The Hippest Coffee Joint in the Metro

Tom and I consider ourselves as “coffee people.” We need a good cup (or two) of coffee in the morning before we can function and another follow-up cup (or two) after lunch. When offered a cup of Joe, we decline if it’s not brewed because life is not “instant” (you see what I did there?) What can I say? It’s a process to get a buzz. LOL

We have a coffee machine at home which provides a good quality single or double espresso from a capsule in a jiff. We like it because the idea of messing around with coffee beans and a filter is too much to cope with in the morning and you can’t go wrong with a capsule coffee machine.

We also like choosing our own coffee beans, grinding and brewing it but who has time these days? The next best thing is to go to a coffee house and get our fix.

One of our favorites is Toby’s Estate in V Corporate Center, Leviste St., Salcedo Village, Makati City.

Let’s get the party started.

I caught wind about Toby’s Estate opening in Manila early on as my friends Architect Chut Cuerva, businessman Marcel Crespo, Century Property’s Marco Antonio and Advertising whiz Manny del Rosario are the partners who brought in the espresso bar/coffee house. I was very excited not only because we had new place to hangout but since I personally know these guys, I knew they were bringing in more than just a coffee place but a cool experience.

Upon entering Toby’s Estate, I could see Chut’s mark in every single corner. The interior is inviting and I’m loving the communal table!

Where have you BEAN all my life?!!

Trained baristas man the coffee bar

My favorite corner

I caught up with one of the partners of Toby’s Estate, Manny, for a short and coffee-filled chat of their new venture:

How did it all start?

This all started over dinner and the partners and I were discussing a coffee shop we
went to in SF and how much we liked it. Next thing we knew the guys were writing letters to brands that we liked and Toby’s Estate was one of them.

What attracted you to Toby’s compared to other coffee franchises?

Toby Smith himself and the coffee culture he created in Toby’s Estate.

What are the partners’ plans for Toby’s?

We are definitely planning to expand but only if we find the right space.

How is Toby’s different from other cafes?

The main difference is our freshly roasted coffee first and foremost. But Toby’s Estate encourages individualism and uniqueness in each of its cafes. The company believes that each cafe, whether it be here or anywhere else in the world should have it’s own personality.

Our first two stores are already quite different from each other and we will continue to create a distinct look and feel for our succeeding stores.

Coffee preference is a personal thing. From black coffee to a non-fat, no whip, less ice, pumpkin spice iced latte with two packets of Splenda, to each his own.

Flat White seems to be the thing now in Manila but personally, I find it, well, too flat. I like some caffeine jolt in mine. My Toby’s Estate choice is their off-menu concoction: Gibraltar

For the total Toby’s Estate experience, one must try their food.

Let’s start with my favorite: Fried Eggs

Toby’s Estate Fried Eggs are pan-fried marble potatoes and Spanish chorizo with Pinoy fried eggs drizzled with chili oil

Next is Tom’s choice: Traviata

Tarviata – two eggs baked in a skillet topped with tomato compote, grilled cherry tomatoes, arugula, basil oil. Served with rustic garlic bread

Aryanna’s trinity: Santé! (brioche french toast filled with peanut butter, dark chocolate and bananas), succulents and good reads

Hangover recovery food: Dutch Eggs

Dutch Eggs are two eggs baked in a skillet topped with Canadian bacon and hollandaise. Served with rustic garlic bread

Feel free to drool. This is brunch goo at its finest!

Err’day is burger day.

Love me some Chrorizo and Egg Bun!

My choice of sandwich: Shredded Beef, slow-cooked pulled beef-shoulder and mozzarella in grilled crusty brown bread. Served with homemade potato chips and caramelized onions

For the complete Toby’s Estate menu, click here.

Sunday brunch with the fam bam

As soon as my son Dylan walked in Toby’s Estate, he uttered: “Where’s Toby?!!” (a.k.a. Marco Antonio)

Congrats to my friends! Toby’s Estate rocks! Looking forward to your next branch and hopefully, it’s near our new house.

The Epperson’s love Toby’s Estate! See you!!!

Toby’s Estate is located at the GF of V Corporate Center, 125 L.P Leviste Street, Salcedo Village and Century City Mall, Makati City