(shanghai daily)
Updated: 2006-11-17 09:10

When sitting down with a good cuppa, a nice bit of pastry usually goes hand-in-hand.

Diners with increasingly-sophisticated tastes are unimpressed by the ubiquitous stale muffins and rock-hard doughnuts found in most fast-food coffee chains. In fact, today's java lovers demand a proper cafe that serves quality food at affordable prices.

Thankfully, these needs are satisfied near the Xintiandi entertainment complex, the location of one of the city's fanciest secrets. Already a household name in its native Philippines since 1993, Figaro Coffee Company has its sights set on spreading the coffee culture locally.

"Why Shanghai? Why not? It's the place to be," proclaimed the instantly-likable Rosario Juan, area manager for the company's local operations. The Manila native is a huge fan of the brew, and has particularly enjoyed spreading the word in the city.

"It's clearly not just foreigners enjoying coffee; more and more people are getting into this culture. I've seen customers sit down to read the newspapers with a cup of coffee, and they don't even manage to finish the whole cup."

The two-story, European-style coffee shop has proven to be a draw for book-lovers with its comfy armchairs and cozy upper level. Wireless Internet, a must nowadays, is also available for mobile workers.

The chain currently has 53 outlets across the Philippines, and two in Shanghai, but the brand is clearly not going for the fast-food approach that competitors take.

The Xingye Road flagship store opened in 2005 and has constantly stayed on its toes to update itself by regularly offering new items.

"We've got new stuff all the time. We have seasonal drinks, such as a banana mocha frost that we did in summer, and something coming up for the winter," the young manager said.

The outlet is paying increasing attention to the food served. With a number of office towers in the immediate vicinity, it clearly makes sense to cater to the business people looking for something decent to eat.

The menu offers gourmet sandwiches, such as the grilled rosemary chicken on focaccia for 37 yuan (US$4.70). The rosemary-infused meat was a pleasure to eat, although a little bit more cheese would be a welcome addition. Other tasty sandwich offerings include the pepperoni and cheese ciabatta (35 yuan), and the croque monsieur ham and cheese grilled sandwich for 29 yuan, among others.

These sandwiches alone are better than a number of places, but the store does not stop there.

It also serves a few pasta dishes that are not the typical bolognese sauce found almost everywhere else. Instead, the signature pasta is the Pasta ala Carlo (39 yuan). A spicy tuna and olive oil based sauce makes this dish, named after one of the chain's directors and store designers, an unusual yet welcome bite for a quick meal.

Figaro Coffee Company also offers set menus for lunch and dinner, and are priced between 50 yuan and 90 yuan - much cheaper than the surrounding Xintiandi establishments.

In anticipation for the cooler season, the store has introduced new, heartier items. Diners can enjoy a spicy beef pizza for 35 yuan, or hot and filling vegetable soup for 19 yuan.

Figaro Coffee Company
Address: 160 Xingye Road
Tel: 021-6384-7242