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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!

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.

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!