Why I feel In love with Dear Joe Coffee (Despite the Pizza) A rainy day well spent

in voilk •  2 months ago

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    Hello, coffee lovers at Cinnamon Cup Coffee, I wanted to share my recent experience at the best coffee shop I’ve been to.

    It was a cloudy day, and I thought there was no chance of rain. Suddenly, a tiny droplet fell, and before I knew it, it started pouring. We had to stop, and as we were riding our motorcycle we were far from home, I was worried there wouldn't be anywhere to take shelter. Just then, I spotted a restaurant named Dear Joe - Coffee and Juice. We immediately stopped to get inside and escape the rain while enjoying some coffee.

    Upon entering the restaurant, I found it to be very calm, with comfortable seating that made it a lovely spot to relax for a while. The guard and staff were all very friendly. I even noticed the guard didn’t chase away a dog outside the entrance, who was also seeking shelter from the downpour.

    This shop holds the distinction of being the first handwriting letter café in Cagayan de Oro City. The interior captivates your attention and is truly an Instagram-worthy spot. It offers not only great coffee and delicious food but also a delightful atmosphere that will satisfy your cravings. The rustic interior exudes a cozy vibe, making you feel lighter and more at ease. The combination of green plants, wooden furniture, framed pictures, murals, and a shelf filled with letters creates a wonderful ambiance. One unique feature of this coffee shop is the variety of fresh fruits displayed neatly in front of the counter, smelling of sweet yellow mango that really makes your mouth water. Isn’t that amazing?

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    What's on the Menu?

    CUP of JOE

    When I went to the counter, I ordered their best-seller, the "Vietnamese Coffee," along with a Matcha latte, and I decided to pair it with the Pancetta & Mushroom Pizza. Although I hesitated at first because of the price, the rain kept pouring, and I thought I might as well enjoy it while I could.

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    I admired their three coffee varieties, each displayed in a glass with its name. The first was La Trinidad Benguet, made from 100% Arabica beans sourced from the Province of Benguet in the Philippines. The second was Sagada Arabica, which is also of Philippine origin. Both of these coffee beans are organically grown, high-quality single-origin Arabica coffees known for their bright acidity and sweet floral notes. Sagada Arabica is grown in the mountainous region of Sagada, Mountain Province, while La Trinidad Benguet is sourced from the La Trinidad area of Benguet Province, Philippines. The third variety, Ethiopian Coffee, is known for its unique high quality; it is smooth, fruity, and has a rich, perfume-like taste. (Source: Reddit)

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    While waiting for our order, I looked around and took many photos. Since we were the first customers to arrive, I felt free to roam around the cozy place and take as many pictures as I liked. Of course, I asked permission from the staff, who were very friendly.

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    I particularly liked their trash can, which had a thought-provoking saying. I interpreted it to mean that even if someone makes a mistake or does something seemingly wrong, it can be forgiven if their intentions are good.

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    They also had a seal stamp with "Dear Joe" engraved on it, featuring three different colors of small wax beads used to seal a letter. This was my first time seeing a stamp like this, and I felt a bit ignorant for not knowing about it!

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    THE LOO

    The Loo is exceptional the cleanest Loo I've ever been to and there are plants, and murals too.

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    It was still raining outside, and this café provided a refuge where I felt comfortable. There was so much to see and contemplate about Joe.

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    I noticed an array of fruits, and a tempting selection of cakes and muffins, but they were expensive. So, I opted for the pizza because it looked huge and I wanted to try a new flavor.

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    They also sell and energy-boosting juice shot the Apple Beet Shot and Ginger Orange Shot.

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    I spotted a dog that had found shelter in a corner to avoid the rain, and I was thankful that the guard didn’t shoo it away. It seems the restaurant allows small pet animals inside as long as you follow the protocol, like keeping an eye on your furry friend. No big dogs are allowed inside the café, but there are outdoor seating areas available for them.

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    A LETTER TO JOE

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    Finally, my coffee and pizza were served, and I was starving and thirsty. When I took a sip of my Vietnamese coffee, it was delicious; the creaminess was just right. Every sip was heavenly, allowing me to savor the place and the coffee. The Pancetta Pizza was exquisite and divine after a few bites, but I must admit that the pizza didn’t quite match the coffee. The pizza was overloaded with mozzarella cheese and had such a thin crust that the cheese overshadowed everything else. Don’t get me wrong—I love mozzarella—but the pizza recipe wasn’t to my liking. I would have preferred the local pizza instead, especially considering the high price. I regretted not ordering the muffins or cake, but overall, it was a fun experience, and the ambiance of the place made up for the expenses. My nephew doesn't like to show his face on the camera. He is shy.

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    After a while, as the rain showed no signs of stopping, I stood up and strolled around again. The café was spacious, and with only a few people inside, I had the freedom to explore. They even had a second floor, so I went upstairs to see what was there. The walls were painted with banana leaves and foliage, complemented by a beautiful quote to read as I walked up.

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    The second floor offered a wide space, suitable for hosting a party or a meeting. This café is surrounded by many subdivisions and condos, making it a perfect spot for coffee lovers who want to enjoy the atmosphere.

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    Finally, the rain stopped, and I could go home. It's a goodbye, dear Joe, but it's not the end, as I will be coming back, of course. If you'd like to visit, I will post a map so you can bring your family and your furry dog. Be sure to come here early so that you have plenty of time to relax and enjoy the place. There's a lot of coffee shops to explore around the city and would definitely show it to you guys soon. Bye!

    I hope you enjoy my blog as much as I have enjoyed writing it!

    Original content by the author.
    My resources: Canva App Edu lifetime and Oppo Reno 7

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