I've shared about Caffe Bene before.  This time I got to visit their Valero branch which is more accessible for me. 

It is more modest in terms of space than its pioneer branch in Eastwood and a bit conspicuous because it's not found inside a mall.  But, I like it more because not being so crowded offers more tranquility.  It also has a nice al fresco area.

As expected, there's their trademark clock made to look like a smile.


The interiors are the same as any Caffe Bene store.

It has shelves with cute displays of books and plants.

And, they have cute pillows to provide more comfort.  I didn't notice this before.
 
They also sell their own line of merchandise.

The chiller has more offerings now.

The gelato tempted me but I opted to try something new instead.

Drinks

Frappes (Ice Blended): Coffee-Free

♥ Misugaru Regular (160 php)

Hot Misugaru Latte Regular (150 php) and Iced Misugaru Latte Regular (150 php)

You can also have your Misugaru in Latte form in Hot or Cold.  I got to try the Iced Misugaru Latte.  It felt a bit dry and difficult for me to drink.  I prefer the Misugaru Frappe which gives a nice smooth consistency making it delightful to sip.


Food

Bakery

♥ Classic Liege Waffle (95 php)

The Classic Liege Waffle is a type of Belgian waffle.  This version is impressive.  It is dusted with powdered sugar with crisp on the outside and soft in the inside.

Honey Bread

♥ Caramel Cinnamon Honey Bread (175 php)

I loved the Choco Banana Honey Bread before, so I wanted to try their Caramel Cinnamon
Honey Bread this time.  It was just as good! 


Sandwiches

♥ Korean Spicy Tuna Sandwich (135 php)

The highlight of my visit are the new sandwiches!  The Korean Spicy Tuna Sandwich is the bomb!  It's a crunchy and light ciabatta bread sandwich with tuna in Gochujang sauce, egg, lettuce and cheese.  It's got the addictive spicy kick that will make you want to bite some more.

Pork Bulgogi Sandwich (165 php)

If you're looking for something sweet and savory then the Pork Bulgogi Sandwich is for you.  It's very rich in flavor that I bet even kids would gladly indulge in it.

Smoked Salmon and Herbed Cream Cheese Sandwich (195 php)

If you don't want to try their more exciting and adventurous Korean-inspired variants, you can go for the classic Smoked Salmon and Herbed Cream Cheese Sandwich.  It has a fulfilling serving of bold tasting smoked salmon slices, capers and herbed cream cheese sandwiched between extra crunchy baguettes.

Chicken and Mushroom Pesto Sandwich (165 php)

If you're looking for a leaner option, the Chicken and Mushroom Pesto Sandwich is for you.  It's got grilled chicken bits, sliced shitake mushrooms in herby pesto spread.  


Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
There's definitely something more to try at Caffe Bene.  I can't wait to be back and try their other offerings.  I'm glad they now have more branches too. 

My mom, little sisters and I are huge Korean nobela fans.  In fact, one of the biggest necessities in our home are a box of tissue and internet.  When my little sisters come home after work, they'd watch an episode of some subtitled Korean drama online.  And they'd be "kilig" over it and then cry... thus, the tissue.  On the other hand,  as a logical type of person, I also try to watch them from time to time because it makes me familiar with feelings.

One of the Korean cafes featured in Korean shows is Caffe Bene.  So when we spotted it in Eastwood City Walk, we couldn't pass up the chance to try it.   We have always been an easy bait for "As Seen on TV" stuff anyway. =p

It had the same interior as its Korean counterparts delivering a cozy woody ambiance.  It had a very inviting view from the outside that one can't help but be lured in.

On the first floor is the counter and a couple of tables. 


The second floor had a more comfortable feel to it.  But, both areas are packed when we arrived so we had to wait awhile.

Hyun Bin as Kim Joo-won in Secret Garden

One of their endorsers is the famous Hyun Bin!  He was so appealing with his mysterious and ominous character that turns romantic in his role as Kim Joo-won in Secret Garden. 

Song Seung-heon (송승헌) from Autumn in My Heart with Han Ye-seul (한예슬) from Forbidden Love

Also, Song Seung-heon from one of the best Korean dramas of all time, Autumn in My Heart.  I'm sure he made you teary eyed!  I wonder why Forbidden Love did not become famous here in the Philippines but it is definitely one of the most unforgettable dramas for me.  Han Ye-seul played her role well.

Jang Keun-suk (장근석) from Mary Stayed Out All Night and You're Beautiful

I have yet to watch him in Love Rain but it looks interesting too even though some say it's a lot similar to Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.  But aren't most romance dramas and movies?  So yeah, I'm pretty sold with Jang Keun-suk drinking a cup of Caffe Bene coffee.


Oops! Sorry about the sidetrack...  It's all those romance dramas' fault that girls are hopeless romantic right? ^_^  Let's get back to the topic.  Caffe Bene had a chiller filled with enticing gelato.

They also have cakes, pastries and drinks. 

After ordering and paying at the counter, we were handed our buzzer.  

Drinks

Coffee

Caffe Latte Regular (110 php) and Caffe Mocha Regular (125 php)

My brother who doesn't want to load too much caffeine at night ordered the Caffe Latte.  On the hand, my caffeine addicted little sister chose the Caffee Mocha.  Both of them seemed please with their drinks.

♥ Cappucino Regular (110 php)

My mom had the Cappucino and again, she was impressed!


Bene Gelato (Italian Gelato)

Green Tea Single Gelato (95 php)

My youngest sister who isn't fond of caffeinated beverages, opted for the Green Tea Gelato.  It was delicious but I personally prefer a stronger flavor.

Bingsu (Iced Parfait)

Coffee Bingsu Large (195 php)

I tried the Coffee Bingsu.  I just have a soft spot for cold treats so this was the obvious option for me.  The fine and smooth shaved ice, crunchy cocoa flakes, beans and creamy coffee gelato transformed this into a magical treat! This was so good, I wanted it all for myself. =p

Bakery (Freshly Made)

Honey Bread

♥ Choco Banana Honey Bread (155 php)

Seeing honey breads on almost all the diners' tables made us add this on our order.  It was my first time to try a Korean style toast which they refer to as honey bread.  The Choco Banana Honey Bread is a big thick slice of bread cut into cubes and topped with nuts, banana, whipped cream, cocoa powder, sugar powder and chocolate chips.  It also had chocolate syrup underneath.  Although I'm not a toast lover, I enjoyed this. 

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
We're so fortunate that Caffe Bene is now here in the Philippines.  I definitely see why it's one of Seoul's coolest cafe with over 800 branches there with a total of more than 1,000 stores internationally.  If only this was nearer to our place, I'm sure my family would frequent it.  The price is also quite reasonable given the great ambiance and product quality.