IT STARTED with “sweet” then made its way to “savory.” Cebu Cardinal Bakeshop long gained attention from locals and tourists with its chiffon cakes sold exclusively at the supermarket. Overtime, the brand brought out more selections like the cheese roll—which earned a Best of Cebu recognition—the yema bun and ensaymada, to name a few, all sold at Gran Tierra Suites for takeaway.
More and more selections were added in the menu, eventually leading to the development of another branch—called Cardinal Coffea—where one can enjoy its bestsellers and eat them too. Cardinal Coffea opened in November 2016 and since then, has been home to the brand’s beloved old and new favorites. Desserts like the fluffy Hokkaido cake, cream cheese and walnut fudge brownie, add a sweeter note along with light bites like choices of sandwiches and ice cream toasts.
A welcome addition are its pasta dishes launched in March along with its new flavors of brewed iced tea including flavors like melon, passion fruit, peach and green apple. It also promises freshly roasted coffee made with beans originating from Benguet and Sagada.
The pasta menu comes with six varieties from the classic carbonara and Bolognese to amatriciana, chicken alfredo, puttanesca and the Salsiccia Cebuana—made with sweet and spicy Chorizo—an answer to the patrons’ desire for hearty dishes.
Spruced up like a shabby chic joint, its cutesy doodles on the walls showing the process of making coffee add charm to the already cozy interior where pastel blends well with earth tones.
Visit Cardinal Coffea located on Don Jose Avila St. cor. Don Gil Garcia St., Cebu City. The café is open from 7 a.m to 11 p.m on Monday to Thursday, and 7 a.m to midnight on Friday and Saturday.