Cristina Razote-Santos never imagined owning a bistro. She doesn’t cook, nor does she drink coffee. Yet on Feb. 12, she stood before family, friends, and media guests, welcoming them to the grand opening of Brews and Babes Bistro in Valenzuela City.
“People often ask why we named it Brews and Babes,” she said with a smile. “The truth is, we never planned for this at all.”
Originally, she and her business partners intended to open a small café and a car wash. But as construction progressed, the vision expanded, evolving into a full-fledged lifestyle hub designed for food, relaxation, and social connection.
Baby Back Ribs. (Photo by Rolando Salorsano/Simpol.ph)
“This isn’t my dream — it’s my mother’s,” Razote-Santos shared. “Growing up, my family ran small eateries and carinderias. My parents, my grandmother — they all had a passion for food. This place is for them.”
Her journey into the restaurant industry was unexpected. “I never thought I’d be in this business,” she admitted. “But after months of trial and error, here we are.”
She credited her team for making the bistro a reality. “This wouldn’t be possible without our hardworking staff — our chefs, our crew, and everyone behind the scenes.”
Valenzuela’s newest lifestyle destination
Spanning 1,500 square meters, Brews and Babes Bistro is more than just a restaurant. Located at 570 McArthur Highway in Malanday, Valenzuela, it features a bistro, a barber shop, a nail salon, a massage area, and a rooftop bar — all under one roof.
“We wanted to create a place where people can eat, relax, and take care of themselves in one visit,” Razote-Santos explained.
The barber shop offers expert grooming, the nail salon provides a range of pampering services, and the massage area helps guests unwind. “This space isn’t just about pampering,” she said. “It’s about wellness and community.”
At the heart of the bistro is its coffee shop, featuring 80 percent Arabica coffee and catering to both coffee lovers and motorcycle enthusiasts.
“The goal is to make this a meeting place for riders,” Razote-Santos said. “A spot where they can grab a great cup of coffee before heading out on their journeys.”
Designed with an industrial-chic aesthetic, the café is led by a barista with over 30 years of experience, ensuring top-quality brews. A renowned pastry chef curates an array of pastries to complement the coffee offerings.
Garlic Capsicum Grilled Chicken. (Photo by Rolando Salorsano/Simpol.ph)
A key feature of the bistro is its car wash and detailing service, designed to turn a routine task into a more enjoyable experience.
“Customers can enjoy coffee while their vehicles are cleaned,” Razote-Santos explained. “It makes the wait time more productive and relaxing.”
For those looking to unwind, the rooftop bar offers a scenic spot for drinks and casual gatherings.
“We want this to be a place where people can relax, have a drink, and enjoy the night,” Razote-Santos said.
Razote-Santos prioritizes locally sourced ingredients, ensuring high-quality food offerings. To maintain service excellence, she has implemented employee training programs to enhance staff skills and customer experience.
Despite the challenge of managing multiple ventures, she remains committed to expanding beyond Metro Manila in the future.
