Cafe Esse: Coffee, Waffle, Good Vibes, and Then Some

I am writing this blog post about Cafe Esse in Antipolo on a fly because it felt like I have been living under the rock these days being caught up doing things not related to bogging - or writing, in general. My presence here on the blog is getting less frequent much as I don't want to because well, you know, life.

But I don't want the thought of being a cave woman away from the world wide web to become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Hence, trust that I am doing my best here. I've way too many blog posts to share in due course, mostly about travel and of course, food. But for now, let's give this one a go.

Cafe Esse it is - to supplement my Antipolo Food Trip Blog Series.

I would like to say that it was like love at first sight but that sounds too cheesy. And I've no right no be cheesy since there will be a Double Cheese Waffle somewhere in this post as we go along.

So lets avoid being cheesy and settle to the "It's like meeting an old friend, but not really." A tad shady for an opening description but I think I'm cool with that.

I am not sure what it is about Cafe Esse that made me feel like I was meeting an old friend even during the very first time that I visited them. It feels weird and comforting at the same time. I am well aware that it doesn't have to do with the fact that it is based on my home turf nor with the familiar menu which consists mostly of goodies you can find at any other coffee shops in the area.

So I am guessing it's the vibe of Cafe Esse that makes me feel rather comfortable from the get go. I rarely spend more than 15 minutes in coffee shops these days as I do not have the liberty of time. But at Cafe Esse, it feels like I don't want to leave - there's a strong force that's pulling me in. 

It could also be their amazing playlist that ranges from Sam Smith to Coldplay. Or perhaps it could be the shy but courteous approach of their baristas.

And as if everything isn't lovely enough, there's always drizzle outside during my visits. And I love drizzle. Pardon the swooning but I thrive on cold weather so you gotta understand that what seems to be a petty stuff like that matters to me a lot.

Regardless, I will still visit them during summer time and I have this feeling that I will love them still. I am placing my trust in high heavens that I am fated to love every visit at Cafe Esse. And I am telling you, this is not a sponsored post in case you're wondering.

What I am writing about here were the food I got to try on my first visit. These I deem hold a pretty much solid ground in terms of introducing what their little cafe has to offer. 

Force of habit, when a cafe is devoid of matcha on their menu, next thing on my mind is the very basic mocha frappe just so I could test if they treat their frappe decently. And I am happy to report that Cafe Esse's Mocha Frappe (Php135/16oz., Php150/20oz.) did not disappoint. It leans on the stronger taste of coffee flavor profile which I like. Same goes for the Caramel Mocha (Php140/16oz., Php155/20oz.) which sweetness I do not find excessive - just enough to tickle the palate.

Cafe Esse offers waffles with different toppings - from grandiose ala mode and fresh fruit toppings to the very basic plain one. Posters of these plastered on the wall could make decision making for diners quite easy with its enticing aesthetic that beckons. I will include a photo of it should I write another Cafe Esse blog post in the future. But for this particular visit, my undying love for cheese won.

Despite its simple appearance, Cafe Esse's Double Cheese Waffle (Php85) is lovely on its own right. Tagged as double cheese by the virtue of the cheese sandwiched in between the thick waffle generously drizzled with cheese sauce. The waffle is served warm so expect the cheese in its melted and slightly gooey glory. While the cheese they use, I am guessing, was the kind you can just bought in some grocery stores, I am not complaining given its very affordable price. 

Then again, I also wouldn't mind paying a price if they use some amazing California Cheese I love to make this Double Cheese Waffle all the more swoon-worthy.

Now Cafe Esse's Classic BLT (Php175) has a lot of things going for itself, so I got no regrets opting for it despite the fact that I was originally eyeing for their interestingly named Three Little Pigs Sandwich. 

Judging by appearance, I must say that it was one of the most beautiful BLT Sandwich I have ever laid my eyes on. Props for the colorful coleslaw which puts the little rainbow that peeked into the sky right after the drizzle to shame. And it tasted good as well, so there's that.

The lettuce was crisp and the slices of tomatoes were fresh. What I love the most however was the generous slices of slightly thick bacon in between what I am guessing as toasted brioche bread. The serving was hefty I was able to share it with my companion. The homemade potato chips served on the side was a thoughtful addition that makes this grub well worth its price.

There were only a handful of cakes during that time, probably around five if I am not mistaken. But I sometimes judge coffee shops cake offerings based on how well they do with their cheesecakes, so I opted for Cafe Esse's New York Cheesecake (Php120).

Give me a dense cheesecake devoid of that annoying gelatin that masks itself as a reasonable binder to hold things together and I will be your good friend forever. Cafe Esse's New York Cheesecake is worthy of love because it's dense and it gives away flavor of quality ingredients in every bite.

There are plenty of good coffee shops in Antipolo City and I already have several favorites. I don't mind adding Cafe Esse on the list because truth is, I was smitten by its charm. And I am not just talking about the coffee and food they do serve at their cafe, almost everything about them I find pleasant and charming. Needless to say, several visits in the future will likely ensue.

Cafe Esse
2/F CEO Building, L.
Sumulong Circle, Brgy. San Roque,
Antipolo City
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday 08:00AM – 1:00AM
Contact Nos.: (02) 507-3956 ; 09176822501
Email: cafetoexist@gmail.com
Website: www.cafeesseph.com
Facebook: /CafeEssePH