The facade is imposing. Two storeys, huge arches at the upper part and recessed windows. I thought it was a music store, what with its name, Poprock in a beautiful yellow strip and bold, yellow colored font on black. But a friend from Iligan who was walking with me to Divisoria last night exclaimed, oh, they’re already here. I like their food!
PopRock Restaurant and Cafe started as a bakeshop 8 March 1990 in Iligan City. Ten years later, it transformed itself into a cafe with Italian cuisine inspired food. It bakes its own bread, serves pasta and rice meals as well as sandwiches, pastries and desserts. And judging from the reaction of my friend, it seems popular in Iligan City.
Sir, would you like to try our newest offering, Shrimp Thermidor? We’ll be launching it today. Roselle Tapia-Yañez, Store Manager for Cagayan de Oro City, politely asked me. I just had their crab salad sandwich and a slice of baked cheesecake, and of course, who would refuse? I still have room for one more dish.
We just launched last 8 March 2014, as she gave a smile. We used to have a branch in Cebu for 2-3 years back in 2002. Roselle recounted. A family enterprise, the Cagayan de Oro branch would have been it’s third. She’s proud of their Piadina, a dish inspired by an Italian restaurant of the same name in Makati and recommended also their Spirelli Salad.
Asked about the dessert if it is the same with the main branch, she told me that they had to offer new ones here based on her observations and feedback from diners.
I still have to explore their other offerings, probably when I come back to Cagayan de Oro City. The food is good so far at a price that doesn’t hurt the wallet. Do check PopRock out whenever you’re in CDeO or in Iligan.
