For the record, I am in no way disrespecting most of the population’s favorite drink. Rather, I have the utmost respect to those who can handle their coffee, especially those who take it black—because I can’t. In fact, as I’m writing this, I am relishing the scent of freshly brewed coffee permeating through our home, because my sister can’t start her day without it.
Before I come off way too defensive, I’ll just get to the point.
It occurred to me that, with gatherings slowly making a comeback—while still taking safety precautions—reunions with friends and family shouldn’t be limited to just a quick chat over a cup of coffee. You haven’t seen them in a long time, so you want to make the most of it.
With that in mind, we have some ideas that don’t involve an afternoon at the café.
Spilling Tea over High Tea
To me, it’s a mood, a moment and always a constant reminder of the movie Alice in Wonderland. There’s something so dainty and regal about high teas. Clearly, I am a sucker for it so this had to be part of the list.
Recently unveiled by bai Hotel Cebu, its Afternoon High Tea presents a three-tiered masterpiece filled with a medley of delightful confections like French macarons, biscuits, cakes and tarts. This is all encased in an acrylic tower pastry case paired with free-flowing coffee or TWG tea, which guests of three can indulge at the Lobby Lounge. If you’re staying at the hotel, you can have it brought up to your room for a more private experience. In addition to enjoying its selection of sweet treats, you can bring home the pastry case; a useful accessory given you never know when the mood to have high tea strikes. Don’t forget to make a day of it by dressing up and capturing the moment.
bai Hotel Cebu’s Afternoon High Tea is available with 24 hours prior reservation.
High Time for Some Downtime
There are plenty of ways to practice self-care, including finding the time to get pampered. Go-to eyelash, nails and wellness establishment NÉW Lounge offers just that, while implementing safety protocols for a more relaxing and reassuring “me” time.
Each service begins with aromatherapy, ending with a two-minute shoulder massage after every lash treatment, for a more holistic experience. It also offers bride and best friends packages, for intimate moments of pampering and customizable treatments. This was initially created for bridal showers which eventually became available for whatever occasion, such as simple get-togethers—referred to as Private Lash Doll Day.
It has two branches located at Banilad and Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa Cebu, with mobile services at the Shangri-La branch. Clients also have the option to get the treatment at their home for a maximum of four people.
Promising quality service at the same time prioritizing the well-being of its clients, NÉW Lounge assures its clients the same experience they’ve all come to know and love, with added touches of safety precautions.
NÉW Lounge’s Cebu branches are open from 10 AM to 7 PM with home services available from 10 AM to 6 PM. All appointments should be pre-booked online.
Conversations With a Side of Bacon
Since it opened in February 2017, Krave Cafe stands to be one of the city’s go-to’s when the urge to indulge in some comfort food kicks in. It’s hard to resist their slew of breakfast favorites, from homemade pancakes; specialty dishes like its champorado paired with danggit; to sweet treats like the milky cheese donut bombs and Basque burnt cheesecake.
The one that caught my eye was its Pancake Kraving Board, a breakfast platter inspired by the rising trend of charcuterie boards and grazing boxes. The fact that it can be enjoyed anytime of the day—even at your own home—further drew me in. This homegrown joint’s rendition comes with generous servings of bacon, eggs and 12 bite-sized pancakes on a wooden cutting board.
Breakfast dates are pretty underrated—it’s time to normalize that. After all, there’s nothing like pairing hearty conversations with a hearty dish.
Krave Cafe is located at Salinas Drive Lahug Cebu City and is open every Tuesday to Sunday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.