Jose Rafael Fine Coffee

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Posted on 16 April 2009 by Blogie in Coffee Shop | 4905 views, 5 today

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Café Latté

The chic yet cozy ambiance, and the Australian-inspired touches… The tasty pasta and waffles (which they call “jaffles”)… The friendly and capable service… The heavenly coffee! All that, and a bit more, in one delightfully inspired package called Jose Rafael Fine Coffee.

The first time — and up to the 4th time so far — that I had their Long Black (₱65 for the single), I was tremendously impressed by the way they brew their coffee. “Long Black” is what Australians call what we commonly know as the Americano blend. Their espresso base is very aromatic, full-bodied, and leaves a chocolatey but clean after-taste, hence the perfection in their various café offerings. I’ve had their latté as well, and it was quite an enjoyable drink!

: Chattee & Lyle

: Lyle, Avel, Chattee

: Blogie

It is obvious that the proprietors and staff of Jose Rafael take great care in roasting their beans and in brewing their coffee blends, and knowing this adds to the whole experience. Now I have one more in my list of favorite coffee shops in Davao City, and it could very well be #1.

The décor and the furniture, as well as the tableware, are very pleasing at Jose Rafael. The only problem is, the place is rather small, with a comfortable seating capacity of only 20 or so. It’s a plus, though, that they have an al fresco lanai with snug couches, perfect for a group of four or five friends. I also love the big glass windows with wooden frames, which give the place a warm attractiveness.

Looking at the menu, you’ll see the modern Australian influence I’ve mentioned — this is presumably because the owners, who’re Filipino, are living in the land Down Under. They have Sydney-Style Eggs on Toast (₱50 for the 1-egg order; ₱90 for two), which is perfect for breakfast or for an afternoon snack. The scrambled eggs are prepared with cream and herbs, and you absolutely have to try it because this dish goes very well with Long Black coffee.

: Sydney-Style Eggs on Toast

: Choco Chip Jaffle

: Creamy Fettuccine with Salad

: Puttanesca with Salad

: Oz Palabok

: Blogie

So far, I’ve been able to try their pasta dishes, which were both lovely: the Creamy Fettuccine with Salad (₱120) and the Puttanesca with Salad (₱120). But there was a nostalgic surprise for me when I found out that they also serve one of my all-time favorite Filipino snacks, lug-lug. They call it Oz Palabok (₱45, petite; ₱100, meal). The staff said that it’s the owner’s favorite, so that even if it’s not really an Australian dish, they decided to include it in their menu. And I’m glad they did! The flavor is reminiscent of good growing-up memories.

Jose Rafael Fine Coffee

Jose Rafael Fine Coffee is open everyday, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 AM. They’re in Lanang, right outside the entrance to Insular Village Phase 1, sandwiched between the Monterey Meat Shop and ChinaBank. Tel. 305-5698.

It’s rather removed from where I usually find myself around town, and very far from where I live, but I’m sure going to make it one of my regular haunts from now on. Of course, they have free wifi.

Finally, one more café in Davao that offers truly fine coffee!

Jose Rafael Fine Coffee

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Tags: cappuccino, carbonara, coffee, jaffle, pasta, puttanesca

12 Responses to “Jose Rafael Fine Coffee”

Lyle

16 Apr 2009

I love their fettuccine. Nice post, Blogie!

Reply to this comment
Jim

16 Apr 2009

They don’t let their beans to sit too long in the grinder. They would just use enough beans per customer or per batch of customers. I have yet to notice any sheen on the beans in the grinder. Sheen on the beans may indicate the beans have been made to sit in the grinder for too long.

Their roaster also did a fine job on the beans; roasting them at city+ or full city. Their baristas are kind enough to indulge me every time I mosey over to their grinder, lift the lid and take a whiff of their beans. The beans would smell fruity or earthy but not burnt or charcoal-like. Good beans.

My cafe americanos err… long blacks rather, for the most part have been subtle in its taste. Tad fruity or woody but never burnt.

When I say subtle it doesn’t mean it’s weak or diluted. On the contrary, their coffee still packs a punch. Caffeine-wise, that is.

The aftertaste is pleasant and though it lingers far more than I would like it to, it’s not that bad.

Customer service is excellent. Damn friendly staff. Very accommodating and amiable.

Jose Rafael is a near perfect place to wind down after a very busy day or a place to have a relaxing chat with your friends.

Only complaint: too far from where I live.

Still, I give them an enthusiastic (and caffeine-filled) thumbs up.

Reply to this comment
- Brendel
  
  16 Apr 2009
  
  I’m so glad my place is near Jose Rafael.:)
  
  Reply to this comment
Brendel

16 Apr 2009

I loved their Sidney-style eggs on toast, Oz Palabok, Creamy Fettucine, and Puttanesca!

Reply to this comment
becky

17 Apr 2009

will try this one of this days

Reply to this comment
miguel garcia antonio

20 Apr 2009

oh wow i always notice this place when i visit my cousins, i didnt expect it to have such good looking food, i’m definitely gonna try that place sometime within the week… thanks blogie!

Reply to this comment
- Blogie
  
  21 Apr 2009
  
  You’re welcome, Miguel. The food & coffee aren’t just good-looking — they taste great too. :yum:
  
  Thanks to everyone for your comments!
  
  Reply to this comment
  - Dennis & Edith
    
    23 Apr 2009
    
    Hi Blogie
    
    Thank you very much for posting this article.
    
    At Jose Rafael Fine Coffee, we are passionate about our coffee. We also want to promote SUSTAINABILITY AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY without compromising on QUALITY.
    
    WE;
    * Use at least 30% Rainforest Alliance# Certified Coffee Beans in 100% Arabica Beans freshly roasted in Australia and sent directly to Davao. No middleman, that’s why we can offer the freshest and best quality coffee in the best price.
    
    #The Rainforest Alliance works to conserve biodiversity and ensure sustainable livelihoods by transforming land-
    use practices, business practices and consumer behavior.
    
    * Buy locale and be a LOCAVORE. We use & buy local ingredients and produce in season where possible. This helps the local business community, in turn helps us to offer our customers with high quality more nutritious food and better value for money.
    
    * Avoid using disposables; plates, cups. Instead we have specially selected cups and plates bought in Australia.
    
    * We offer PHP5.00 discount for every cup or food container brought in by the customers (on take-out orders only).
    
    * Don’t have sugar sachets; instead we have sugar jars on each table.
    
    * Don’t use paper towels or electric hand dryer; instead we have all white cotton hand towels in our comfort room.
    
    * Offer 10% discount to Assumption School of Davao Batch 85. 5% goes to the Alumni and the other 5% will go to ASD Batch 85 Alumni Association to be donated to the school projects.
    
    Just some small ways we do to help promote awareness in the community. We all want to help the environment and the future of the next generations but let’s not to forget RELIANCE and PRAYERS (accompanied with action) to the ALMIGHTY.
    
    PLEASE COME & VISIT US AT JOSE RAFAEL FINE COFFEE & BRING A FRIEND. We will endeavor to give everyone enjoyable visit; knowing that you are taking part in a special and important advocacy while enjoying your cup of coffee.
    
    Thanks again to Blogie and his friends.
    
    Warm regards
    
    Reply to this comment
    - Blogie
      
      23 Apr 2009
      
      You’re very welcome, Dennis & Edith! I hope to meet you in the flesh someday.
kathangisip

29 Jun 2009

Wow that looks delish. Im adding this blog to my favorites

Reply to this comment
- Blogie
  
  29 Jun 2009
  
  :woot: Wow, thanks!!
  
  Reply to this comment

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Choco Waffle | Foodnography - 23 May 2009
[...] Choco Chip Waffles, as well as the other waffle flavors, at Jose Rafael Fine Coffee are to die for! These and this little café’s excellent coffee brews are a definite [...]