One of the many things I love about the Philippines recently is the fact that there are several coffee shops sprouting everywhere. Be it international franchise commercialized coffee shops, homegrown cafes, or even third wave specialty cafes - now more than ever, coffee is more accessible to coffee enthusiasts.
I myself is an enthusiast. In our area, I have several favorite coffee shops. One of them is Dear Joe - the first letter-writing cafe in the Philippines. Deemed as one of the most Instagrammable Cafes in the Philippines, Dear Joe is owned by the famous Filipino businessman and former politician, Manny Villar who also owns the equally Instragam-worthy Cafe named The Coffee Project.
I will not dwell too much on the "letter writing" concept of Dear Joe because many have already done so. What I am focusing on is the food and drinks that I like which you might also like too.
From what I gather, Dear Joe is basically like The Coffee Project but more elevated in terms of food and drinks menu. I am not sure about that because I have been to both and while they offer different food and drink choices, I find both satisfying and reasonably priced. And yes, both of them feature amazing interior design that every corner is Instagram-worthy.
I cannot count how many times I have been to Dear Joe. Far too many than I care to admit. You really cannot fault me at that, I guess. With the kind of ambiance they have, combined with decent coffee selections and satisfying food, who wouldn't want to visit? Due to its proximity to where I am currently residing, Dear Joe at Vidarte in Antipolo City is where I would normally frequent to.
It is very rare in our area to have a two-story coffee shop. Dear Joe is one of the few. The special thing about it - it boasts of big floor to ceiling windows overlooking lush greens around the area. It can accommodate big groups and it can be a perfect place for a celebration as long as you don't mind indulging on usual cafe fare instead of the usual food that other restaurants can offer.
The food and the drinks that I am featuring here are just some of my favorites. I am not proud to say that I have tried almost everything on their menu because it is a reflection of the amount of calories I am consuming, not to mention the amount of money I am spending when I should be saving. But hey, who is without sin should cast the first stone, right? So, yeah. I've tried plenty on their food menu but what's here on this blog post are just few of my favorites.
Also, please note that the food, drinks and the prices indicated here are based on whats on their menu during those times I visited them. That is to say, what you can see here are just an idea unless they have not changed their menu and prices yet. That's just a disclaimer.
Ham and Cheese Croissant (Php155) - flaky and buttery, Dear Joe's Ham and Cheese Croissant may not be the most amazing croissant I have tried, but this one is the kind that grows on you. Not too big nor too small, just enough to satisfy one's hankering for a classic pastry that's a perfect partner to a delicious cup of coffee.
Chocolate Brioche Bread (Php160) - this pastry bread reminds me of coffee bun more than anything. however, this one boasts of chocolatey flavor that complements the soft brioche. It is perfect to pair with hot beverage but I love having it with cold ones like Caphe Suada.
Coffee Walnut Croissant (Php160) - This one I must say is a slice of heaven if you love coffee flavor on your sweet flaky bread coupled with the lovely texture brought about by chopped walnuts that elevates the experience further. Dear Joe's Coffee Walnut Croissant is one of my must-order when visiting the cafe.
Chocolate Cronut (Php140) - cronut's heyday might be far from over but enjoying it from time to time is definitely nit a bad treat especially if it's executed well. Dear Joe's version is flaky, airy, and it's golden crisp exterior is a sight to behold. To be honest, it can do without the chocolate cream filling, but it sure is a delightful addition.
Burnt Blueberry Cheesecake (Php295) Longtime reader of this blog probably knows how I love cheesecake and I am a bit picky. This Burnt Blueberry Cheesecake of Dear Joe is one of those which I love. It's dense, creamy, not too sweet - just pure bliss in every bite. The caramelized part of the cake blends perfectly well with its creaminess while the blueberry lends that sweet-sour combination that adds character to the cake.
There are several other pastries and cakes available at Dear Joe which I am sure are well worth the calories. I am pretty sure I will be finding more favorites on my next visit to the cafe. but for now, those I have mentioned were the ones that I have ordered several times and none of which fails to satisfy me.
Loaded Potato Chips (Php355) - Potato chips topped with ground beef in tomato sauce with blended spices and generous amount of cheese - straightforward snack but very addicting. A dish that can make anyone feel like kid at heart!
Baked Spanish Sardines with Kesong Puti (Php310) - I maybe biased with this because I always love dipping my toast bread with anything cheesy, hence this dish is always a sure winner for me. The distinct taste of the Spanish Sardines lends a beautiful kick to the creaminess of the cheese. I couldn't get enough of this dish, to be honest.
Spinach and Asparagus Quattro Dip (Php310) - this is the milder and cheesier version of the Baked Spanish Sardines with Kesong puti. A perfect option if you have an aversion to sardines but would still want to have a cheesy dip to go with their toasts.
Spam Fritata Melt (Php385) - This is actually my nephew's favorite. Spam with some veggies and cheese, baked to perfection and served with bread. I find the bits of spam a bit lacking, but I guess it's just me because my nephew really loves this dish.
Smoked Salmon Omelette (Php415) - Dear Joe offers all-day breakfast on their menu and this Smoked Salmon Omelette is one of them. It's basically rolled egg omelette with salmon served with bread and potato chips on the side. I love how the omelette tasted but in my opinion it can do without the chips, perhaps a bigger serving especially of the omelette would make this dish a winner.
Chicharones con Adobo Quesadilla (Php315) - I love anything quesadilla and this one is no exception. The meat is very flavorful and I love the salsa and the hot sauce served alongside. Really this dish is one big yum for me.
Carne Con Quesadilla (Php315) - Another quesadilla dish that is a sure winner for me. This version is a bit tamer compared to the adobo variant, but I love the addition of cut up peppers on this which makes it taste all the more Mexican dish. To be honest, I am not sure if they still have these quesadillas on their menu because the last I visit, one of their barista told me that they might pull it out of the menu which makes me really sad. I will surely check on my next visit.
Spinach Rolls (Php345) - Spinach and cream/cheese rolled up and top with slices of ham, my only qualm about this dish is the serving portion. It was really good but I feel like there is more of the potato chips that the main dish. Nonetheless, I really enjoyed it.
Truffled Grilled Cheese (Php340) - This is your usual grilled cheese but elevated thanks to the truffle essence that makes it all the more delightful to the smell and palate. I love that the serving is big, but with its good flavor, I can easily down two slices of this sandwich. The potato chips is of course, a delightful addition to the meal.
Philly Cheesesteak Classic (Php390) - A sandwich packed with flavorful meat, veggies, and cheese - the flavor stayed to the usual cheesesteak sandwich most of us love.
Creamy Chicken Toast (Php390) - a very sandwich that's my go to if I want something simple, flavorful, and filling. I specifically love the generous chunks of chicken because it makes me feel that I am getting my money's worth.
Creamy Pesto Pasta (Php405) - a rich and indulgent dish that features a perfect blend of pesto and cream. I admit, I always prefer cream-based pesto over oil-based so I might be a bit biased. But judging from my family and friends enjoying this pasta dish as well, I am confident to say that Dear Joe's Creamy Pesto Pasta is one for the books.
Truffle Penne Cheese Pasta (Php415) - I love that the truffle essence in this pasta dish is just perfect - not lacking and not overpowering. The flavor is spot on, the creaminess is amazing and the generous serving makes this dish a winner.
Double Beef Bolognese Pasta (Php495) - Aside from ground beef on the bolognese sauce, this dish features chunks of beef that makes it all the more flavorful and satisfying. I personally think that the sauce will also be perfect with spaghetti noodle, nonetheless, it's one of the pasta dishes I truly enjoy at Dear Joe.
Meatballs Linguini Pasta (Php520) - Definitely one of the most expensive pastas on Dear Joe's menu, but while it was not the best for me, this one is also well worth the try. I love the that the meatballs are flavorful and it complements well with the pasta.
Almond Crusted Fish and Shrimp (Php440) - The generosity of this dish in terms of serving size and flavor is amazing. Although bigger shrimps would be appreciated because those little shrimps on top feels like an afterthought. But still, it's a good dish perfect for those who loved fried fish.
Corned Beef and Onion Gravy (Php440) This dish, I must say is one of the best corned beef dish I have tried. The corned beef is tender and flavorful on its own, but the addition of the amazing onion gravy makes it all the more delicious.
Shrimp Thermidor (Php445) - Succulent shrimps with rich and creamy sauce - what's not to love.? The balance in flavor and texture is impeccable. I am honestly salivating while I am writing this!
Korean Fried Chicken (Php545) - Honestly one of the best Korean Fried Chicken from a non-Korean cafe/restaurant that I have tried. I love the balance in flavor - savory, sweet, spicy, everything is just perfect. The crispness of the skin and the tenderness of the meat are just amazing.
Now if I am allowing myself to indulge on sugary drinks which is very rare, I normally opt for Dear Joe's Walnut Brownie Frappe, Caramel Coffee Frappe, and Iced Caphe Suada.
Dear Joe also offers juice of different kinds. Since I am not really into drinking juice due to health reasons, I have not included it here on my blog. If you prefer it over coffee though, I guarantee that you will have plenty of options.
Aside from the fact that Dear Joe boasts of really impressive interior design I am going back to them again and again because I really enjoy their food and drinks offerings. While price can be a little expensive than your usual coffee shops, I think just like The Coffee Project, the beautiful ambience comes with a price. Nonetheless, I find comfort knowing that every visit, I will leave delighted.
Dear Joe Coffee and Juice has several branches in the Philippines, you may check them out on their Facebook (@dearjoephl) and Instagram (@dearjoephl) pages.
