BRUNCH is widely practiced across countries so much so that it has become a lifestyle.
For some time now as locals embraced the brunch culture, so came the cafés and restaurants in the city; including this one that recently opened in a slightly secluded area along A.S. Fortuna St., Mandaue City, Cebu. It’s called Balai (Brunch by Cafeplus). This is the third outlet of the Cafeplus chain of coffeeshops, with the first two located inside the Talamban campus of University of San Carlos.
The founder of Cafeplus, Ralph Reyes, shared that the intention was to introduce the brunch culture of Australia in Cebu City, which was also the inspiration of the place, after his fiancé Adrienne Estuart spent a year or so in Sydney.
Aptly named, it’s what one would expect: a home—only more. It has an indoor and outdoor dining area along with a room called The Lounge, ideal for private events. Design-wise, it stands like a garden in the city surrounded by rustic fixtures and as Ralph shared, “fashioned with a brutalism approach.” Though some enhancements were done, they were done to complement the space which retained its homey atmosphere. “We wanted it to be cozy and feel like a home. Its interior makes you feel like you’re in a street alley extending to the garden,” said Ralph.
He also shared that it’s more than just a place to lounge or have brunch.
“The basic idea of Balai was to make it into a community. So, we’re starting to launch new products,” he said. “Balai is like our thinking place; an outlet for personal curiosity.”
Apart from the different selections of toasts and pancakes, customers can indulge in its other brunch choices which can be enjoyed anytime of the day like the Balai burger and the Balai plate. It also has different kinds of pasta, sandwiches and rice meals to choose from, along with an assortment of coffee-based drinks, smoothies, juices and teas with beans from UCC and Coffee Culture, a roasting company based in Bacolod. “For the beans, we take pride in our season-picked blends. Our team at Cafeplus Coffee Shop goes through a series of cupping sessions to arrive at a selected blend, which we serve at all our shops,” said Ralph.
In partnership with Gino Ortiz, the company also houses Farooj Charcoal Chicken at Balai and offers unlimited servings on Tuesdays.
Maybe to some, enjoying brunch has a fancy ring to it, while others, just relish eating breakfast later during the day. How brunch appeals to most varies but mainly it could have something to do with the fact that there’s not one hint of rush.
Balai Brunch by Cafeplus is located at No. 1, Floremer Subdivision, AS Fortuna St., Mandaue City, Cebu. It’s open every Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. until 12 midnight and serves dinner from 6 to 10 p.m.