Free coffee and the Citi

We drink coffee almost three times a day and yet never actually look at what’s in the mug. While some settle for watered-down cups of the morning brew, coffee connoisseurs feel they deserve a good cup — a really good cup of coffee, where the distinct aroma of its quality beans blends with its full flavor in every sip. Thus, they drive to the nearest cafe, queue for their orders, pay a handsome sum, and wait for the barista to prepare their drinks.

I’m not a hardcore coffee drinker, but I don’t settle for the three-in-one variety either simply because I find the mixture too sweet. My formula for a good cup? I put equal portions (one teaspoon) of coffee, creamer, and brown sugar in a mug half-filled with uber hot water. And presto! I’m ready for my instant caffeine fix.

Gourmet tapa: The Angus tapa at Bfast by Chef Laudico

Popularly known as the “happy cup,” coffee has its way of lifting one’s spirit especially when it’s rainy and gloomy outside.

Free Coffee, Anyone?

As Citibank’s treat to its loyal credit cardholders this rainy season, Citibank has tied up with The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf (CBTL) so cardholders can enjoy free coffee when they dine and pay using their Citibank Credit Card at participating restaurants.

The free CBTL coffee is in conjuction with the existing Citibank Dining Privileges program where Citi cardholders can savor the joys of having the most rewarding cards in town.

Citi credit cardholders get a free cup of coffee if they use their Citi Card to pay for their entire dining billing at participating restaurants such as Bfast by Chef Laudico, Bistro Filipino, Cafe 1771, Casa Armas, Cuillere, and Melo’s branches.

The free coffee is not the instant variety. The good news is, cardholders actually get to enjoy making their own coffee at the participating restaurants using the CBTL Machine, an easy-to-use, single-serve beverage system that combines the handcrafted taste and quality that is the hallmark of The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf with the finest Italian technology and design perfected by Caffitaly System.

“CBTL Machine is stationed at each participating restaurant. One capsule is all you need to create a single serving; one touch is all it takes to brew a perfect cup,” explains Walden Chu, president, CBTL.

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According to Chu, each capsule contains CBTL’s hand-selected premium coffee sourced directly from the world’s best coffee estates.

“Every cup of coffee you make using the CBTL Machine is full of the same fresh flavors and aromas that you savor at CBTL stores,” he adds.

For Citi cardholders who would like to purchase the CBTL Machine, they can grab one at any of The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf branches.

Dine And Be Merry

Citi credit cardholders may avail themselves of the best dining deals at participating outlets on top of the free coffee if they are able to meet the purchase requirement for the Citibank Dining Privileges offer.

For example, at Cuillere, customers will get a free Banana Nutella Crepe when they use their Citibank credit card to pay for a minimum bill of P1,000. Promo runs until March 31, 2012. If the cardholder spends less than P1,000 using the Citibank Credit Card, he/she gets to enjoy just the free coffee. But if the bill amounts to at least P1,000, he/she may get the free coffee and free Banana Nutella Crepe.

Over at Casa Armas, Citi cardholders get free two pieces of canonigo for a minimum single-receipt purchase of P2,500. Promo runs until July 15, 2012, while Bfast by Chef Laudico gives two Belgian brownie bars for free for every P250 purchase.

At Bistro Filipino by Chef Laudico, get a free set menu if you order three dinner set menus and pay using your Citibank Credit Card.

Get 10-percent off on Wagyu and certified Angus beef when you use your Citi credit card until July 31, 2012 at Melo’s. And at Café 1771, get a free cookie for a minimum bill of P800 or get a free pastry item for a minimum bill of P1,500.

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Citibank Dining Privileges Program promises the best dining deals at all participating dining outlets in the country.

If another credit card offers something better than your Citi card in any place that carries that Citi Dining Privileges sign, Citi will reimburse the difference.