La Trinidad Eats: Half Cup Cafe

Time for another foodie post. I’m not really the type to eat out a lot, and those few times I do, I spend more time eating than actually paying attention on whether I can talk about it in my blog or not. Haha! But once in a while, I feel motivated. Just like now, as we visit another small place in La Trinidad, the town I live in. It’s called the Half Cup Cafe.

Originally, I first heard about Half Cup Bakeshop, which sells baked goodies and some baking supplies and ingredients. And then somewhere along the way when I wasn’t paying attention, it morphed into a cafe. The Half Cup Cafe.

So, yes, Baguio is not the only one with coffee shops sprouting like mushrooms everywhere. La Trinidad is also following suit, lack of land area notwithstanding. *winks*

 

Location

The Half Cup Cafe is located at Km. 4, La Trinidad, Benguet, along the Baguio-Bontoc Road. It’s around 10 to 15 minutes away from Baguio, depending on traffic. It’s right behind the Marosan’s Restaurant, across the Save More outlet.

A friend asked for directions, and I tried to be as detailed as I can. But apparently Google Maps helped her out better. (I concede, Google.)

The Place

If you’re a casual passerby, you’d probably miss it. Except for a nondescript tarpaulin sign on the side of a gate, there are no large and flashy neon signs to point the way. It opens up into pair of wide tall gates, leading to what could pass for a residential house. It blends directly into the neighborhood, which adds to its charm.

Tables are right outside the door, and inside, there are comfy tables and chairs, and even a cozy corner where you can curl up against bean bags. Once we went there, the place was quite packed, so they brought out tables and chairs outside.

The interior is pleasant and welcoming. I like how well-lit it is. And the ceiling is high so air moves around freely. The countertops and walls are of wood, with splashes of color in some areas. There as an entire wall filled with notes and post-its, presumably comments by customers.

Currently, I think expansion work is underway for a second floor. Business is booming, it seems.

The Food (and Price)

To order, the servers will hand you a small note pad, where you will write down your orders. Hand it back to them, and wait for the food to be served.

I like this method. Gives less room for error on the part of the server, because don’t you just hate it when they get your order wrong even after writing it down? At least, if your order came out wrong, it may be because YOU wrote your order wrong.

I haven’t had the opportunity to taste everything on their menu. But the few that I was able to, I either liked or loved.

I remember trying blueberry cheesecake and some tarts… The Cheesecake was all right, but I didn’t much care for the tarts. Or maybe because I’m not a tarts person in general….?

I thought their Sun Dried Tomato Olio pasta was good, but nothing spectacular. And I found their Carbonara Bacon to be very good. And I’m not even a fan of carbonara. 🙂

I liked the dough of the Pizza Dip,because it was soft and moist without being mushy or soggy. So it was still chewy. Just the way I liked it.

Once, my mom tried their seared chicken, which came served with a side dish of your choice. She chose the Salad of the Day. The chicken was savory and well-cooked, but I was taken aback at how generous the serving was. Four slices of chicken…. for one person, supposedly.

One of their bestsellers, the Banana Hazelnut Waffle. Again, the serving was generous, served in a large cup. (Most of their dishes are.)

It was a good thing we were taking our time when we went there (and it was after almost three hours of swimming, so I was ready to burn sumthin’.) so I took my time.

Basically, you have waffles sliced into cubes, topped with cream (or was it yogurt? Can’t remember) topped with lots of nutella, and lots and lots of sliced bananas. Heaven!

Of course, I had to try their green tea. I found it a bit too sweet (but I don’t have a sweet tooth, so I find even the slightest bit of sugar too sweet). But it still had that matcha aftertaste, although not enough of the kick I was expecting.

It was served in a giant mug, though, so… generoussss~

Their French Fries, though… I loveddddd it. Not just your usual serving of fried spuds sliced into strips and sprinkled with salt. No, sirreeee, this one has got some salsa thing going on. 🙂 With lots of chopped tomatoes, herbs, sour cream, some ground meat~~ It’s a party!

I honestly think it qualifies as a full meal.

Their salads (the ones I tried) had fresh ingredients. Which is as it should be, considering how we are in La Trinidad, the salad bowl of the Philippines (duh~).

Oh, and I liked their Milk Tea. I preferred it better than the Green Tea. Also generously served in a large cup. I like to order it hot, and then when it cools, it still works~

Oh and did I mention that their brewed coffee and tea are free…. and you can go back as much as your bladder can hold? And it’s Benguet coffee, too, so you know it’s the good stuff. Plus, it’s always freshly brewed. 🙂

Now about the price. Generally, I find their prices fair and affordable. And so does the clientele, which are mostly students.

Half Cup still stays true to its original “calling” of being a bakeshop, as evidenced by the wide selection of pastries and baked treats being sold. They even sell wheat breads for the health conscious one.

One time we were there, a couple (who are obviously from Baguio) asked if there’s Wi-Fi. Nope. No Wi-Fi here. Which I give a thumbs up to. This should be a place for hanging out and getting connected in the right way, not wirelessly.

Half Cup Cafe is open from 11:00am to 9:00pm, Mondays to Saturdays. Check out their Facebook page here and their Instagram feed here.)