UCC Clockwork: My Kind of Cafe in Blue Bay Walk

Whenever I want to hang out, catch up with friends, or just have a good time, I go straight to coffee shops and cafes. You could say that coffee shops and cafes to me, are like bars and clubs for others. And I'm so glad that my boyfriend shares the same sentiments. Call us cafe-hoppers if you may, but this is where we're most comfortable at. ( ˘▽˘)っ♨♨ｃ(´∀｀ )

UCC in the metro has been satisfying us with not just coffee, but also with their food -- be it the Vienna Cafe, Park Cafe, or Cafe Terrace concept. However, the newest addition to their family of cafes is probably my most favorite among them all. UCC Clockwork at Blue Bay Walk.

Unlike the other UCC stores, UCC Clockwork adopts the "third wave coffee" concept -- a global movement that aims to produce higher quality coffee, mostly single-origin, and put back the artistry in coffee-making. So yup, don't expect ice-blended frappe drinks here.

UCC Clockwork ain't called clockwork for nothing!

A peek at UCC Clockwork's bar

Stairs to the mezzanine level

View of the mezzanine just after climbing the stairs

This is just one of the private rooms at UCC Clockwork.

They even have a spacious smoking area on the mezzanine level!

There are quite a lot of spacious cafes in the metro. However, UCC Clockwork is probably the biggest I've seen in recent memory. There are a few tables on the ground floor, and a wide dining and lounging area on the mezzanine. They even have about three or four private rooms perfect for meetings. And the high ceilings, they make the place feel even more spacious!

I actually wanted to take more photos of the spacious interior, but my phone battery already died. And it didn't help that I only have a 40mm lens on my dslr at the moment. (¬,¬”) (I only use my phone when taking photos of resto signages and interiors.) Been checking out ZALORA for power banks, since I'm in dire need of a heavy duty one. Which do you think should I get?

Worried it'd be hard to call the attention of the staff?
Push button callers are installed all over the cafe.

When we got inside the cafe, I knew I wanted to sit at the counter tables lined on the edge of the mezzanine. It was the perfect spot to appreciate the spaciousness of the place, and take in the industrial feel of UCC Clockwork, while getting a nice view of the bar area below.

Anyhow, here are the things we ordered from UCC Clockwork's menu...

✓ Brazil #2 Single-Origin Coffee (P170)

The boyf asked for their bestseller, and he was recommended the Brazil #2. And upon taking a sip, I couldn't agree more! This hand-drip coffee tasted great! It was pretty light, full-bodied yet far from acidic. It also had sweet, nutty notes and even hints of bittersweet chocolatey flavor. This is by far the most delicious-tasting coffee I've ever had. And please, if you love coffee, don't add sugar or cream to this serving. It's already perfect the way it is!

Hot Matcha Latte (P170)

As for my choice of drink, I had the matcha latte since I was craving for matcha so badly. This cup was nice and creamy, although I would've preferred if the matcha flavor was stronger. Thinking back to when we visited UCC Clockwork, I wish I'd ordered one of their single-origin coffee instead... Oh well, this just calls for another visit then! And hopefully, soon. Dominica Nuevo Mundo Typica (P240) -- orange & nuts with a hint of floral notes, I'm eyeing on you!

Sausage Al Tartufo (P320)

The boyfriend loves his pastas, so when he saw this on the menu, he didn't even think twice about ordering it. Al dente-cooked linguine with white truffle oil, sausages, parmesan and mushrooms in bechamel sauce, served with garlic bread on the side -- this dish tasted as good as it looks and sounds. Every forkful gave off soft yet firm pasta goodness with just the right amount of creamy, mushroomy and truffle oil flavors. However, I thought the dish lacked a pinch of salt. After asking for some salt and pepper, the boyf seemed to dig it more.

✓ Fresh Corned Beef with Kimchi Rice (P350)

I would've settled for a light salad if I weren't too hungry. But since we were out for brunch at 12 noon (yup, haven't had breakfast yet), I was craving for something with rice. And rice I did have. Homemade corned beef with kimchi rice, poached egg, dijonnaise, and a side of salad -- you'd think a girl as small as me wouldn't be able to finish this plate. But I did! It was THAT good. The corned beef was quite thick and chunky, yet tender, savory and simply delish. And although I initially felt like there was not enough corned beef and too much kimchi rice, I can't complain 'cause I wolfed down the rice like nobody's business! Everything on this plate, or serving board rather, was great. If only there was another piece of corned beef. Teehee!

Oh, no dessert from UCC Clockwork since we went to Yamato Bakery next door and had Sumiyaki Coffee Jelly, which I think is also on UCC Clockwork's menu. But meh~ It was too late when I realized it. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

THE VERDICT

UCC has been one of my favorite cafes, but I've honestly been tired of the same old items they have on their menu. So I'm so happy that there's UCC Clockwork to freshen things up and give the younger, hipper market, as well as the more serious coffee enthusiasts, a new place to hang out at. And although we've only tried one of their single-origin, pour-over coffees, we were so impressed that we'll definitely go back for more. Their food, as expected of UCC, is of good quality and taste too. And how can I not mention the industrial, steampunk vibe (that I love) oozing from the interiors? If only the servers would smile more and exude more warmth, then I won't be hesitant to say that UCC Clockwork is my most favorite cafe to date.

Taste 4/5
Ambiance - 4.5/5
Service - 3.5/5
Price - 3.5/5
Overall Value - 4/5

UCC Clockwork, Blue Bay Walk
Blue Bay Walk, Macapagal Avenue Corner EDSA,
San Jose, Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines
(02) 843-4383
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