Harina By Monsees: Not Your Ordinary Dough!

I would always past by this artisan bakery and didn't really mind it until one day, I needed a place to chill and eat before doing some brotherly chores early in the morning.

 It was a Friday, that I was really really early and had time to have breakfast. I had to wait for the release of my brother's report card in AHS.

Since I was in the neighborhood, I used my time and looked for a place to get my breakfast on. Thankfully, I followed my gut and tried Harina By Monsees. It was so good that I went on two straight mornings just to taste more of their offerings and get a vibe of their restaurant.

The bakery/restaurant is pretty much simple and deserted when I arrived but after an hour or two, the seats would get filled.

While waiting or choosing your orders, I would suggest to get some coffee (cafe latte-Php 130) or have an amazing cold drink like the Frozen Hot Chocolate (Php 180). This chocolatey drink is really worth it. The foam on top is somewhat consistent with melted marshmallows while the chocolate shake at the bottom isn't overly sweet and could make anyone remember their happy childhood days.

One of their specialties would be the Harina's Blooming Bread (Php 320)

Crusty Itallian Loaf filled with basil puree and an assortment of melted cheese. Served with a dip of balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil.

 I could eat this baby all on my own! (and be bloated mind you! its good for 3-4 pax) The cheese and the hot and crunchy yet moist inside is definitely OMG!

The Breadfast Tart (Php 290) struck my curiosity.  It wasn't the usual thing that you would see in all day breakfast places.

Puff pastry shell filled with cream cheese, spinach, baked tomatoes, bacon and eggs.

The shell was flaky and the cream cheese was definitely present. It wasn't dry as the egg and the cream made it ow so yummy. Needless to say, I couldn't finish one so yes I got the half to go.

Hot Ham and Cheese (Php 220) was something you would definitely love if you hate dry sandwiches.

 Flaky Pastry Filled with Canadian Ham, Gruyere and Pickles topped with Bechamel Sauce

 I was expecting the bread to be dry and hard but wow. It was soft and absolutely went well with the sauce! It was so good that I wanted to wipe the plate clean. LOL!

and yes I love the Fries (Php 80) as I also ordered an extra serving. It wasn't too oily and I loved that they added a few herbs to transform the normal to something more unique. It should be a crime for ordering something this heavenly. I mean, they aren't the luxurious truffle fries but it can hold its own and for the price its a steal.

Please don't kill me.. but all the food here were ordered and eaten in a span of 2 consecutive breakfast.

Aside from all the sandwiches, I also got an order of pasta. When I saw the Boscaiola (Php 200) on the menu I was sold. Why? It had BACON!

Penne cooked al dente with a tomato cream sauce with porcini mushrooms and bacon.

 Not yet enough? Yeah I thought so too so I got The Biscuit and Gravy (Php225). It rocked my would so it might do the same to yours.

Fried chicken fillet, bacon, baked tomatoes & biscuit topped with white gravy.

Where could you go wrong with chicken and bacon? And yes there is also gravy!!!! The gravy made everything awesome! The biscuit isn't your ordinary stuff. It was hard outside but soft inside. It really is a choice if you are going to love it or hate 'em but I liked it.

I guess for someone who is indecisive and doesn't know what to get, The Big Breakfast (Php 290) is your pick.

 Create your own breakfast with a vegetable and cheese omelet, choice of Canadian Ham, Bacon or Breakfast Sausage and roasted pineapple. Served with toast.

I loved the omelet. It was gooey and cheesy plus the veggies filled everything inside. It was delicious.

After eating all of these, I noticed a familiar smell near the counter. It was freshly baked Spanish Bread.

Of course, I couldn't eat all of them but I did try one.

It was hot and soft. You would definitely know that it was perfect to pair with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. The filling wasn't too sweet and it was definitely a great and yummy breakfast treat.

Tip: although they open at 6am, the Spanish Bread is baked freshly everyday and goes out the kitchen around 8am.

I will be honest, I wasn't expecting much with this restaurant but after enjoying my breakfast with them, I would definitely be going back with my family once they arrived from their looooong vacation!  It may take sometime for the kitchen to get your order ready when you go there early in the morning but its worth the wait.

Please don't make the mistake of just passing by and not giving them a try. I didn't really know that this small restaurant is a breakfast gem. No need for road tripping all the way to Tagaytay just because of a breakfast crave (Breakfast at Antonio's). This is definitely a more affordable and nearer place for someone from north of the metro. Budget around 300-400Php. YUMMY!

Harina Cafe By Monsees
118 Katipunan Avenue, White Plains,
Quezon City, Philippines
Near Shell Gas Station.
6am-9pm
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Disclaimer: paid for my meal and wrote this based on my own experience.. and yes I got a huge paper bag for my to-go!