Aroma Cafe

By Chef Ed Dychauco
Pots and Pans

WE HAVE come to an age where cafes are emerging in almost all corners of the city, be it Internet cafes (did you ever wonder why they are called "cafes" in the first place?), or the real cafes in the genuine sense of the word.

Guess we are now in a world where time is so precious, that we don't even have time to prepare our own meals or drinks that we just have to buy them elsewhere. Besides, don't store-bought foods and beverages always seem to taste better than the ones we prepare at home?

Well, there is a place where we can now enjoy, a place where we can spend time leisurely, minus the hustle and bustle of the city noise and pollution. A cozy place for people who just wanted to spend quality time and have good food and drinks altogether. A place we call Aroma Cafe at Cagayan de Oro City. It is owned and operated by Michelle Pizarro-Jose, who is originally from Manila but has numerous relatives here in Cagayan de Oro City.

A stunning and gorgeous-looking lady who doesn't look her age, Mitch, as she is fondly called, is married to John-John Jose, also of Manila and has two lovely kids.

Aroma Cafe started operation way back in April of 2007 with four employees serving superior and excellent coffee (hot, cold and blended), smoothies and teas. Using only the freshest imported coffee beans (60 percent Arabica and 40 percent Robusta), one can be assured of superb drinks that are sure to make you go back for more.

Sellable products include their very own aromatic brewed coffee, cappuccino, cafe latte, blended caramel frappe and their version of mango, strawberry and banana smoothies.

What is coffee without food? Aroma Cafe serves not only drinks but also tasty and mouth-watering foods like chili con carne, pasta puttanesca, spaghetti Bolognese, fettuccine Alfredo, pasta with three Mushrooms in cream sauce and tuna pasta. For sandwiches, they serve grilled meaty sandwich, grilled tuna, grilled cheese and of course, the all-time favourite Clubhouse Sandwich using whole wheat bread and only the freshest ingredients available. For the health conscious, don't worry, because they only use olive oil in all their cooking!

Since they open at 7:30 a.m., one can also delight in their breakfast offerings like Hungarian-Potato Meal, complete with a sunny side-up egg, toasted Wheat bread, a slice of fresh fruit and a delightful cup of brewed coffee! They also have waffles and other regular breakfast items to choose from.

Most of their customers are from nearby neighboring subdivisions, business offices and students, although they also get a lot customers coming from downtown area and from people who are on their way to the airport to catch their plane.

As one enters the friendly and appealing cafe, one can notice the soothing Bossa Nova music playing, with the fragrant smell of coffee. A fine-looking tiny "working" motorcycle hanging on one of the walls and several fine paintings as decors complete the ambiance! There are also several magazines for those who enjoy reading the good stuffs in life.

It can seat about 40 people inside and more outside for those who enjoy al fresco, breathing the fresh uptown air. They are also open for meetings and the like. Several artists have visited the place and these include Martin Nievera, Dennis Padilla, well-known politicians and who's who in the city.

So, what are you waiting for? Come, enjoy, chill, relax and unwind at one of the newest and "in" places in the uptown area, Aroma Cafe.

Aroma Cafe is open from 7:30 a.m. till 12 midnight and is located at the ground floor of Stonestown Building (besides Xavier Square), Upper Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City and can be reached at (088) 859-2348.