In the realm of the senses

A new hub rises in the heart of Makati where weary souls can find a balance of good food and good sense of style, a home boutique where you can have the whim of indulging in each precious piece of furniture or artwork while sipping your favorite coffee. It’s like being in the comforts of your very home. Only better! Welcome to THE ROOM UPSTAIRS, the first-ever design center, retail store and coffee shop rolled into one.




THE ROOM UPSTAIRS, a design-retail-coffeeshop formally launched its commercial existence through a no-frills ceremony hosted no less by Anthony Pangilinan Thursday night, Nov. 23, right within the confines of the month-long old establishment.

Owned and operated by husband-and-wife tandem Ari & Pinky Peralta, the art haven offers food for the senses: epicurean and visual.

“The name Room Upstairs came after we found the place. We wanted a name that sounded neutral but would have an easy recall and encompass what we offer like food and furniture. More importantly, the name has that ring of exclusivity to it; creating a sort of club for people who appreciate the finer things in life and who gets comfortable in this kind of environment. We want this to be a sort of watering hole where people come back more often," the Peraltas enthused.

Ari, a certified gourmet, runs the coffee-shop and is responsible for coming up with fresh ideas for their growing menu that would soon include vegetarian options. They offer all-day breakfast, panini (hot sandwiches), appetizers, soup & salad, pasta, dessert, hot & cold coffee and tea, as well as lunch and dinner specials.

“It’s a lifestyle of fine taste that’s why we cater to guests who love to be pampered. It’s a very intimate setting that seats a maximum of only 25 people. We are still in the process of creating our staple menu but we will definitely have specials for each day and week. We offer red and white wine too,” shares Ari, on the gustatory side of the business.

Pinky, on the other hand, is a much sought-after interior and furniture designer. Among her extensive collection on display are divans and daybeds, tables and high backed chairs, head boards, lamps and vases, leather and reptilian upholstered seats, and a beautifully framed standing mirror.

“Vintage Chic is a very flexible theme as it runs the gamut from those who love the classics as well as the contemporary. Aside from my designs, we invite co-designers to contribute their works as long as they are rare like a colleague's fabulous collection of hand-made wall clocks and commissioned art works like abstract paintings and installation art. In short, what we offer here are exquisite finds than furnishings people could easily procure from the malls. These are my collections of one-of-a-kind pieces; things I love and indorse, including the ones I’ve amassed from expositions during my travels abroad,” Pinky says.

Coffee table books on home life line the shelves by the dining area while an intricate iron sculpture adorns the glass-paned windows, clearly silhouetted against a gossamer curtain, easily capturing the eyes once you enter the showroom.

“We tried bringing a string musician here recently and the response was very favorable. When the lights are dimmed, the interiors take on a very homey atmosphere that it feels like you’re just sitting right in your own living room. We want our guests to enjoy wholesome, clean fun and feel at home.
This opening ceremony provides the chance to unveil our rare pieces like our hand-crafted chandeliers and accessories from all over. And eventually, introduce us to industry circles,” the couple revealed.

Visit The Room Upstairs Coffee Shop & Gallery at the 2nd Level of the LRI Business Plaza located along 210 N. Garcia St. (formerly Reposo) in Makati City. For inquiries, call 899.9318.###