Another cup of

coffee please
By Dennis Dungao
(First of four part series)

The Kapampangans love affair with coffee goes beyond the boundary of modern
times. It was said that coffee, whether it be beans-- the traditional barako or
Sangle Abias (fried rice grains blackened to perfect brown and black) was so
popular during the olden times it keeps the kalan on every household smoking
for the rest of the day and night--- non-stop their coffee drinking habit it was.
The popularity of gourmet coffee became more evident with the opening of the
Starbucks franchise in the mid-nineties and Seattles Best in 2000. From then on,
concept coffee shops began to mushroom all over the country and Angeles City
is a hub of these stylishly decorated and innovative cafe, catering to the needs of
the modern market.
In a way, the desire for coffee has never been absent--- the ever-pleasant aroma
of coffee, whether it be brewing or plain scalding on the pot has never really lost
its classic appeal to the Kapampangan tongue.
In this four-part series, Sun Star is going to review four coffee shop that has been
making waves in the market lately--- fusing just about anything from the cafes of
Europe and the Americas, to the localized concept. Although no coffee bean is
grown in the region, popular plantations in the cool mountains of the north and
south to Batangas supply Pampanga this caprice and ardor--- to quell its
unquenchable thirst for coffee.
Le Veranda, Esatto Caffe, Northern Brew and The Coffee Outlet are
Kapampangan originals. They offer the classic goodness of life--- serve over a
cup and brewed--- preferably so.

Over at Highway lies coffee delights

Dr. Mario and Graciela Munoz, with partners Ipe and Corazon Enriquez
established Le Veranda in 2004. Located at the ground floor of Tri-Mart
Commercial Building in McArthur Highway at Barangay Salapungan, Le Veranda
is the total definition of an Italian concept caf fused into the Kapampangan
interpretation of good taste.
Being a compulsive traveler, Graciela Munoz made her coffee shop to look like a
street side Italian caf-ristorante--- the ones you see over in films shot either in
Rome, Venice, or Milan. The outdoors umbrellas, colored moss green, adds

panache to its exterior, while decors from Africa, Europe and the Middle East
were encased on the wooden shelves within its interior. Paintings, depicting
places from Little Italy in New York to New Orleans, as dim lights put a romantic
glow to the place, especially at night.
Le Veranda caters to the upper and middle-end market, but they have a strong
following of college students from nearby Angeles University Foundation. Banner
offering is Wi-Fi connection; Le Veranda is a certified hotspot. You can bring
along your laptop and browse through the net wireless while sipping gourmet
coffee and munch just about anything from nachos, panini, even grilled pork
chops--- youre one lucky student, I hope you get high marks. Le Veranda is the
classiest coffee shop there is along the Highway district.

To bite the Italian tongue

Chef Froilan Cruz, a known aficionado in gourmet offerings was the menu
consultant when Le Veranda first opened its doors. House chef is Rogel Bautista
while Ron Coronel is the chief coffee barista.
At Le Veranda, the smell of brewing coffee is but all too pervading; this alone
would be a delightful encounter. To get a taste of the Italian la dolce vida (the
sweet life), start with the Veranda Salad, over a Panini Portifino. Make it heartier
with servings of Gambas Ajillo---fried in garlic, sauted with bell pepper and
mushroom. Then wash it all down with Black Forest Coffee. Baked Mussels with
garlic butter glaze and Mixed Seafood are also recommended items, or how
about Lengua Mechado?
Although Le Veranda wants to be known for its coffee and pasta culture--surprisingly, it also serves grilled treats on its entre. Burgers, steaks and others
are also serve here. Wine and beer is available. Carla Castro makes the cakes
and pastries.
Of course, the coffee base smoothies, other cold drinks, and fruit shakes
shouldnt be overlooked. Imported Da Vinci Syrup that has caramel, vanilla and
other flavors enhance all these sweet drinks.
Le Veranda would be an enjoyable dining experience--- this I strongly believe, as
strong as espresso. Credit cards are even accepted!
Let me blow you an Italian farewell for I cant wait to have another cup of coffee
at Le Veranda that is ciao!
(Note: the next review would be Esatto Caffe)

For comments and suggestions, mail the author, supremo_babaylan@yahoo.com