National Bookstore has always been the leading bookstore in the country. But with the likes of Fully Booked taking the bookstore game up a notch, holding events, film viewings, classes and building in house cafes, I was sure it will only take time before NB joins the bandwagon.
Just recently, I was able to discover a quaint little coffee shop in one of the buildings along Pioneer Street in Mandaluyong City named Books & Beans. It stands right beside a National Bookstore branch, which is also apparently the headquarters of the popular bookstore.
When I first found out about Books & Beans, I immediately decided to check on their menu. They've got a slew of different caffeinated drinks, fruit shakes and milkshakes, plus an assortment of desserts and rice meals. Prices aren't as steep compared to cafes like UCC, Starbucks or Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf.
The place, as I've mentioned earlier, is simple and quaint - a pretty good alternative to other shops and restos. It's got a cute little bar where they take your order, with small stacks of books on shelves. Not too mainstream but not hipster enough either.
I only got to try their Iced Almond Roca when I swung by. There wasn't anything spectacular about the drink - just plain iced coffee with an aftertaste of almond. A little too sweet for my liking, to be honest. I had the drink to go so I'm still unsure of how they present their coffee or their plated dishes. But I am excited to go back and try out their food. Their dishes are 130-150 pesos on average - not bad for café grub, right? read more