Food News: The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Now Brewing in Adriatico

The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf recently opened it's newest store in Adriatico, the metro's celebrated Bohemian quarter. Legendary for its free wheeling, forward thinking, non-traditional, non-conformist and artsy vibe, Adriatico has been a favorite haunt for artists, writers and cultural rebels. Seems like a perfect place for some real good coffee.

And when you have a coffee shop serving masterfully crafted beverages in a dynamic, artsy neighborhood, you get a truly inspired pairing. Very cool.

The newest branch in The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf's ever growing chain, this one definitely has a little more character.

A welcome addition to the area, and a nice place to chill and absorb Adriatico's cool vibe.

And what better way to launch The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf's newest store than with an art-themed gathering Adriatico has long been known for. Now that sounds like a cool party. As a tribute to the area's famed artist hub, Penguin Gallery, the store's launch last June 1 featured art exhibits, performance art, poetry readings, and some really cool music. And a good cup of coffee seems perfect to start off the party.

The launch also featured one of  The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf's innovative products, one really cool gadget that's unique to the brand, the CBTL Single Serve Beverage System. Now you can bring home the CBTL experience with this easy to use system, which combines CBTL's handcrafted taste and quality with the finest of Italian technology and design perfected by Caffitaly. With the CBTL Single Serve Beverage System, one touch is all it takes to brew fresh espresso, brewed coffee or tea. Now that's pretty cool.

 

How easy is it? Simply select your choice of beverage capsule, insert it in the slot and one touch is all it takes to start some really cool brewing. And in a few minutes, you get a perfectly brewed cup.

Time for some really cool cocktails...CBTL's After Dark cocktails, combining coffee and tea for some really unique drinks. But hold on, these cocktails are not part of the regular menu, so you'll just have to wait for the next CBTL event to try it.

 

The CBTL staff preparing some amazing coffee based martinis and tea infused coolers. Now it's a real party...

The White Chocolate Espresso Martini, smooth, sweet, with a surprising kick. Made with CBTL Italian Espresso, Vanilla Vodka, Kahlua, and Godiva White Chocolate Liquore. Awesome.

The Espresso Martini, a rounder and chocolatey cocktail that's big on flavor. Made with CBTL Italian Espresso, Vanilla Vodka, Kahlua, and Creme de Cocoa. The Tropical Passion Cooler (which I somehow failed to photograph, blame it on the awesome martinis) combines CBTL's Tropical Passion Tea with pineapple juice and Malibu Rum. Perfect way to set the mood for the night's entertainment...

 

And true to Adriatico's arty and Bohemian vibe, the event featured some very hip poetry readings, performance art and some classic rock and roll at CBTL's really cool glass house extension. 

Noted art installation mavericks Cesare and Jean Syjuco, their talented daughters Maxine and Trixie, Danny Sillada and digital illustration artist Dan Matutina led the uber cool performances.

And the food? Awesome. The chain's bestsellers flowed all night, from savory sandwiches to sweet treats...

CBTL's Chocolate Fudge Cake...

...Chocolate Chip Cookies...

...Cheese Muffins...

...and even more martinis. Yup, I was pretty much feeling Adriatico's vibe, and decided to load up on CBTL's espresso. Nice.

The full range of CBTL's Baked Fresh line were also displayed, like this tempting Turtle Cake...

...which definitely deserves a second look...

...and CBTL's Sans Rival.

And after a few too many martinis, time for some CBTL Southern Blend Tea...and maybe another cheese muffin. Make that three.

The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf seems like a perfect fit to the neighborhood, injecting a fresh and contemporary feel to Adriatico. And definitely a cool place to chill when in the area. Cheers to CBTL's newest branch and to an awesome party...now for more cheese muffins...

For more information and details on The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf branch locations, products and special promotions, simply log on to www.coffeebean.com.ph.

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