alike.com.ph—Who says that coffee dates are boring?

With the rise of commercial and third wave coffee shops in the metro, it’s now common to see people killing time while sipping a cup of coffee. People nowadays have better appreciation for it. It’s not just a wake-me-up drink anymore. Preparing coffee is an art, and consuming it is an experience.

First dates are usually spent in fancy restaurants and movie houses. But did you know that a nice coffee shop makes a no-frills setting that’s both casual and romantic? We’ve found a cafe in Quezon City that serves good kick-ass coffee and provides a homey, laid back feel. It’s Coffee & Protein.

Coffee & Protein is more than your usual artsy fartsy coffee shop. It has an urban design but the way everything was put together can certainly remind you of home—a home that cares about your well-being. This wellness cafe is committed to give us food and drinks that are high in nutrition. In fact, nutrition is not new to owners Oscar and Carmela Benipayo. Oscar has a Deli business that aims to provide not only healthy food but nutritional information as well. Carmela, on the other hand, worked in El Union Coffee in La Union where she learned anything related to coffee and business.

And nothing is sexier than being healthy and fit together, yes? First, be sure to be seated at their black leather couch to have a full view of the cafe. This will also give you the space and privacy you need. However, if you want a more relaxed vibe, then they also have a communal table at one of the corners of the cafe.

As a starter, try their Nitro Black. It is cold brew coffee infused with nitrogen air. It has a rich and creamy finish and is low in acidity. It’s a perfect boost to start a conversation. Pair it up with their Matcha Cookie, and it will definitely perk you up to keep an interesting conversation going.

Coffee & Protein also serves food and pastries, and all these are protein-infused. Their cheeseburger in protein waffles is definitely a must-try! It’s made with lean beef patty which makes it guilt-free. Be sure to ask for their special coffee bourbon sauce to take your burger experience to another level.

Do yourself a favor and get their coffee-infused bourbon to cap off your coffee date. Coffee & Protein knows coffee and takes their love for this special drink on a new dimension by concocting caffeine-infused cocktails. C&P Bourbon is made with Jim Beam infused with a single origin coffee brew. It’s part of their #AfterDark drinks selection. Who knows, this might be the confidence boost you need to ask for the next date?

Dating in a coffee shop may be too ordinary for some people. It may not even be the first option for a first date. But the idea between coffee and dating is simple—it lets you converse with each other. It helps you discover more about the person you’re interested in. It may be simple, but if done right can lead to magical beginnings.

Photos by Norman Talla

Find Coffee & Protein at The Rock Lifestyle Hub, Holy Spirit Drive, Quezon City.

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