2 weeks ago
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By HERMES JOY TUNAC, GMA Integrated News
Published February 26, 2025 3:52pm
Kenneth Cobonpue is no restaurateur, but he is a design legend, and he has proven it yet again with his newest showroom and café in the heart of Bonifacio Global City.
Located on the ground floor of Grand Hyatt Manila in BGC, Fable Café + Lounge is a rabbit hole waiting to whisk away diners to a whimsical oasis. The space is a unique blend of design and dining inspired by children's bedtime stories, with every corner adorned with unique design elements straight out of Kenneth's creative mind.
"I've always been inspired by my mother," Kenneth told press members during the launch of Fable Café + Lounge.
"My mother used to read me bedtime stories as a child. And back then, there was no internet, so I had to imagine all the pictures, fairytales, and faraway lands she was describing," he added.
Kenneth said those bedtime stories ignited something in him that led him to become the genius that he is with "a very active imagination."
Incorporating a café into his design showroom is a new concept for him, but the idea fits his new space in BGC.
"Fable Café + Lounge was just originally a café for our clients," he said. "It was supposed to be a simple space where we serve you coffee, and hopefully, you will buy something."
"And gradually, it took a life of its own," he added.
Every piece of furniture at Fable Café + Lounge has a story to tell, which Kenneth attributed to his colorful childhood.
The interiors boast a tactile exploration of organic textures, with rattan, bamboo, and handwoven fabrics, layering the space with Kenneth's masterpieces.
"That's why it's called Fable. Everything that you see here is my childhood," he said.
When it comes to the food and drinks, Kenneth said it's something that he's not an expert on, so he has collaborated with several chefs to bring the menu to life.
"The toughest thing about designing the café is managing the expectations about the food and drinks, which obviously I'm not an expert on," he said.
"We are working with several chefs, so I said, 'Let's just keep it simple and let the menu progress,'" he added.
Fable Café + Lounge offers a casual fine dining experience, where you can enjoy a menu that spans from brunch to dinner, including dishes like Steak and Eggs (P1750), Cornflake Fried Chicken & Waffles (P650), Quinoa Salad (P590), and Black Truffle Tortellini (P885), among others.
The bar at Fable Café + Lounge offers a selection of bespoke cocktails, each crafted with unique ingredients and flavors. These include The Nest Keeper (P550), made of Mezcal, Passionfruit, Falernum, and Lime; Wandering Whelk (P550), made of Peppermint Vodka, Salted Caramel, and Coconut; and The Hidden Hermit (P550), made of Tanqueray, Benedictine, Spicy Truffle Honey, and Citrus.
Fable Café + Lounge is located at 36th St., 8th Ave., BGC, Taguig City. It's open every day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for lunch and 6 p.m. onwards for dinner and drinks. —JCB, GMA Integrated News
