Friends and Coffee

When I sent a group text to my friends confirming our get together, the original plan was to just hit a Starbucks shop and while the time away. Since we all live around the Marikina-Cainta area, we have this affinity for Sta Lu and Metroeast. Behind the Sta Lu Mall is a place called Brick Road. It is a great place for “30something” to converge for a girl talk. There is no Starbucks there but a Figaro is actually a better choice. So Figaro it is. Until a friend suggested a new coffee shop just around the corner.

The place is Biksa Coffee. Biksa is a play on tagalog word sabik meaning to long for or to miss. It is a few minutes away from McDonalds Marcos Hiway. The facade is welcoming. Its predominant colors are white and brown. The high ceiling further made the place a relaxing haven. Like most coffee shops, it has an al fresco portion, both in front and on the side. The shop is right smack in the middle of commercial and residential areas.

Now for the menu. We had pizza, pasta, tea and coffee. Although not extraordinary, what Biksa offer is the ambiance. My friends tried the house blend coffee (mocha and almond) while I settled for Morrocan Mint Tea (P79/bag). Carbonara and Bolognese (both priced under P200) are must haves. Although I favor Carbonara more as a matter of personal taste. The bacon topping is superb, not too salty like most bacon I’ve tried. The sauce is not bland (am surprised) and overall with a sprinkle of parmesan, you can finish a plate in no time. The Bolognese is generously garnished too and is “safe” to order even for your little ones. My friend’s daughter enjoyed it. The pizza, I didn’t like much. It’s average but original. Solo serving starts at P99. Pastry is typical, chocolate cake, blueberry cheesecake, mango cake and the likes.

For six people, we spent P1500 (including tip).

Address: 18 Gil Fernando Avenue corner Dragon Street, Marikina City
Phone: (02) 682-6912
Private conference room
Fax, copier and printing services
Wi-Fi access