Toby’s Estate Manila

Last February 21 I went to Century City Mall in Kalayaan Ave. Makati to see the mall and try Caliburger. Before I even got to my destination I was drawn in to Toby’s Estate just because I loved the look of the small store. It’s not everyday you see subway tiles used in Manila. 

 

I didn’t know a thing about Toby’s Estate since at that time I never saw anything on Instagram or Facebook. I learned that Toby’s Estate originated in Australia and they have branches in Singapore and New York. Now they have two branches in Manila. 

 

They also sold cookies from Flour Jar, pastries and Bucky’s not a brownie.  

 

Just look at their sexy Kees van der Westen espresso machine!

 

When I was in Melbourne or New Zealand I always ordered a strong flat white. Even though it’s not on their menu they can do that for you too. I told the barista I liked my coffee strong so he suggested I try the Gibraltar which wasn’t on the menu either.

The Gibraltar has less milk than a latte and more milk than a macchiato.  It’s named after the Gibraltar glass which yields 4 ounces or 118 ml. It starts with double shot of ristretto (45 ml) which has less water than a double shot of espresso (60 ml) making it less bitter and acidic. It’s also stronger and more full bodied. 

 

It is then topped off with hot Holly’s milk and some foam.

I love, love, love my Gibraltar. It was indeed strong and had chocolate notes. If you don’t like really strong coffee then stick to their flat white which I heard was really good too. Me I’m sticking with my first love, the Gibraltar. 

 

Almost a month later I went to their much bigger flagship branch in Salcedo Village which recently opened. I went there on a Monday before noon and it was half full. I went back after lunch around 3:00 pm and it was full. Word spread fast about the good coffee they serve.

 

The communal table that occupied the middle of the space reminded me of the coffee shops in San Francisco and Melbourne. In those places space was a premium and most often only one communal table fit. 

 

Notice the latte art on three Gibraltars were all different.

 

New in their menu are my favorite bocaditos from Baked by Anita. 

 

I was with my new blogger friends from Brunei, Mary and Thanis Lim and Jinlovestoeat. 

 

Last Sunday I brought more friends to try their coffee. I was shocked that the place was even more packed. My second favorite drink is their cafe mocha. The coffee was not as strong since there’s only one shot of espresso and more milk but it was still quite prominent. The Ghana chocolate added to the espresso and milk was the best. You could really taste the depth of flavor sadly absent in most Cafe Mochas I’ve tried. 

 

I’m waiting for them to open a branch in Ortigas Center or Greenhills so I can get my Gibraltar and Cafe Mocha fix more often. Do try it and let me know what you think of Toby’s Estate. 

Toby’s Estate
3rd Level, Century City Mall, Kalayaan Avenue corner Salamanca Street, Makati
125 L.P. Leviste Street, Salcedo Village, Makati
Website
Facebook
Instagram: @tobysestateph