If you can turn back the clock at this very moment (yes right now!), where would you be?

I have thousands of thoughts running through my messy head and can’t make a final decision which one to answer. Lately, my brain has been busier more than working in the financial world from 8-6pm. Being my own boss, more responsibilities, decisions and opportunities consume my thoughts. What I think is… I need a cup of hot chocolate to relax my busy mind! Yep, that’s my answer!

Just recently, a nearby coffee shop, 3rd wave to be exact, opened its doors within Capitol Commons premises. It was exactly what I needed during a colorful yet jam-packed week. O and I took a break from our busy schedule for a relaxing lunch at the newest branch of UCC Clockwork.

Ueshima Coffee Company or UCC cannot fall short when you speak of good kind of coffee. I trust the experts in this coffee business. The mark of UCC is a mainstay for coffee and food enthusiasts.

In this 3rd wave coffee shop, consider coffee to be precious like wine. Caffeine is taken to the next level where you get nothing else but high-quality cup of joe. First-timers find the approach complicated. With the different ways of brewing, pour over, cold drip or syphon method, you will be asked how the baristas will treat your coffee. Do not be intimidated. Coffee masters by the bar are trained to educate and entertain you at the same time.

Some may be skeptic, thinking if it’s worth the cash in your pocket. Here it goes, let’s get it on to the food and beverage part with their respective prices.

In general, opting for a bowl of salad is associated to feeling guiltless. Exactly what I felt after drowning myself with this appetizing salad – mixed lettuce, gruyere, seedless grapes, mixed vegetable, tomatoes, alfalfa, orange in spiked balsamic dressing topped with candied walnuts. It’s everything I love in a salad, especially its balsamic vinegar. On second thoughts, is it really guiltless? :p

From being healthy and guiltless, I proceeded to the real deal of being a foodie. Corn tortilla chips layered with sauteed ground beef, tomatoes, mixed bell peppers, onions and garlic sour cream pomodoro then all baked to create that alluring melted three cheese from top sliding down to the bottom. Fingers picking a piece from a plate of Baked Nachos will get that glued gooey cheese that’s fun to munch. Share it with a group, that’s how Nachos are created for.

Working alone outside the four corners of my room means making my way to the hippest coffee shop nearby. UCC Clockwork isn’t exactly the nearest from my space but this Grilled Pulled Pork with Cheese pulls me closer to it. A splash of sunshine painted on my face when I took my lips closer for a slow bite. Whew! I want more of that! Killing off that extreme cheesiness after finishing half of the sandwich is a small cup of green salad. Yes, that’s necessary to cleanse my palate.

 

Be careful not to bite off your screen!

Grilled herbed chicken in balsamic reduction sauce works out to be another option for an adult’s lunch. On top of your Rosemary Chicken rice is a chicken crisp treat. Again, with a serving of salad on the side for a balanced diet.

How can I not miss this mind-blowing best-seller of UCC? Fresh Corned Beef with Kimchi Rice is another staple must-have! If you tell me you had your lunch, you’re gonna change your mind after trying this specific dish. Thick cut of homemade corned beef, mild kimchi rice, poached egg, dijonnaise and house salad. Please promise me you’ll order this dish the next time you dine at any UCC branch.

Without any exaggerations, I had to say “OMG!” after tucking my lips and locking this Adobo Floss Pasta Plate in my mouth. Olive oil based spaghetti, lavish garlic adobo flakes, tomatoes, onions, poached tamago on top and garlic bread on the side. Surely a new lovable item on UCC Clockwork’s menu!

This Davao Chocolate is what I demand to clear my busy mind. Single origin cacao from davao was caressing my senses, giving me pleasure at its finest. Imagine a combination of fruity, creamy and chocolatey in one drink. Davao Chocolate aced it!

Going back to the soul of 3rd wave coffee, I had myself Mt. Pullol, a pure and delicate cup that’s naturally processed. Each single origin cup has an attached notecard to give every customer an idea how exquisite each cup is. More appreciation for what your body consumes and not an ordinary one you get from any store. True to its taste notes, it had sweet herbal and floral notes, full body and medium acidity, with a kick of cocoa nibs. Be careful, your coffee standards might step one notch higher.

Other than Mt. Pullol, UCC Clockwork has a dedicated page for caffeine freaks. Price range stays on the higher side too.

For days you don’t necessarily need to infuse your body a cup of coffee, Matcha Latte is a wise alternative. The blend didn’t stay on the bitter side with a modest touch of sweetness. If you know me, seeing a vibrant green cup of matcha latte stuns me. Without hesitations, I’ll politely accept your matcha offer.

UCC Clockwork is a younger approach to the usual UCC modern interiors, attracting the millenials to come over. On one side by the bar, you’ll see a display of various coffee beans and tools used to precisely brew every cup. Might as well read the labels slowly to start off your coffee education. On the opposite side, 4 sets of clocks (Manila, New York, Tokyo and London) and a display cabinet of to-go items sold in every UCC shops.

All I can think at this hour is… I wish I could work in a place like UCC Clockwork.

Have you tried UCC Clockwork?

Share with me your thoughts! 🙂

Cheers,

Food	9/10
Ambiance	9/10
Service	8/10
Cost	8/10
Overall	8.5/10