Tags: Beverages, Coffee, Food Establishments
By Anna Valmero
DAVAO CITY, DAVAO DEL SUR – One of the many ways to enjoy Davao’s exotic fruit is by sipping a cup of durian frappe at Blugre Coffee.
The story of the first cup of durian-laced coffee goes back to 1998 when it was served to boutique customers of Manileňos Gatchi and Larcy Gatchalian. The couple love Davao and durian so much that they settled in the city and started their own clothing business.
They experimented with durian coffee and it proved to be a hit among customers. From then on, their specialty coffee thrived offering durian-coffee mix beverages.
After tasting the exotic beverage, boxing champ Manny Pacquiao and wife Jinkee operate two franchise stores in General Santos City, a few hours drive away from Davao.
BluGre is a popular place to go to for a chat with friends. The relaxing vibe of coffee shops offer customers a chance to catch up minus the loud music often heard in night bars, says Gatchi.
I stumbled upon Blugre Coffee upon the recommendation of a friend from Mindanao to head to the bustling Matina Town Aquare to explore the nighlife of Davao locals and try new restaurants and bars in the area.
A quick glimpse of the coffee shop’s interior confirms Gatchi’s claim, particularly the warm ambience and spacious sofa area where a group of eight to ten friends can enjoy their coffee. The soft music from Blugre’s own radio station also adds to the relaxing ambience.
Their menu offers a wide array of caffeinated beverages, parties, pasta and even rice meals. For first timers, try the durian bestsellers Gatchpuccino, a cappuccino laced with durian and Durian Larcepuccino (both at P150 for grande), an iced espresso and durian ice-blended mix.
Trying to stay away from too much caffeine, I ordered a Durian Larcepuccino with whipped cream and found the bits of durian in the mix an appetizing delight.
The combination of durian and coffee may not sound deliciousbut just let your adventuruous side take over and you will understand why there is always a beeline of customers at the cafe at any time of day.
Today, the homegrown coffee shop chain has five branches: three in Davao City located at Landco Corporate Center, Matina Town Square and SM City Davao; and two in General Santos franchised by the Pacquiaos at the Pacquiao Building in Osmena and Robinsons Place GenSan.
Get more information on Blugre Coffee
Related stories:
A bag of Apo ni Lola Durian treats is a must-have ‘pasalubong’ from Davao
Tagum farmers eye a slice of the durian export market
A taste of Davao in a coffee cup at Chicco Di Caffe
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