L’Usine Brings Baler’s Vibe to Manila
Chill out at this surfing-themed cafe that serves third-wave specialty coffee and organic treats
Coffee shops tend to look and feel the same, especially the ones in Manila. Third-wave specialty coffee shop L’Usine Elizalde breaks the mold with its laid-back beach vibe and a nod to the arts and outdoor lifestyle.
Just the name of the café already makes it stand out. “L’Usine is a French word that directly translates to ‘the factory’ but it’s also the name of one of my favorite places in Geneva,” shared Ruel Rodrigo, co-owner of L’Usine Elizalde. “It’s a big cultural center that features different forms of art,” he added.
This reference is what’s behind the café’s purpose of coffee, collaboration, and community.
First, the coffee. L’Usine gets their specialty coffee from YKW Roasters. “We’ve been working with them since we started our specialty coffee shop in Baler,” said co-owner Revic Rodrigo. The couple also has a café and bed-and-breakfast called Surfhouse Baler. If you love mocha, their version is definitely a must-try. They also have flat white, matcha latte, and peanut butter latte.
Second is collaboration. “We discovered that there’s a lot of talent within the south area. We get homemade pastries from home bakers instead of going to commissaries and big companies. We try to seek out people who are passionate about sharing their ideas,” said Revic. Aside from the café, there’s also a co-working space and a mini theater. They also host events like poetry readings and art exhibitions.
Lastly, the café brings people from different backgrounds and varying interests together. Aside from their love for the arts, Ruel and Revic also love being active and are into surfing and biking. The cafe’s surfer murals was done by Ibu Querijero while in charge of the kitchen is surfer chef Marco Villareal, both from Baler.
Bean bags on the second floor are an inviting place to read while the parklette outside were made for bikers, skateboarders, and even joggers who want to grab a quick snack.
It might seem strange that their Black Rice Tapa is served in a glass but this actually makes it easy to hold and eat even when you’re standing outside on the parklette.
Other items on the menu include the L’Usine salad with quinoa and gruyere cheese, Salmon on Toast, Blueberry and Brie Grilled Cheese, and Mixed Berries Parfait topped with coconut flakes – all made with organic ingredients.
Tired of your usual coffee stop? Trade it for Café L’Usine where you can get caffeinated and catch a wave or a snippet of literature at the same time.
L’Usine Elizalde is located at 196 Elizalde Ave., BF Homes, Parañaque; www.facebook.com/lusineelizalde