Planning an event for a smaller group can be tricky. You want a space that feels warm and inviting, but isn’t too expensive or impersonal. Recently, I had the chance to experience Cafe Mary Grace at Ayala the 30th as a venue for my St. Paul College, Pasig Senior High School 20th Year Reunion, gathering of around 40 people, and it proved to be the perfect choice.
Here’s where Cafe Mary Grace comes in. While it’s well-known for its delectable pastries and comforting Filipino fare, some Cafe Mary Grace branches offers function rooms that can be transformed into charming event spaces. Cafe Mary Grace, as always, offered a homey atmosphere that perfectly suited our intimate gathering.
The venue wasn’t massive, but it provided a sense of comfortable closeness, ideal for catching up with old friends. We opted to utilize the patio-like area (a smaller function room) for our buffet, which offered a charming, semi-outdoor feel. This setup allowed for a more relaxed flow compared to a traditional sit-down dinner, encouraging mingling and conversation among guests. This freed up the main area for tables, arranged in cozy groups of 9 and 10, fostering a sense of community and lively conversation.
The function room space, encompassing both large and small areas, has a consumable minimum of ₱38,000, comfortably accommodating 30 guests with a maximum capacity of 48; an additional charge applies for exceeding ₱38,000 worth of consumables.
While the venue might not be ideal for large events with elaborate programs and performances, for our intimate gathering, it was perfect. The buffet area also doubled as a fun photo booth zone for capturing memories. The friendly staff and the warm ambiance created a wonderful space to reconnect and reminisce.
For the food, we decided to forego a plated dinner and instead, took advantage of Cafe Mary Grace’s delicious menu. The staff was incredibly accommodating in helping us curate a selection that catered to a variety of tastes, especially since we have food restrictions among the guests. Our spread included crowd-pleasers like Pasta Amatriciana with Italian Meatballs, Smoked Salmon and Cream Pasta, and classic Filipino breakfast favorites like Toasted Vigan Longganisa and Sirloin Beef Tapa. Refreshing iced teas in wild raspberry, peppermint, and apple flavors kept everyone cool, while a Cheese Platter with Tomato and Capers, and Grilled Chicken and Orange Salad with black olive dressing added a touch of elegance. And of course, no gathering is complete without coffee, and Cafe Mary Grace’s selection did not disappoint.
A special shoutout to Cafe Mary Grace for gifting us the perfect ending to our event: a decadent Black Velvet cake and a delightful Toasted Almond Sans Rival. They were both crowd-pleasers and the ideal way to top off a memorable evening.
Overall, Cafe Mary Grace at Ayala the 30th proved to be an excellent choice for our small gathering. It offered a cozy atmosphere, delicious food options, and a helpful staff. If you’re planning an intimate event and are looking for a venue that feels like home, Cafe Mary Grace is definitely worth considering.
Shout out to my St. Paul College Pasig Seniors Batch 2004
Photos are from our official photographer, will comment soon when I get the name.
WanderWoMom 