I recently discovered Staple and Perk Bakery at the back of Ecoplaza Building along Chino Roces Makati.  It doesn't really have a front signage so its not really visible for passersby.  So, should you stop by for it?  Read on...

Staple and Perk Bakery is surprisingly majestic in comparison to other top-notch bakeries I've been to like WildFlour Cafe + Bakery and Lucca Bakery.
 
It is well-ventilated with its high ceiling.  It's also very bright as I noticed that it has more than adequate lighting and surrounding glass windows that allow outer light to seep in.

Just next to the counter is their chiller filled with their pastries, dips and drinks.

The place also has its artsy cutesy quirky colorfulness to it so it gives of this really refreshing, warm, hearty and cozy vibe.  Did I mention that they are open 24/7?

And, I like that they promote chilling with actual interaction because admittedly its rare for our generation.

They also serve a lot of take home goodies like cookies and biscotti.


and very affordable pastries.  To bad my family only eat whole wheat variants so I wasn't able to buy some for them.  But, I bought my mom some Ginger and Pili Biscotti and she liked it.

Being health-conscious, I really loved their preservative-free advocacy.  I hope a lot of bakeries would also follow suit.

While looking around, I left this cute giraffe doll with my table number on a table. 

Food


Hearty Meals

Flat Breads

♥ Bacon (180 php)

Well, to be honest, I've not explored much into flat breads.  But this, Bacon with pepper and cream topped over its soft and chewy dough is exactly what I've been yearning for.

Cheese (150 php)

Compared to the Bacon, the Cheese is pale in comparison although quite reasonably more affordable.


Baked Pastas

Sweet Corn & Country Ham (180 php)

The Sweet Corn & Country Ham is a light cream penne pasta topped with corn and bits of country ham.  For someone who has sensitive taste buds like me, I'm fine with the simplicity and limited sauce.  But, surely the average diner will want more flavor.  I also found the penne to be tougher than al dente.

Fried Shallots & Bacon (180 php)

The Fried Shallots & Bacon is more flavorful than the Sweet Corn & Country Ham because of the presence of the bacon bits.  But, the cream composition is quite similar.


Sandwiches

Tomato, Pesto and Kesong Puti Solo (88 php)

The Tomato, Pesto and Kesong Puti panini is simple but comforting to munch on.  It's the first time I've encountered such a combination so I'm quite amazing that they mashed really well.  Plus, as you can see the panini is grilled quite perfectly.

Fried Ham & Cheese Solo (99 php)

If you're into fried dishes, you can try the Fried Ham & Cheese which oozed with melted cheese and was served with their homemade strawberry jam.  Alone, I felt this was not worth the guilt but the strawberry jam was just so good with it.

♥ Sesame Chicken Salad Whole Solo (180 php)

My favorite among the sandwiches is the Sesame Chicken Salad.  Not only is the spread very tasty, the Ciabatta bread is so beautifully prepared as well.  If you're baking, you'd know that Ciabatta is defined more for its big and shiny holes than the flavor because it's harder to accomplish.


Braises (set comes with side salad and perk cooler)

♥ Lemon Braised Chicken Solo (150 php)

Upon first glance, I thought the Lemon Braised Chicken was a bit undercooked because of the pinkish color.  But, it was not.  In fact, it was evenly and slowly braised so it was really tender and juicy.  I really loved the Lemon Braised Chicken because the citrus flavor is mellow and well-balanced with the cream sauce.  

♥ Coconut & Peanut Braised Chicken Solo (150 php)

On the other hand, I found the Coconut & Peanut Braised Chicken quite bold and rich in taste you have to eat this with bread or rice (upon request).  It has a dominant sweet and peanuty taste. 
 

♥ Red Wine Braised Beef Set (260 php)

If you're a beef lover, you;d be glad they offer the Red Wine Braised Beef.  It actually reminds me of the Chinese dish Beef Brisket but with more sophistication because of the red wine.  The beef was very tender too.  If you order the set you get it with a Perk Cooler and a side salad: Fresh Panzanella Salad or Apple-pili Salad.

Soy Butter Braised Pork Set (260 php)

The Soy Butter Braised Pork is pork cubes swimming in soy sauce and butter oil.  Forget the guilt, butter fat is good!

Staples

Pastries

Bacon Quiche (95 php)

The Bacon Quiche was too plain for me.  Compared to other quiches I've tried, I really felt that this could be further improved.  Too be honest, I prefer French Baker's quiche over this.

Vegetable Quiche (95 php)

The Vegetable Quiche with zucchini offered lesser flavor than the Bacon Quiche.

♥ Apple Pie Bar (80 php)

I really enjoyed the Apple Pie Bar.  I've always enjoyed apple and cinnamon-based pastries and this one is pretty good because it had the right texture and sweetness.

Cinnamon & Caramel Bread Pudding (130 php)

I usually stray away from caramel containing desserts because of the overwhelming sweetness.  But, I'm quite surprised that the Cinnamon & Caramel Bread Pudding topped with cinnamon dusted whipped cream was just right for my sweet-sensitive preference.  But, I found the texture quite inconsistent perhaps due to its thickness.

Chocolate Chip Cookies (30 php), ♥ Ginger and Pili Biscotti (30 php) and Vanilla Biscotti (30 php)

I'd recommend everything in this plate:  Chocolate Chip Cookies, Ginger and Pili Biscotti and Vanilla Biscotti for those who like crunchy crumby snacks.

Cream Puffs (65 php)

Being a fan of cream puffs, I'm quite disappointed with S&P's Cream Puffs because the texture was off, the cream was too plain, the size was petite but the price was hefty - as it was more than the price standard for international brands.


Cheesecake

Dayap Cheesecake Slice (110 php)

I was expecting the Dayap Cheesecake to be more on the tangy side but since it was more like a jelly or jam form, it was actually sweet.  This won the vote of my companions.

Three Cheese Cheesecake Slice (160 php)

It's actually my first time to try a cheesecake that's more on the salty side than sweet.  The Three Cheese Cheesecake felt like a cheese pie with an exquisite dense cheese texture. 

♥ Sweet Potato Cheesecake Slice (99 php)

My favorite among the cheesecakes is the Sweet Potato Cheesecake.  I like the contrast between the dense and salty cheese and the soft, mushy and natural and mild sweetness of the sweet potato chunks.

♥ Chocolate Chunk Cheesecake Slice (130 php)

Being a chocoholic, the Chocolate Chunk Cheesecake is one of the best chocolate cheesecake I've tried!  It's dark and rich chocolate chunks are so indulgent.
 

♥ Sesame Roll, Baguette, Pandesal

I also tried some of their pastries.  I loved the Sesame Roll the most because they are very generous with the sesame seeds.


Perks

Ice Blended

Mixed Berries (150 php)

For my perks (which is what they refer to their drinks), I chose the Mixed Berries.  I liked that it was very creamy and not too sweet but it wasn't anything extraordinary.

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Staple and Perk Bakery is a great addition to the hidden restaurants along Chino Roces.  I'd definitely swing by when in the area.  The price is very affordable (albeit for some items) given their fresh, quality and hearty products and the ambiance is a place where  can chill for hours long.  The staffs are also very friendly and the owner himself is very passionate and hands-on.  I think this place is very promising.  In fact, they are already a concessionaire for many establishments.

La Rose Noire has rapidly grown from its humble beginning as a 30 seats restaurant and cake shop in a shopping mall in Hongkong to one of the biggest supplier of pastries. It  now employs more than 200 staff members at its original production centre in Kowloon Bay and over 600 employees in Dongguan, South China.   In 2012, La Rose Noire Philippines, the latest HACCP standard factory of La Rose Noire, was strategically placed in Clark Free Port.



The La Rose Noire Philippines is not open to public so we were quite fortunate to view and sample their products.  



Each product was presented and explained to us by their Malaysian brand manager Dennis Khor.  Their products are sold frozen.  They indicate the temperature requirement, preparation instruction and shelf life of each product to ensure that the consumers can enjoy their products at their best.  The trays and holders are all sold upon request at cost price. 


 Premium Hand Made Cake Tart Shells and Extra Mini Tart Shells
Being hand crafted, the tart edges are smooth even when you bite them.  I was able to try one of their savory extra mini tart shells (distinguished by having black sesame on them) that are shaped in mini drops.  It was Tomato flavored.  Aside from being delicious, I was impressed at how the shells crumble delicately in every bite.

Passion Cones

The Passion Cones are finger painted on both sides which you can observe from their fine finish.  I tried the Italian Pesto with White flakes.  I was impressed with the flavor and fresh crispy texture.




Vegetarian Quiche

The Vegetarian Quiche are placed on the extra mini tart shells.  I was able to try the Forest Mushroom which had truffle oil.  I loved it!  

Petits Fours
The Petits Fours are also placed on the extra mini tart shells.  Every variant is interesting!  I tried the Apricot Cheese Cake and liked it.  It has a mellow tanginess to it so it wasn't too sweet like treats like this.

Hand-Crafted Macaron


My favorite is the Hand-Crafted Macaron.  I've actually seen this being sold for a hefty price at Santis.  I'm surprised when they told me it costs only 29 php.  I tried the Pistachio and Chocolate.  The pistachio was very light for me.  The Orange and Chocolate was more flavorful.   I love the texture of their macaron and the sweetness is just right.

Danish



Croissant
They offer 2 kinds of croissant mix: VIP and Regular.  The different is butter used and the layers. 

VIP (darker brown on the left) and Regular (on the right)

Trying the VIP has drastically changed my appreciation for croissants.  I still could not get over biting through its thin and fine golden brown shell and its very light and airy multi-layers. 

Bread

Muffins
The muffin mix and the crumbs are sold separately.

The mixes will be available here in 2015.  Their also planning to a La Rose Noire Pâtisserie in the Fort area.  I can't wait for that!

Other Metro Angeles Food Tour (#MAFT2014) Posts
Abe's Farm
Angeles Fried Chicken 
Binulo Restaurant
Cottage Kitchen Cafe
Historic Camalig Restaurant
Mother's Cake House
Prism Lounge
Sab Bistro
Salt Restaurant (Breakfast Buffet)
Disclosure:  This review is part of the Metro Angeles Food Tour (#MAFT2014) organized by pinasmuna.com that aims to promote the local partner establishments in Angeles City Pampanga by sharing our objective review.  Everything we tried was provided for that purpose.

Our last stop before heading home during our last visit at UP Town Center is Lucca Bakery.

 There's something about its tribal sign that drew us in.


Then we saw their display of pastries so we got hooked.

The cakes looks luscious but we were intending to buy something for next day's breakfast so we skipped this.

♥ Shepherd Pie (85 php), Creamy Chicken Pie (85 php) and Wild Mushroom Quiche (75 php)

We tried the Shepherd Pie (85 php), Creamy Chicken Pie (85 php) and Wild Mushroom Quiche (75 php).  The pricing is a bit expensive.  We liked the Shepherd Pie while the rest were just okay. 




They offer good ambiance so we'll probably try their dishes some time.

Other Reviews at UP Town Center
Cafe Shibuya
Casa Verde
Dulcelin Gourmet
Ginza Bairin
Tokyo Tonteki

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
I'd love to try out more of Lucca Bakery's offerings.  The quality is premium which you can already assume from the price.  Any idea what's their best-sellers?