Cafe 1771's "Whimsy Side"
What's the next best perk about Cy's job "requiring" us to constantly do competitive checks? Being the first to try out their new restaurants and or new resto offerings of course!
Ever since Cy told me that I was gonna love Cafe 1771 because it is "so, me" I've been excited to try it out. What does Cy mean when he said that the Cafe was "so Kai?" Well, he said that because the Cafe is quirky, stylish, it has a very Kate Spade feel to it, it has all my favorite colors in it, and even the menu took into consideration someone like me who is fond of salmon, pies, sandwiches, etc.
Here are some hints of "Kai" in the Cafe haha:
Don't you just looove the uber stylish detail on the main counter? And look at those colorful Tolkien books and the Salmon Cheeseburger on the Whimsy menu?
Teased enough are you?
Okay so Cafe 1771 is located in El Pueblo, Ortigas, and replaced the Old Chateau branch that used to be below Sidebar. Now, Cafe 1771 occupies the entire building with the ground floor having the "Lounge Side" and the "Whimsy Side" while to replace Sidebar on the second floor is the "Wine Bar". Don't go violent just yet people--there will still be a Sidebar...and will re-open in May, together with the Cafe's "Wine Bar".
The Cafe 1771 concept was inspired by Cy and his bosses recent adventures in Europe, particularly in San Sebastian, Copenhagen, and Paris, and infused with the Chateau team's usual unique, creative, and twisted spin on things. One look at the free treat they put on your table, and it sort of tells you that this is gonna be one heck of a fun and interesting Cafe.
Popcorn for starters? Well what did you expect from the cheeky guys behind serving Butong Pakwan in Sentro? :)
So on March 17, Cy and I excitedly had dinner with my closest friends at Cafe 1771, and we all fell in love with the "Lounge Side" and the "Whimsy Side" What exactly are these sides? A simple side-by-side comparison will definitely show you the differences:
On your Left: The Lounge Side
On your Right: The Whimsy Side
To make this a little more fun and interactive, I'd like to find out which side do you think fits your personality. The most interesting comment I get for the Lounge and the Whimsy will get yummy Cafe 1771 goodies from Happy Monthsary! :)
Located on the left side as you enter the front door is The Lounge which has a library feel where guests can have breakfast, lunch or dinner with a sense of privacy--But don't mistake it for a stiff/serious type of "Library feel" okay? Think of a library that is probably owned by a famous writer who's got a sense of humor and style such as JK Rowling or Carrie Bradshaw. Think plush teals, golds, lovely graphic art, cute words such as "Love" "Friendship" "Believe" scattered around the shelves and fantasy books like Gulliver's Travel and Eragorn mixed up with old school Britannica Encyclopedias.
Lunch and dinner fare is hearty with cocottes, stews and casseroles, a sprinkling of appetizers, salads, pastas and grilled items.
Chateau favorites such as Tomato Cheese Fondue, Raclette, Pasta Chorizo and Lemon Chicken make a comeback in this side of town.
Breakfast is both quaint and modern Filipino, while desserts are top-notch in the Chateau tradition but in petite, personalized portions.
For the Lounge Menu, we got the Lake Como Fondue Petit, Salad Mirabeau, Pasta Chorizo, and the Lamb Shoulder Chops in Cocottes
The fondue was literally gone in 60 seconds okay maybe 120 seconds. Anna loved the Lamb Shoulder, Didi loved the Pasta Chorizo, and I thought the Portobello mushrooms on the Salad Mirabeau was just heavenly.
The Whimsy Side
The Whimsy Side on the other hand is a stylish semi-self service deli-café that makes you feel like you stepped on the train and zoomed into Europe.
The centerpiece is a fancy counter that beckons you to come over and place your order with the specialist manager behind the counter who is trained to expertly help you compose your meal.
The Whimsy is fun, charming, light, airy and very casual while at the same time striking and elegant.
One thing I love about the Chateau group is their thoughtful attention to detail which extends to even the restrooms. The unique personalities of the restrooms of Sentro GB3, Sentro Serendra, and Chateau GB5 are delightful discoveries on their own --and the Cafe is no exception to that.
The Whimsy specializes in Swiss Cheese Toast which can be topped with prosciutto, home-made ham or grilled vegetables. It also serves freshly made hot and cold gourmet sandwiches and pizzas. You will delight in the wonderful finds in the counter from baked scones, cookies and sweets to pot pies, salads, and pop-in-the oven casseroles for take out. Chateau’s famous Coffee Pie can be ordered for take out too, in slices or in whole.
On the Whimsy Menu we tried the Sabrina Sandwich and the Handmade Ravioli. I super wanted to try the Salmon Cheeseburger but they ran out! (I went on a different date to try it and it was sooooo good!)
The Handmade Ravioli was just to-die-for I swear!
As for our desserts, we tried the Ricotta Cheese Renverse and the Mango & Strawberry Trifle -- both were just insanely delicious especially the Ricotta Cheese Renverse which sort of looked like Leche Flan but believe me it is far from it.
I guess it goes without saying that Cafe 1771 is definitely charming. I rarely find restaurants that can be both aesthetically pretty from the interiors down to the food itself. Usually it's just one or the other right? But the Cafe is just everything I love and more. My friends and I are all in agreement that this is the kind of place where we can do our own "Ladies who Lunch" kind of thing. They've only been open for a week and it's been packed with would-be political candidates, young expats, families, and chic people. So what do you think? Which side are you on? Whimsy or Lounge? Leave your answers in my post's comments part and get a chance to win Cafe 1771 goodies!
XOXO,
Kai :)
Lunch and dinner fare is hearty with cocottes, stews and casseroles, a sprinkling of appetizers, salads, pastas and grilled items. 
The centerpiece is a fancy counter that beckons you to come over and place your order with the specialist manager behind the counter who is trained to expertly help you compose your meal. 
