Finding comfort, pleasure in ‘food paradise’

There will always be a quaint café, a hole in the wall resto, or a bistro ready to cater to the residents

From as far back as one can recall, there probably has never been a shortage of dining haunts in the Katipunan area, whether you’re looking for an affordable fare, some comfort food, or maybe even something a little fancier.

The names and brands may have changed throughout the decades. But the certainty remains that there will always be a quaint café, a hole in the wall resto, or a bistro ready to cater to the residents of condominiums and upscale villages, and to the large student population of prestigious schools and universities in Katipunan.

This large market is what precisely makes the long stretch of Katipunan Avenue such an attractive location for many restaurateurs and entrepreneurs to set up their businesses. Among them are Cup Fiction, Santiago, Chocolate Kiss, and Casa Xocolat.

Here are their stories.

Cup Fiction is a café that serves artisan coffee and comfort food. It’s a library café where one wall is dedicated to books and other literature that customers can read.

And while doing so, café patrons can enjoy some of Cup Fiction’s bestsellers: coffee (off white iced latte, flat white), BFG (Big Fat Giant) cookie, Bacon Loco Moco, and Salpicao.

Since it opened in September 2016, this coffee shop has been supportive of the local arts scene as well, as it provides a space for interested artists and authors to sell their work.

The first branch of Cup Fiction was envisioned to become a conducive space for students, young professionals and free lancers.

Today, Cup Fiction is a favorite haunt of many students, young professionals and freelancers seeking for a fitting place to study or meet with prospective clients.

It has likewise been doing well on the events side, having done pop ups, vinyl digging, and musicarts events. Cup Fiction has al- so hosted bridal and baby showers and private functions. “Our café’s interior is industrial and modern with hints of wood. We wanted it to be like an extension of our living room where we and our friends can hang out, dine and share stories over a good cup of coffee or book. We think we’ve added a younger feel to the area and attracted the young and the young at heart at that,” Cup Fiction said.