Written by Lorraine Christine Santos/THE RED CHRONICLES
Layout by Lynden Alyanna M. Valenzuela/THE RED CHRONICLES
“When does a lawyer make good coffee?”
“When he has sufficient grounds.”
The first of its kind in the South, the Cafe Legal de Alabang officially opened last November 2023 at Buencamino St, Cupang, Muntinlupa as a modern social space for all. It blends the quaint co-working and study cafe on the first floor with the lush speakeasy on the second.
Photo by Janah Delos Santos/THE RED CHRONICLES
The Cafe
Amidst the buzz of urban chaos and digital life, human connection feels as vital as ever. The moment you enter Cafe Legal, you immediately feel that it is a place for solace and conversations. Whether you are seeking a quiet corner to enjoy a good book or a table to share with friends, this caffeine pit stop provides the perfect open concept where anyone can enjoy their cup of joe.
The coffee beans, of course, are arbitrary and stare delicious. The coffee menu fits the cleverness of wordsmiths in the legal profession. A personal favorite of mine is the famous Legal Latte Macchiato. This espresso-based drink balances the acidity, sweetness, and bitterness of high-quality roast with a generous amount of milk that adds to its delicate flavor, perfect for someone who sits the whole day studying. Hence, we rest our case on this good coffee.
The cafe is also the supreme court of munchies. The next time you stop by, try their famous brownie and feel that melt-in-your-mouth texture. They also offer a variety of other pastries that you can perfectly pair with a steaming cup of coffee. Don’t be afraid to experiment, to stray from the beaten path. Just grab a tempting pastry and let it defend your right to good coffee. Apart from the fantastic coffee, Café Legal also has a bunch of mouth-watering treats in the Faculty room.
The Faculty Room
Photo by Janah Delos Santos/THE RED CHRONICLES
Photo by Janah Delos Santos/THE RED CHRONICLES
Imagine a dimly lit haven, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of work, where people can shed their suits and ties, unwind, and build connections over aged fine wine and intriguing liquors. This is the vision and inspiration of the creators of The Faculty Room. It is the ambiance with an edge that brings people together in a community where it is grown.
Photo by Janah Delos Santos/THE RED CHRONICLES
Ms. Kate Capulong, one of the co-owners, shared with us that the idea that gave life to this haven was born from the owners’ individual experiences in the legal profession. The creative speakeasy is a fusion of legal minds and their personal touches. The lion-themed artwork adorning the walls shows the fighting spirit that lives in every good and courageous lawyer while the leather armchairs, warm lighting, and shelves filled with legal textbooks reflect the profession’s charm and intellect. If you look closely, the tables are built from textbooks more or less a century old, most of which belong to the ancestors of our very own Bedan lawyers.
But forget the standard bar. Here, the modern speakeasy has evolved with edible artistry. They curate their food to be nothing short of amazing. Let me share with you some of today’s chef kiss food with flavors that linger after the last bite.
Photo by Juris Le Compte/THE RED CHRONICLES
Photo by Juris Le Compte/THE RED CHRONICLES
Photo by Juris Le Compte/THE RED CHRONICLES
Photo by Janah Delos Santos/THE RED CHRONICLES
The Filipino chocolate rice porridge brings to mind images of rainy mornings, warm steam from the bowl, and the rich, bittersweet aroma of melted chocolate. It’s as if everything is cozy and alright with the world. The pure and unsweetened cocoa paired with muscovado is the heart and soul of this Champorado, releasing a creamy and earthy chocolate flavor that just makes your taste buds sing.
Photo by Juris Le Compte/THE RED CHRONICLES
Another must-try is their Hakaw, a Filipino dim sum steamed to perfection. The plum shrimp is definitely the star of the show. A corpus delicioso, I say. This is best paired with the savory spareribs braised in spices until they are tender.
In the ever-evolving world of culinary artistry and endless choices, The Sean Connery Board is the one hidden gem in The Faculty Room. What makes it more interesting is the chucklesome story behind that has elevated a familiar charcuterie board to a new height. Dine in and find out.
Photo by Janah Delos Santos/THE RED CHRONICLES
All things considered, the sophisticated intimacy of the Cafe Legal de Alabang welcomes everyone from every profession. This speakeasy does not just quench our thirst and stuff our appetite, it also holds space for lawyers, law students, and anyone who wants to destress and build camaraderie beyond the corners of classrooms and courtrooms. Here, genuine connections are sparked and the weight of cases is taken off.