Craft Coffee Revolution opens in Solenad 3

Another coffee shop has opened in Nuvali Solenad 3 and they offer the typical coffee and cake plus free wifi combination. According to the staff, the owner roasts the beans himself and they use imported coffee varieties plus the arabica beans from Benguet. 

Craft Coffee Revolution also packages its beans and sells a few coffee gadgets at the cafe.

We tried their macadamia sansrival from the cake selection. Although We enjoyed the nuts, the cake was dry and crumbled easily.

On the other hand, the staff informed us that the Americano coffee was made from Brazilian beans. It had a strong, bold flavor.

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For more details about Nuvali, visit this page:

http://joyposadaswrites.blogspot.com/2015/06/nuvali-solenad-3-looms-large-with-few.html?m=0

Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken attracts Nuvali diners

Believe it or not, this Filipino restaurant chain also has a branch in Myanmar and recently got an interesting review from Myanmar Times:

"It bears all the hallmarks of a generic, corporate-blooded chain eatery: from its naff “all the way from Africa” back story to its check-shirted staff and wipe-clean menus. But while the thought of the farmy-charmy aesthetic and icky-sticky sauces makes me wrinkle my nose in oh-so-sophisticated disdain, lots of people are going there. And if lots of people are going there it must have something to offer. And, surprisingly, it does."

http://www.mmtimes.com/index.php/lifestyle/dining/16532-review-peri-peri-charcoal-chicken-starts-a-chain-reaction.html

Back at Nuvali, we discovered that the place was full on opening day and upon our return for the third time, the restaurant was also full. The menu offers family-style comfort food and the staff were accommodating. 

But if there is one room for improvement, it is the comfort room. On the two occasions we used it, the area was not very clean. Crowded restaurants need regular cleaning schedules to maintain sanitary conditions.

The salad on my plate had a delicious dressing.

The peri-peri chicken comes with various dipping sauces. But the chicken is flavorful without them.

The ribs were tender to the bone.

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For more details about Nuvali, visit this page:

http://joyposadaswrites.blogspot.com/2015/06/nuvali-solenad-3-looms-large-with-few.html?m=0

7 things to do in Nuvali area (aside from visiting malls)

Apart from the usual Nuvali mall activities that include boat riding and fish feeding around the lake, here are other attractions around the Nuvali area that may be worth discovering.

One - birdwatching. The area surrounding Nuvali in Sta. Rosa, Laguna is home to unique creatures such as the blue kingfisher in the picture. Have a picnic, walk around, or take pictures. And you may yet unearth nature's neverending surprises.

http://joyposadaswrites.blogspot.com/2015/05/worlds-biggest-threat-has-reached.html

Two - go biking or jogging. Nuvali and its surrounding areas provide many opportunities to bike or jog. On a lucky day, you may even spot a double rainbow such as the above.

Three - visit St. Benedict Church in Silang, Cavite (near Nuvali). This church attracts many pilgrims due to its modern architecture and is popular for weddings. They also host Christmas concerts that have included Cecile Licad and the Metro Manila Concert Orchestra as guests.

http://joyposadaswrites.blogspot.com/2015/10/appreciating-religious-art-in.html

Four - attend the exhibit of Paete and Angono artists, also held at St. Benedict Church. The event is usually held around Christmas. If you missed it, ask the parish office for artist info. The above Sleeping St. Joseph is made of acacia wood.

This is a painting by one of the artists who joined the last exhibit.

http://joyposadaswrites.blogspot.com/2015/12/angono-and-paete-artists-exhibit-runs.html

Five - check out the once a year weekend bazaar. At around Christmas time, the Westgrove community hosts a two-day market. It's one alternative to mall shopping.

http://joyposadaswrites.blogspot.com/2015/10/westgrove-market-opens-on-rainy-weekend.html

Six - find furniture made of solid wood. As you go up the Sta. Rosa-Tagaytay Highway, you will discover various makers of wooden furniture. Some of the furniture makers hail from Baguio and settled along the highway.

They sell ready made as well as custom made and use natural wood (not particle board like the ones found in the malls) such as gmelina or tanguile, and other hardwood varieties. Designs are basic and utilitarian but prices are highly negotiable.

Seven - paint or sketch. The Sta. Rosa landscape offers many opportunities for artistic endeavors. Take advantage of the beautiful scenery.

During the summer months, certain streets are lined with colorful fire trees and are a sight to behold.

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For more details about Nuvali, visit this page:

http://joyposadaswrites.blogspot.com/2015/06/ayala-lands-nuvali-solenad-3-looms.html