My mom and I went out for some last minute shopping yesterday to get items for our out of town trip.  Our quick shoppping took longer than expected that we just found ourselves craving for a break and some tummy fillers.  When we spotted a Dulcinea Café branch near the exit, my mom decided to have some Churros con Chocolate that we have come to associate with this café.  Originally known for fine dining cuisine, Dulcinea Café now offers casual dining for those who would like to enjoy meals with a pleasant ambiance at affordable rates.

At Dulcinea, you can enjoy pasta combos that come with free drinks for only P99 and rice meals with iced tea and dessert for only P149.  I was torn between the Carbonara with Chicken Fingers and the Galantina in Flamenco Sauce with Fish Fillet but the call of the red sauce was stronger so I opted for the latter dish.  The Flamenco Sauce was flavorful with slices of processed meat and bell pepper bits that add to the taste and texture of the dish.  It was a great meal considering that it only costs P99. Those who have big appetites may consider the servings a bit too small but for me it was enough for a heavy snack. My mom also enjoyed her Churros con Chocolate but not as much as she enjoyed the Churros they served during her younger years.  According to her it used to be thicker and more flavorful but the new version was still fine with her.

We couldn’t leave without having a dose of their mini cream puffs and chocolate éclair.  I love the combination of soft and crisp textures of the pastry, the cold filling, and the hard caramel topping of the cream puffs.  However, these desserts are best consumed immediately as their crispness and texture tends to deteriorate within hours of purchase.

Aside from the affordable meals and great tasting desserts, we also enjoyed the cozy interiors and laid back atmosphere in the café.  While some cafes are adorned with french bistro furniture, Dulcinea has padded booths and chairs that provide comfort to their diners.  Dulcinea Café still offers fine dining experience for those who prefer it.  Customers who enjoy simple or casual dining can visit branches that are situated in the malls or shopping districts.  At a time when practical purchases are called for, affordable and pleasant dining experiences like these are worth coming back for.