I never gave it much thought when I read (online) that Green Mango and Coffeebreak opened their newest branches in front of an Iloilo landmark - Nelly Garden. Nor it excited me even weeks before that I saw them being constructed on that new building that covers another third of the front lawn of the grand mansion. It's just another branch of these two restos, I said, and at the rate these two restos are opening, it's just nothing new. Until I passed by today .......
And from that moment one I can't contain my excitement. Though it was just a blur since I was riding a speeding vehicle, but I saw what I didn't expected to see - a view of the grand mansion from the road through the restaurants. I twas then I realized that these restos actually capitalized on the fame of this Iloilo icon to entice locals and tourists alike. Now both groups have reasons to celebrate. For locals; there is now a "legitimate" hangout in front of a once "in passing" landmark, and for visitors a more touristy way of appreciating the grandeur of the former Lopez mansion rather than just passing by or just staring along the streets.
But I had to wait until laet afternoon to visit them since I had a luncheon meeting at The Avenue that time. But when I finally got there, I can't help but appreciate the ambiance more than the food itself. I mean I have been to these two restos eversince it's only now that they have an view to offer. Both have their own closed area but sharesan al fresco dining area that offers a good view of the mansion and the gardens inside thorugh a fence. Though as of now, remains of the construction of the building make an eyesore.
Green Mango occupies a bigger portion since it's a full fastfood restaurant where patrons sit down and eat. Juts like their other branches they have modern interiors but this branch offers a view and a much better al fresco dining area.
Coffeebreak is quite cramped as expected for they see most of it's patrons will enjoy their drinks outside. There are more seats upfront but who'd wish to be there when the back area offers something much better. 
Now I've found myself a good place to bring/suggest to my guests when they come and visit Iloilo City. Or a place to have eyeballs and meetings. Or even just a place to let time pass by.
And from that moment one I can't contain my excitement. Though it was just a blur since I was riding a speeding vehicle, but I saw what I didn't expected to see - a view of the grand mansion from the road through the restaurants. I twas then I realized that these restos actually capitalized on the fame of this Iloilo icon to entice locals and tourists alike. Now both groups have reasons to celebrate. For locals; there is now a "legitimate" hangout in front of a once "in passing" landmark, and for visitors a more touristy way of appreciating the grandeur of the former Lopez mansion rather than just passing by or just staring along the streets.But I had to wait until laet afternoon to visit them since I had a luncheon meeting at The Avenue that time. But when I finally got there, I can't help but appreciate the ambiance more than the food itself. I mean I have been to these two restos eversince it's only now that they have an view to offer. Both have their own closed area but sharesan al fresco dining area that offers a good view of the mansion and the gardens inside thorugh a fence. Though as of now, remains of the construction of the building make an eyesore. Green Mango occupies a bigger portion since it's a full fastfood restaurant where patrons sit down and eat. Juts like their other branches they have modern interiors but this branch offers a view and a much better al fresco dining area.Coffeebreak is quite cramped as expected for they see most of it's patrons will enjoy their drinks outside. There are more seats upfront but who'd wish to be there when the back area offers something much better. Now I've found myself a good place to bring/suggest to my guests when they come and visit Iloilo City. Or a place to have eyeballs and meetings. Or even just a place to let time pass by.