CENTRO Desserts & Cafe

Simple but elegant. CENTRO Desserts & Cafe's classic style chandelier, the timeless European design of the big sofa, chairs, and tables, soft toned colors of the long curtains, and the delicious smell of the freshly baked cakes and muffins - made me feel calm after having a busy Thursday.

It was a warm delight to sat on the big sofa and simply watch the business owner and his bakers bake together. Because of their unwavering teamwork, CENTRO will be celebrating its seventh year anniversary this coming May 28, 2024. Their happiness comes from gaining and retaining loyal customers who enjoy the luscious, rich taste of premium designer cakes.

AJ Azarcon, the business owner, started baking when he was 12 years old. His aunties taught him how to bake apple pie and upside-down cake. When he was in high school, he learned to create different kinds of pasta sauce. For him, it was a "love affair". He wants something simple, not complicated. Although, he had a rough time with his business during the first three years, he kept his faith: "Let money work for you", not the other way around. He knows himself as being a kind perfectionist. When mistakes happen in his life, he just "Let it pass". According to his bakers, AJ is a second mother who wants the best for them. He treats them as family, and at the same time, he trains his people well - honing their craft and teaching them about customer relations. AJ values trust, gratitude, and work ethics.

Pasta Bolognese was appetizing! The pasta was well-cooked and the sauce blend was unique. Compared to other Bolognese recipes that I have tasted in the past, the sauce was not sour so I did not drink too much water. Ordering Bolognese again the next time I go to CENTRO is definitely a good pasta choice.

The Banana Muffin was a sweet dessert. It was fresh out of the oven and the smell was inviting. The chocolate and almonds added a flavorful crunch to the muffin. In less than ten bites, I was able to eat the whole muffin, and it was tempting me to order one more serving of Bolognese. Amazingly at that moment, I was able to control myself!

Before leaving CENTRO, I had a quick chat with the bakers to find out the customers' favorites: Lemon Torte, Tres Leches, Pasta Oriental, Salted Caramel, and Cheese Cake.

Lemon Torte ₱2,200

Tres Leches Cake - Rectangle ₱1,800

Tres Leches Cake - Round ₱1,500

For orders and reservations, please contact CENTRO Desserts & Cafe at: +63.922.584.5874 or +63.906.567.9075 or +6344.331.0654. It is located across St. Joseph Cathedral, San Jose City, Nueva Ecija, Philippines.