DW Cafe: Food, Drinks and Gadgets

Whenever my date and I visit Eastwood, we'd usually pass by Digital Walker, a store famous for carrying stylish accessories for Apple products. Although I consider myself quite tech-savvy, I don't own any Apple gadgets so the store didn't look as enticing for me. Not until now.

Just beside the shop is a Japanese concept café, DW Cafe. Owned by Charlie Paw -- the man behind Digital Walker, Digital Hub and Beyond the Box, among others, DW Cafe somehow serves as a dining section for the Eastwood gadget store.

It's been a while since my date and I have been in the area. And although we've previously seen DW Cafe, it was only last week that we got the chance to finally check the place out. Painted with white and accented with reds and a black backdrop, DW Cafe exudes a clean and modern vibe (which I failed to take photos of since I was really starving that afternoon).

Being first-timers in the shop, we approached the counter since no one seemed to be looking our way unlike in other similar cafés like UCC and Tokyo Cafe. Good thing, the crew at the counter was very courteous and friendly, guiding us with what their bestsellers are. After ordering, customers have to pay up front.

DW Cafe has a decent menu selection. They have Japanese pasta dishes, all-day breakfast items and rice meals. I was thinking of getting their Uni Pasta (P255), but since I was really hungry that time and was craving badly for rice, I decided to go with the Omu Rice with Spicy Karaage (P225). There was really nothing special with this dish -- fried rice wrapped in omelette and served with semi-spicy chicken pieces.

My date on the other hand, ordered a serving of the Chicken Pasta (P235) -- grilled chicken bites mixed with greens, and sautéed in a light cream sauce. Although this pasta dish was flavorful and very creamy, we were disappointed with the portion size. For the price, they could've added a few more strands of pasta. But what made us raise our eyebrows was the server's comment when we asked her how big their pasta dishes are, prior to ordering. She said this dish would even be good for sharing, but really, this didn't even fill up my date.

For drinks, my date decided to go with a Mudslide Espresso Frappe (P125). Although this drink tasted good, my date would've preferred it a bit more bittersweet. On the other hand, I got a 16oz. Hot Chocolate (P130) which my date and I both loved! It was very rich and probably unsweetened.

So although there were a few misses for our late lunch at DW Cafe, this hot cup of rich, bittersweet chocolate had managed to save the day.

THE VERDICT

DW Cafe provides an ambiance brighter and more modern than the more popular coffee shops. Like famous Japanese concept cafés, it also serves well-cooked food. However, basing my review on this trip, DW Cafe can make room for more improvements. The food items we tried were okay, but given the price, they can be made better-tasting. If not, bigger in portion. The service can also be worked on. They've hit the courtesy and friendliness, why not add promptness?

Although this trip to DW Cafe isn't exactly a very good one, my date and I weren't turned off that badly to not return at all. We'd still visit DW some time soon to get a taste of their Japanese pasta items (Uni and Unagi), as well as their cakes.

Taste - 3/5
Ambiance - 4/5
Service - 3.5/5
Price - 3/5
Overall Value - 3/5

DW Cafe, Eastwood Mall
G/F Beside Digital Walker,
Eastwood Mall, E. Rodriguez Jr. Ave.
Quezon City, Metro Manila
Philippines
(02)584-3745
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