When I went to Malabon for a writing assignment for a food blog that I wrote for, I didn't expect to find any exciting places to review. I haven't even been to Malabon prior to the trip, that's why I didn't know what to expect. I was walking along General Luna and I was quite shocked to find an Illy sign. Illy Coffee is really good, and it is only usually found in most high-end places like malls and posh office buildings. You can also find them in airport lounges. I thought it was just a spoof of Illy's logo but when I came closer, it really was Illy Coffee. Prejudice aside, I didn't expect to find good places, but I was surprised to find an Illy cafe in this busy street. Cups & Cones, as it turns out, is owned by the architect and interior designer that designs coffee shops for Illy in the Philippines, that's why they were able to get a franchise.
The coffee shop and restaurant has a high-end feel and I bet it wouldn't look out of place in really posh community centers. It definitely changed the way I think about Malabon, and I realized that places like Cups & Cones set the bar high for other new businesses in the area. What I love about this coffee shop aside from the coffee is their selection of mouthwatering cakes and pastries. I was able to try their homemade blueberry cheesecake, which was rich and creamy. I was also intrigued to try their horse tapa, but I was already full from the sandwhiches that I ate earlier that day. I found out that horse meat is really popular in this part of the Metro. Anyway, I would recommend Cups & Cones if you are in the area. It is located in the same street as most of the newer establishments that have made Malabon into a culinary desitnation to rival Maginhawa and Kapitolyo. read more