Written by Jayrene Cruz
Photos by Eunice Hernandez
Here’s a feeling we’re all familiar with: it’s the weekend and you had a rough week. You arrive at the old family house and on the dining table is a feast. Lola’s classic adobo, tito’s spicy sisig, and mom’s version of the best caldereta. In a distant you hear the booming voices of your uncles and the high pitched laughter of your aunts. You give out a sigh—it’s going to be the best day in a long time.
But…what about those days you’re simply missing that homey feeling?
In the advent of coffee crawling and brunch hang-outs, it’s rare to find a place that fuses the good things you search for in a food joint: ambiance, service, food, coffee, cocktails, etc. More so, it’s difficult to find one that gives you a feeling.
Bluesmith Coffee and Kitchen offers exactly that—the good things and the feeling. Actually, Bluesmith has Equatorial Coffee in Katipunan to thank for its foundations. But, all good things must grow. Hence, its owners developed a concept that now includes the homey and comfortable experience we are all familiar with—but better. As their tagline boasts: “Better than your favorite.” Today, we more commonly associate this arrangement with our favorite “b” word. Brunch.
In the newly opened Ayala Malls The 30th in Meralco Avenue, Pasig City, we find Bluesmith’s second branch among other new concept establishments. Originating from Chino Roces, Makati, their primary visitors, though highly diverse, comprise more of the working class and young professionals. Furthermore, expanding in Greenbelt is in the works.
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The Coffee
Their cup of Joe hails from different origins such as Singapore, Melbourne, and Japan. The goal is to unearth “what’s out there” and tailor it to the Philippine market. Currently, Bluesmith coordinates with a partner roaster in developing their specialty coffee menu that is similar to Equatorial Coffee. However, Miguel Macaalay, Bluesmith’s operations head, spills that establishing an in-house roaster is forthcoming.
The Kitchen
Think home cooked goodness. That’s what constitutes Bluesmith’s brunch and dinner menu: the middle ground between fancy and daily. Its food is a variation between American and Filipino cuisine where the focus is to develop meals deemed as comfort food.
Wagyu Burger, P380
Pan-fried Chicken in Salted Egg, P290
Chicken-Fried Steak, P420
Chicken Mushroom Risotto, 360
And their day-long breakfasts:
The Scramble, P290
Mr. Ben, P320
Eggs Inferno, P290
The Mixes
Since Bluesmith’s branch at Ayala Malls The 30th opens at 11 o’clock in the morning and closes at 10 o‘clock in the evening, its peak hours begin in the afternoon and lasts until closing—raising the demand for cocktails. The bar offers 12 selections of cocktails that features artisanal ingredients such as rosemary and cucumber, among others.
Bluesmith Coffee and Kitchen provides a good formula of ambiance, food, coffee and cocktails. Due to its multifaceted character, Bluesmith is able to offer the overall experience where brunching is best experienced.
Bluesmith Coffee and Kitchen
Ayala Malls The 30th, Meralco Ave., Pasig City
11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
www.facebook.com/bluesmithck/
