#GoodTimesInCommon: Brunchin' and Brewin' at Common Man Coffee Roasters in Makati

The new year is looking bright on the local restaurant scene with the recent opening of Common Man Coffee Roasters at the Ayala Triangle Gardens. Coffee enthusiasts now have a new spot and sanctuary to call home at the heart of Makati surrounded by lush greens for that quick escape. Uncommon coffee for the common man, the new kid on the coffee block shares their passion, unique style and coffee culture with their specialty brews and sumptuous dishes in the spirit of #GoodTimesInCommon in an elegant garden setting. Curious? Read on for a tasty peek at brunchin' and brewin' at Common Man Coffee Roasters...

Established in Singapore back in 2013, Common Man Coffee Roasters set out with the ambitious vision to be a champion of specialty coffee and the best brunch in Asia with a mission to impact people's lives positively. Guided by ethical and sustainability standards, Common Man Coffee Roasters aims to grow the specialty coffee culture in consumption, understanding and appreciation through leading wholesale and retail experiences. 

Inside Common Man Coffee Roasters at Ayala Triangle Gardens, the café concept's goals, vision and mission are recreated and reflected in a warm color palette of earthy tones, the casual vibe and the deep, nutty hints of the fragrant aroma of coffee beans at the on-site roasting facility. Staying "true to great coffee and good people,"Common Man Coffee Roasters follows through with its unique concept down to every detail in a seamless weave at their location in Ayala Triangle Gardens. 

As the local coffee culture continues to grow, Common Man Coffee Roasters adds its own unique take to the metro's colorful café scene. From Singapore to Manila, it's time for brunchin' and brewin' at Common Man Coffee Roasters...

At the heart of Common Man Coffee Roasters' operations are the prized coffee beans sourced from all over the world...

...including Jabanto from Ethiopia and Wiang Pa Pao from Thailand from their extensive selections. At Common Man Coffee Roasters, the bean to cup experience is taken seriously celebrating the relationships between farmer and miller to baristas and drinkers in a continuous and ever widening loop. 

The fragrant aroma of freshly roasted coffee beans fill the air both inside and outside of Common Man Coffee Roasters...

...bringing you up close to the first layer of sensory experiences from one of Singapore's finest cafés. 

A traditional pour over lets you enjoy the deep, nutty and bold flavors of the world's finest coffee beans in a classic espresso at Coffee Man Coffee Roasters. The Ethiopian Jabanto from the Yirgacheffe region offers full and robust notes finished with subtle and even nuanced fruity hints of red grape, guava and blueberry while the Wiang Pa Pao from Thailand brings subtle hints of nutmeg, caramelized sugar and chocolate to the palate for two unique and distinct flavor profiles. 

From Common Man Coffee Roasters in Singapore, Janet toured our group inside the spacious café...

...including a peek at their on-site roasting facility where all the magic happens. At Common Man Coffee Roasters, each step of the process is tediously and meticulously executed for that perfect cup of freshly brewed coffee and the equally perfect vibe. After all, the enjoyment of coffee goes beyond mere upfront flavors. Common Man Coffee Roasters takes your coffee experience further with its rich and lavish layers of delicate and nuanced notes. It's the minute subtleties that make a whole lot of difference, and Common Man Coffee Roasters does exactly that with each of their specialty offerings. 

At the exclusive launch of Singapore's finest café in Ayala Triangle Gardens, Nicole Anderson kicked off the festivities welcoming guests...

...followed by a brief yet detailed introduction of the Singapore-based brand's philosophy and vision by Michael Bovell, General Manager of the Spa Esprit Group...

...and the creative process behind each offering at Common Man Coffee Roasters' extensive menu by Agnes McDonald, AVP and Head of Technical Services Research and Development of Jollibee Foods Corporation. 

Our coffee experience at Common Man Coffee Roasters formally began with their specialty Flat White (P 180 Regular/P 200 Large) after the espresso cupping earlier during the tour. The deep nutty richness of the premium single-origin beans are perfectly complemented by the thick, silky smooth and creamy finish with its flavorful notes lingering on the palate long after the last sip. 

Masterfully executed, the Flat White at Common Man Coffee Roasters is the perfect introduction to Common Man Coffee Roasters' vision and mission reflected and experienced in a soothing cup. Rich, creamy and nutty with lingering chocolate hints, the Flat White captures the spirit of the brand's "true to good coffee and good people" philosophy.

The Flat White is a preview of multiple layers of flavors yet to come, as the kitchen of Common Man Coffee Roasters served its sumptuous repertoire of savory classics from their all-day brunch menu and sandwich staples...

...starting with the Cubanos Sandwich (P 650), a hearty meal in itself with tender sliced slow-cooked pork, shaved ham, aged Cheddar, jalapeño, gherkins and raisin chutney on crisp rosemary focaccia slathered with creamy mustard mayo served with a side of fries. The slabs of slow-cooked pork and shaved ham combine for a double dose of savory flavors complemented by the different components and the fresh-baked focaccia. 

The Cubanos Sandwich is just one of many tempting offerings at Common Man Coffee Roasters, with an extensive selection that includes the Conti Sandwich (P 690), Sourdough Croque Monsieur (P 550) and Smash Burger (P 690). 

What's brunch without pancakes? The Not Your Common Pancakes (P 550) is one tempting option not to be missed with thick and fluffy wheat pancakes cooked in a cast iron skillet. It's the perfect start to your day at Common Man Coffee Roasters. Topped with caramelized bananas and caramelized walnut crumble generously drizzled with caramel sauce and berry coulis, can you think of any other way to start your day? 

Common Man Coffee Roasters takes breakfast and brunch up a notch with its impressive Common Man Full Breakfast (P 750) with its flavorful medley of bacon, pork sausages, spinach, herbed Roma tomato, hash brown, Portobello mushrooms, house-made baked chorizo beans, two free range eggs in any style (I recommend the poached eggs) and sourdough toast. 

Each lavish component comes together with each sumptuous bite draping the palate with distinct and contrasting notes and textures. It's a complete breakfast any time of day, and definitely one of the best I've had in the metro. From the bacon and pork sausages, the tart herbed Roma tomatoes, the fresh spinach, earthy and meaty Portobello mushrooms, the savory chorizo baked beans, poached eggs and sourdough, this is one full breakfast you just can't pass up. And Common Man Coffee Roasters has a full menu to satisfy your mood or craving and complete your coffee experience.

Pair your Common Man Full Breakfast with the Flat White or...

...wash it all down with the Nitro Honey Oat Latte (P 250) for that sweet and soothing pairing. The honey and oat milk brings indulgent layers of flavors with every sip with the bold notes of coffee adding depth. 

A morning tipple? Why not. The Espresso Martini at Common Man Coffee Roasters just hits all the right notes for that smooth mid-morning vibe. 

From its coffee selections to hearty dishes, Common Man Coffee Roasters is a welcome addition to the metro's growing coffee culture scene. Experience #GoodTimesInCommon at Common Man Coffee Roasters, now brunchin' and brewin' at Ayala Triangle Gardens...