COFEE WITH A TWIST (OF FATE)
by Louie P. Oviedo

Do you party every weekend over at Malate? Do you party 'til the wee hours of the morning? When the party winds down and you don't want to go home, where can you hang out?

Well, you could go on over to KaffeSining.

A recent kid on the block, having had its grand opening just December 8 last year, this coffee shop cum art gallery does business from 5pm until the wee hours of the morning and on weekends, may stay open as late or as early-depending on how you look at it-as 5am. Amidst the clutter of dimly lit bars that seem to sprout like mushrooms along Nakpil St., KaffeSining tries to deviate from the "norm." How so?

First of all, the place is very transparent and well lit. As you walk along Nakpil St., starting from Taft Avenue and make your way down to Adriatico, you would easily notice the gold sign bearing the name. Through its glass-front, incandescent lights throw a golden glow about the place and on the paintings exhibited inside. Wooden panels frame both the glass and the corners of the place creating a balanced and harmonious atmosphere.

So if you have had too much to drink, this is the place to unwind.

Second, they do not serve alcoholic drinks. According to Francis Alvia, the owner, they're not out to compete with the bars lining Nakpil. They'd rather be known as the place where one can relax over a cup of coffee.

Third, if you are not in the partying mood and instead prefer conversation, this is the place. With the music mellowed down, you do not even need to shout in order to let the other person hear what you are saying. You drink your coffee as you admire the paintings, hang out and talk with your friends.

Fourth, the place is a boon for non-smokers. Outside, by the sidewalk you, you can smoke as much as you want as you drink your coffee and can even wave or nod to friends as they pass by the street. However, if you opt to stay inside, smoking is a no-no since smoke damages the paintings (so imagine what it does to your lungs). This is definitely a change from those bars filled with cigarette smoke.

And while waiting for your coffee, you can go through their huge coffee table books on art. Lovers, however, can spend time in intimate conversation as the tables are just the right size for doing so.

Francis offered me a taste of their cappuccino. It was how I liked it--- not too strong or bitter, no need to add loads of sugar or cream just to tame the taste. A balance of milk, coffee and sugar with lots of cinnamon and foam that does not dissolve easily as you stir.

So instead of wanting cream and sugar to go with your coffee, why not go to this place and have paintings go with your coffee. Try it after you party at Malate.