Basic Instinct
takes the art of coffee seriously but that doesn’t mean they don’t know how to have fun
It’s I’ve always been partial to Bo’s Coffee. Fifteen years ago, when I used to frequent Cebu for business, I spent whole days in my favorite branch, the one near the Capitol on Osmeña Boulevard. I considered it as my office; I pecked away on my glacial 15-pound laptop and had meeting after meeting and cup after cup there. When Bo’s crossed over to Manila, I began to frequent their MoA flagship. I’ve always had a great degree of affection, and not a small measure of Pinoy Pride, for Bo’s. Its founder, Steve Benitez, has always been a forward thinking entrepreneur, ahead of his time, and his new concept does not lack for ambition. The vision for Fundamental Coffee? It’ll be the future of coffee chains.
Andre Chang is Steve’s partner in this passion project. Andre is the young man who has made coffee his life’s work. His company, Yardstick, is a pioneer in sourcing and roasting the most premium coffee beans from all over the world, and it’s the distributor of the most cutting-edge coffee equipment in the Philippines. It was inevitable that when the two met, there would be meeting of the minds. Two years later, they’ve combined their experience, resources, and skill sets for Fundamental
very member of the Fundamental team is certified by the Specialty Coffee Association of Europe. They’re true professionals, knowledgeable and conversant in every aspect of their craft.
Steve handles the back-end and logistics, with an eye towards expansion, while Andre, along with Yardstick’s Kevin Tang and Jessica Lee, ensure the fulfillment of this most exquisite specialty coffee experience.
What exactly is this experience? First off, the baristas: every member of the Fundamental team is certified by the Specialty Coffee Association of Europe. They’re true professionals, knowledgeable and conversant in every aspect of their craft. Second, every machine is world class, with the most advanced volumetric automation that delivers a precise, perfect cup of coffee, every single time. It’s a science, really. The use of technology, maximized for maximum enjoyment. Third, Fundamental Coffee is betting on cold brews as the next big thing in caffeine, the new alternative to icy blended beverages. Just as refreshing, but with an emphasis on the deep undertones of coffee’s intrinsic flavor notes, rather than a reliance on syrups and sweetness.
And there’s one more thing, which for me, is most intriguing and interesting: coffee and food pairing. Every dish has been conceptualized to complement the coffees. And vice versa. Upon entering the premises of Fundamental Coffee’s newly opened pilot location at the Park Terraces along Palm Drive in Makati, there’s a giant menu board on the right, taking up one whole wall. There are brioche toasts topped off with Spanish hams and wild mushrooms; poached eggs with prosciutto; a Caesar salad with kale; a tuna avocado sandwich, and even rice and pasta bowls. Nothing is overly oily; all the dishes are freshly made, and everything is just light and right, perfect with any and all of the beverages prepared to order. Pairing need not be limited to alcoholic drinks any longer.
Fundamental Coffee is introducing dramatic new perceptions in enjoying coffee; shaking up deeply rooted beliefs and habits, but retaining a deep respect for the essentials. Welcome to the future.