches, pizzas, salads or cakes. There is a display of cakes and baked goods that you can order for dine or take out. They are strategically placed at the centre counter that’s so welcoming. The Whimsy looked so much fun and elegant.
The Whimsy is also open for breakfast and serves the same menu as the Lounge.
The Lounge
Located at the left side as you enter Cafe 1771 is The Lounge which is the main dining area of the restaurant.
As I took the seat on the stylish couch and upon observing the beautiful design of the Lounge, I already knew that my early visit to Cafe 1771 was worth it! The area looked like a library in an elegant home and ornaments/picture frames were neatly placed in between the different kinds of books. The tall French windows overlook ADB avenue. The place is ideal for a group gathering, romantic date, and business meetings. Half of the Lounge can be used as a private room for twenty pax.
I was definitely relaxed while indulging on delicious breakfast and dessert offerings of Cafe 1771. I probably would sit at the Lounge again when I try their lunch and dinner offerings in the future.
The Winebar
The last area is The Winebar which I didn’t visit. Well, maybe I could in the future but during that breakfast, I was already so comfortable eating and talking with friends at the Lounge. I bet, the Winebar (located at the 2nd floor) is a place that customers, mostly professionals from nearby office would hang out at night and drink alcohol.
You see, I had to spend some time describing the ambience of Cafe 1771 because it was worth it! The place itself was so pretty that I had to share to everyone. I appreciated all the work the owners put into making the restaurant a nice and cozy place to dine in.
It’s not just the place that is worth raving about but the food itself! Our group were able to sample their breakfast dishes as well as desserts. We were all sharing our orders so it felt like a mini buffet on our table. At the end of the meal, I was actually so full that I ended up eating lunch at around 3PM (we had breakfast at 8am)!
The Food
- Melted Kesong Puti (Php 200)
The dish looked plain looking but when you take a bite, you are in for a big surprise! That was exactly what I felt when I ate the dish. It was oozing with flavour from the guava jelly that was put on the pan de sal. One order of this includes a native chocolate drink.
- Eggs Florentine in a Boat (Smoked Salmon – Php 440, Homemade Ham – Php 380)
Probably one of the prettier plating for a breakfast dish, it’s poached organic eggs (take note: organic), and creamed spinach over a puff pastry boat topped with hollandaise, served with side salad and a choice of: homemade ham and smoked salmon. Our group have chosen smoked salmon as the main ingredient. While it wasn’t raw, I always had this impression that salmon was always eaten fresh and raw so I didn’t dare try this dish. Even though it looked really delish! Just look at the picture!
- Hole in One Corned Beef (Php 350)
Served with a choice of wheat bread or plain rice is the Corned beef hash and fried egg. I would assume that this dish was made from scratch. While I appreciate it, I think I’m so used to canned corned beef that I didn’t like this dish much. I felt it was a bit on the dry side. Maybe, it was just me. I know I’m weird sometimes 😛
- Adobo Flakes Fried Rice (Php 250)
After trying out the adobo flakes fried rice and the other Filipino dish we ordered, I knew that Cafe 1771 perfected their Filipino breakfast menu! It was THAT good!!!!
Basically, the adobo flakes fried rice is a combination of garlic fried rice and chicken adobo, pork adobo, and spring onions with a fried egg on top. I now have a certain fondness for mixed fried rice. We are so used to having the adobo on the side but I found out after eating Cafe 1771’s version that the mixed one is actually better!
Another favourite in our table was the beef tapa dish. The important thing when eating tapa is that the meat should be tender and moist. That was exactly what we got so this was a definite winner!
There are two types of Croques served in Cafe 1771: The Croque Monsieur and the Croque Madame. A good naming, right? I also agree that the Croque Madame is the way to go considering that it has the sunny side egg on top. Of course, if you’re not fond of eggs then Croque Monsieur will be your choice.
It’s a traditional ham and cheese sandwich that was baked with layers of ham and gruyere cheese topped with creamy bechamel sauce and more cheese. A salad was served on the side. This dish is a popular one in Cafe 1771 though I admit that it wasn’t my favourite among the ones that we tried but still, a good dish.
Love fruits? Then order this fruit parfait which is a fun way to eat different kinds of fruits. It’s mixed fruits with muesli and honey yogurt.
The Desserts
When it was finally time for us to eat desserts, I was already so full and satisfied with the meal. With the ff. dishes, I just had a small bite of each cake. I wish to sample them more when having a relaxing coffee or snacks with friends next time!
The spoon and fork design on the plate was too cute! Chateau 1771’s signature dessert is the coffee pie. A coffee filling on chocolate-cashew crust, cream topping & toffee sauce. It was a good thing that I wasn’t hungry or else I think, one order of this cake would not be enough for me 😛
A blend of cream cheese mousse with fresh strawberries and crispy feuillentine. This dessert was a DELIGHT! Oh my gosh, just one spoonful of this would melt in your mouth! You’ll feel & taste the creaminess and I super loved the flavour of this dish! I’m not really fond of cakes but this one, I can eat over and over!
Last but definitely not the least, is the Amandelle. It is milk chocolate mousse in between layers of orange creme brulee and caramelized apricot and almond dacquoise. You’ll love this cake considering that Cafe 1771 was generous with the chocolate. BTW, while the cakes are good for one, you can actually share it with the group. I would suggest ordering different kinds of cake then consume as a group.
What a great way to start a day, indulging on great food at an excellent, cozy and relaxing environment. If you don’t mind spending a bit more for the perfect breakfast experience, then you must head on over to Cafe 1771 at El Pueblo. It’s a nice foodie experience that you would want to have again and again. Do not forget to order their Filipino breakfast, it was soooooo good (read: adobo flakes fried rice).
Cafe 1771 is under the same group as Chateau 1771 (Greenbelt 5) and Sentro 1771 (Serendra Fort).
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Cafe 1771
El Pueblo Real de Manila, Dona Julia Vargas Ave, Ugong, Pasig, Philippines
+63-2-6317340
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