If you ask me, books and coffee are the best wingmen to a relaxing day. Like Cebu’s siomai and pusô, a warm cup of coffee and a hardbound book (well, a paperback is also fine) can be a good pairing to start your day and to seize the night away. Good thing there’s Books & Brews Café, a safe haven for both book worms and coffee lovers, just like me.
Hope For The Book Worms, Wings For The Coffee Lovers
Books & Brews Café is indeed an escape from the very hectic Mango Avenue in Cebu. Situated in the parking lot of Mango Square Mall, the place is quiet and far away from the buzz of the biz. The interior is so calming, and of course, the fragrance of coffee is all over the place.
I went there early, making sure that I won’t get stuck in the Mango Avenue traffic. As I enter the place, the white walls are very welcoming, and the brown chairs put an accent to the already tranquil coffee shop. I sat near the glass to get enough light for my flat lay photos. I settled, and pull out my MacBook Air to start working on my blog. But then, the smell of coffee started calling me, and I decided to place an order and went to the counter.
They offer a huge variety of coffee and cold drinks. So, I fancy a frappuccino served in a mason jar that is so right for the atmosphere. I also got a cookie to sample what they’ve got. To my surprise, it was placed on a wooden box tray. The items are, shall I say, gorgeous, they are so perfect for Instagram.
A Fancy Workspace For Bloggers
After taking a photo for Instagram, I started working on my blog. Then, friends started arriving and they, too, ordered something to eat and drink.
They have a decent Internet connection. During my first time there, however, I was using my own mobile Internet, so I haven’t asked them for their WiFi password. I will be going back soon so I can try their Internet and will update this portion of my blog entry.
ALSO READ: How To Start Your Blog
We were having a meeting with my fellows from Cebu Content Creators. That what the time when we started planning for our first blogging workshop. While waiting for the rest to arrive, I slowly went to the back to check the shelves of books over books. To my surprise, the titles were outrageous. They even got one of my favorite Greek and Roman Mythology book, Bulfinch’s The Age of Fable.
I started to run my fingers on the collection and saw some volumes of Terry Goodkind’s The Sword of Truth series. Get away. Quick. Whenever I drop by to the nearest book store or visit the mall and never miss to check out what’s in store at National Bookstore or Fully Booked, I always try to avoid entering. It is my the reason that when I see piles of books on display, deep inside I would start salivating, literally. Being there, encountering the books in front of me, I have tried to move away; but I couldn’t.
Meeting Place And Food, More Food
They have a private room at Books & Brews Café, a place ideal for meetings, gatherings, and small workshops. As we enter the room, the barista asked if we wanted to order food. And we did, without hesitations.
While waiting for the food we ordered to arrive, we decided to start our meeting. That day was productive with a lot of brainstorming about our future plans for the organizations. We were into it that we didn’t notice the time until the food started to arrive. Friends began to stand up from their respective seats when they saw the wooden trays placed on the table. As far as I am concerned, it’s for their flat lay photos for Instagram. Flat lay is life.
Here’s what I have ordered, you better check them out.
A dark chocolate brownie for something sweet.
A sandwich for something savory.
A tray of tarts and pies for everyone.
Overall Experience
Their food matches your mood. From coffee to Frappuccino, from brownies to tarts and pies, at Books & Brews, you will definitely enjoy your stay and would want to come back for more. For a very peaceful place and a spray of coffee scent, it is indeed a very relaxing coffee shop at the heart of Mango Avenue.
They also have a book reading, acoustic sessions, and music appreciation events. You better check Books & Brews Café on Facebook for the schedules.
It is located at the Ground Floor of Mango Square Mall, Juana Osmeña Street, Cebu City. For your inquiries and other questions, follow them on social media or you can give them a ring at (032) 384 1175 today. They are open Mondays to Thursdays at 10 AM to 9 PM.
On Fridays and Saturdays, they will open the same time. They will close, however, at midnight, which will give you two extra hours to enjoy good coffee, food, and relaxing ambiance over the weekends.
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