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Paradise, Poured

Recipes with roots. Tropical traditions poured with love from the Philippines.

Bag of Beans opened its doors at the Village Walk at Eastlake in fall of 2025, bringing a taste of international culinary tradition straight to Chula Vista. Originally founded in 1998 in Tagaytay City, Philippines, this beloved family-owned institution is famous for its cozy, garden-style aesthetic. The brand operates six locations internationally, five back home, and one right here in Eastlake. This new Eastlake venue marks their first expansion outside of the Philippines.

From owner and Eastlake local Anthony Jose—the true heart of Bag of Beans lies in its legendary bakery and coffee program. They proudly import authentic Kapeng Barako coffee beans straight from the Philippines. Made from the rare Liberica bean, Barako coffee is celebrated for its bold, full-bodied flavor and smoky, dark-chocolate aroma.

Far beyond simply a coffee shop, Bag of Beans boasts an elegant well-decorated interior, a mix of classic and inspired Filipino dishes, an in-house bakery, and a full-service bar with specialty lattes and Filipino inspired creative cocktails.

To bring a piece of their signature warmth into your own kitchen, try your hand at these two exclusive featured recipes.

PACIFIC PEARL

Ingredients:

  • 1.5oz vodka
  • 0.5oz lemon juice
  • 0.5oz elderflower liqueur
  • 0.5oz lychee syrup

Directions:

  1. To start, chill your martini glass by filling it with ice while you prepare the cocktail
  2. Next, fill the larger side of your shaker tin with fresh ice
  3. Add the vodka, equal parts fresh lemon juice, lychee syrup, and elderflower liqueur to the small side of your shaker tin
  4. Seal the shaker and shake vigorously until the outside of the tin is well frosted
  5. Discard the ice from your chilled martini glass
  6. Double strain the cocktail into the chilled glass
  7. Finally, garnish with a lychee, a lemon twist, or an orchid for ultimate effect
  8. Serve immediately and enjoy your crisp sip that transports you straight to the beautiful Philippine Islands

LILA MARTINI

Ingredients:

  • 1.5oz vodka
  • 0.5oz espresso
  • 0.5oz espresso liquor
  • 0.5oz pandan syrup
  • 1oz ube milk

Directions:

  1. First, chill your martini glass by filling it with ice while you prepare the cocktail
  2. Next, fill the larger side of your shaker tin with fresh ice
  3. Add the liquid ingredients to the small shaker tin in the following order: vodka, espresso, espresso liqueur, ube milk, and pandan syrup
  4. Seal the shaker and shake vigorously until the ingredients are thoroughly incorporated and the outside of the tin is well frosted
  5. Discard the ice from your chilled martini glass
  6. Double strain the cocktail into the chilled glass
  7. Finally, garnish your cocktail with three coffee beans and a sprig of rosemary
  8. Serve immediately and enjoy the ultimate mix of classic Filipino flavors infused with an elegant espresso martini

Businesses featured in this article