A Cozy Sunday Food Crawl: Lunch at Café Mary Grace and Coffee at CBTL

Filed Under: family, restaurants
Published On: December 30, 2025

Last Sunday felt like one of those simple but heart-filling days — the kind you don’t really plan much, but end up enjoying every single moment.

We accompanied sis to buy a powerbank and some Heattech clothing (because hello, practical shopping season 😄). After walking around and checking items off her list, she sweetly treated us to lunch at Café Mary Grace — always a comforting choice, especially when you’re craving good food without the stress of overthinking what to order.

Starting Fresh: Raspberry Iced Tea

We kicked things off with their Raspberry Iced Tea, and wow — super refreshing! It had just the right balance of sweetness and tartness, perfect after walking around. Honestly, it’s one of those drinks that instantly makes you relax and enjoy the moment. If you’re not in the mood for coffee, this is a great alternative.

We ended up ordering a mix of soups, salads, pastas, and shareable plates — exactly how we like it, so everyone gets to taste a bit of everything.

Seafood Chowder

This was a hearty and comforting bowl of goodness. Made with a flavorful seafood broth, it had generous pieces of clam, dory, mussels, and prawns. It felt rich without being overwhelming — perfect if you’re craving something filling but still light enough to leave room for other dishes.

Wild Mushroom Soup

If you love creamy soups, this one’s a winner. The Wild Mushroom Soup was smooth, earthy, and deeply comforting. Made with shiitake mushrooms, cream, and milk, it had that cozy, homey feel that Café Mary Grace does so well. Definitely a great starter, especially on a slightly cool day.

Fried Kesong Puti Salad with Calamansi Vinaigrette

This was one of my favorites. The breaded nuggets of kesong puti were crispy on the outside and soft inside, paired beautifully with fresh greens and grilled tomatoes. What really tied it all together was the calamansi vinaigrette — tangy, bright, and very Filipino. It’s a great option if you want something satisfying but still fresh and balanced.

Cheddar Cheese with Tomatoes and Capers

This dish is simple but dangerously good. Melted cheddar cheese paired with tomatoes and capers, served with toasted crusty bread for dipping. Salty, cheesy, and comforting — this is the kind of plate you order “for sharing” but secretly hope no one notices how much you’re eating 😆.

Smoked Salmon & Cream

This one was meant for sharing, and it’s priced at around ₱980, but it truly felt worth it. The smoked salmon was sautéed in garlic cream and dill, then garnished with caviar. Rich, indulgent, and elegant — perfect if you want something a little special on the table.

Chorizo & Olives Pasta

I found this a little salty for my taste, but flavor-wise, it was still delicious. The sauce was made with homemade chorizo and black olives, giving it that bold, savory punch. If you enjoy strong, salty flavors, this is something you’ll probably love.

Why We Keep Coming Back to Café Mary Grace

There’s something about Café Mary Grace that always feels familiar and comforting. The food is consistent, the flavors are comforting yet thoughtful, and it’s the kind of place that works whether you’re celebrating something special or just having a regular Sunday lunch.

This meal reminded me why it’s always a safe and satisfying choice — good food, generous servings, and that warm, cozy feeling that makes you want to linger just a little longer.

Coffee and Desserts at Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

After lunch, we did a bit more shopping before settling down for coffee at Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf — because what’s a good food day without dessert and caffeine?

I ordered an Iced Spanish Latte, which unfortunately was too milky for me. It wasn’t bad, just not my personal preference. Lesson learned: sometimes sticking to your usual order really is best 😅.

For desserts, though, we were very happy: