Konted's Make My Day: Bag of Beans

Bag of Beans

Right after Mendez Crossing and before the big Radar imposing itself along Aguinaldo Highway in Tagaytay is a coffee shop frequented by tourists and travelers. It is to your right when you are Batangas bound. It is called Bag of Beans. This place has been there for years but we didn't bother then to stop and give it a try.

So one sunny day last week, when we had much time to waste, we opted to find out for ourselves what the place had to offer. Just as I was getting out of the car, I was swarmed, not by stinging bees, but by a group of ambulant vendors. Two were selling boiled peanuts, two were shoving big Panutyas right in my face, and one was inching her way with Espasol and BittersweetTamarind in both hands. One virtue common among them is Persistence. And one virtue you, yourself, should have is Patience.

Ok, what was it that I was telling you? Now I remember. We entered through the main glass door. It is a bakeshop with a variety of bread and pastries on display. I could smell cinnamon bread. A signage has on it " English Pies and Bread". Adjacent to this is a dining area overlooking a patio or garden.

The garden has tables and chairs under shades of trees and there are several specially designed nooks good for 4 or 5. These nooks have a special price of P1 thou, which is consumable. There are other covered dining areas which have that country-style arrangement. No doubt there is good ambiance. Good for conversation.

We asked for Mr. Beans Cheeseburger & Fries priced at P275. And an Iced Tea at P70. The other Item ordered was Fish and Chips, also at P275. To go with it was Brewed Coffee House Blend for P90, though their best seller is Alamid coffee. Waiting time was about 30 minutes and the moment food was served, I started grabbing and eating the tempting burger. The burger was thick though it was somewhat bland. I had to add more catsup. Quantity of food served was more than enough. And generally satisfying. It was all over in 30 minutes.

On our way out, we took the main stairs near the big bird cage. Just as I was about to reach the last step, a smiling food attendant approached me and uttered: "Salamat po. Natikman nyo po yung Blueberry Cheescake? Number one po sa amin yon." With my right hand having a tight grip on my cellphone, I retorted: "Bat ngayon mo lang sinabi? Dapat kanina. Pauwi na kami." And moving towards the parking area, I saw from a distance 5 familiar figures. The ambulant vendors !! They were smiling. And waving. And leaning on each door of my car. Really persistent, didn't I tell you?

-Konted