Summer is here, and it definitely feels like hell out there! You can’t take 10 steps without breaking into sticky sweats! Thankfully there are cool refuge out there we can seek reprieve from the scorching heat and suffocating humidity. One such place is the Venice Grand Canal.

It’s a one-stop hangout place and there are a couple of ways you can beat the heat here. Check out some of the cool places in the area; Lord knows we need them:

ALAB

Location: GF Venice Grand Canal
Contact Number: 960-1770/ 960-1771

Alab is known for their home-made ice creams that take inspiration from some popular Pinoy meryenda and ulam, take for example their laing ice cream, popular with their regulars. It’s cozy and homey inside, and you’ll definitely be reminded of summers spent with relatives in the province.

Our Summer Bestfriend:
While any of their refreshing ice cream will certainly cool our body down, order their Tuba: a delicious shake made from fresh coconut sap.

CHIARA’S

Location: GF Venice Grand Canal (Near Food Hall Entrance)
Contact Number: 946-3215/ 821-2316

Chiara’s is a pastry and dessert place. Their gelato is the perfect way to cool down. It also goes well while dining al fresco. Feel like you’re in Venice while enjoying the view of the canal.

Our Summer Bestfriend:
Sample their wide array of gelato- authentic Italian dessert made from fresh pasteurized milk, fresh fruits and best quality of nuts imported from Italy. Also order their Panna Cotta, homemade from fresh and quality ingredients with different choices of homemade sauces as flavorings.

CUESINA

Location: 2F Venice Grand Canal
Contact Number: 0906-546-8531

Cuesina Garden Bistro is a Pinoy resto, and you can definitely tell that from its homey ambiance. Its quirky interiors will help brighten up your day and forget about the punishing heat outside!

Our Summer Bestfriend:
Order their homemade buko pandan with ice cream and cherry on top. The weather definitely warrants it!

DELICIEUX

Location: GF Venice Grand Canal
Contact Number: 805-2573

Delicieux specializes in European cuisine: take your pick from Spanish, Italian and French dishes. You can order anything from this restaurant and feel the European vibe, especially with a view of the canal!

Our Summer Bestfriend:
For that summer feel, order their Pana cotta—mouth-watering vanilla crème with refreshing slices of strawberry fruit and kiwi!

LUCKY’S BURGER

Location: Tuscany, Upper McKinley Rd. Taguig City
Contact Number: 823-5805/ 0906-233-2747

Lucky’s Burger and Bar is an American-Italian restaurant that specializes in indulgent food that is definitely not for the faint of heart! They serve milkshakes and other drinks that are sure to cool your body down. The intimate interior lends itself to barkada gatherings. Perfect for unplanned gimiks! (Are there any other types?)

Our Summer Bestfriend:
Order their Brownie Loco—freshly baked rich chocolate brownie, topped with vanilla ice cream and drizzled with rich chocolate sauce.

 SEOL BANG

Location: 2F Venice Grand Canal
Contact Number: ‎809-6599 and ‎0915-416-0562

Seol Bang Dessert Café offers our favorite Korean desserts, including, of course, the Bingsu! Perfect for the K-everything fans! (We see you out there, with your BTS shirt.)

Our Summer Bestfriend:
Order the Corny Bingsu—made with sweet milky snow and filled with juicy, whole, uncut corn kernels. It’s Seol Bang’s version of the classic Mais Con Hielo and will surely give you flashbacks of happy memories and help you say ” annyeonghaseyo!” to summer!

UCC CLOCK WORK

Location: GF Venice Grand Canal (near Main Drop Off area)
Contact Number: 815-8296

This is the latest concept store from the guys at UCC. It’s the perfect hangout place for those who cannot do without their caffeine fix, hot weather be damned! Of course, you can pair your food with your choice of cold beverage, like iced coffee. You’ll have your caffeine fix without breaking out in a sweat.

Our Summer Bestfriend:
Order the Clairs—Japanese style waffle with your choice of ice cream. Choose from green tea, mango, stawberry or tiramisu flavors.

VENICE CINEPLEX’S ULTRA CINEMA

Location: 3F Venice Grand Canal
Contact Number: 798-0454 to 55

Comfortable reclining seats, refillable popcorn and drinks (that will be delivered to your seats via butler service), tray tables— Venice’s Cineplex Ultra Cinema is basically a luxurious version of your living room. We can’t think of a better way to spend a relaxing day than putting our feet up, munching on popcorns, and watching the latest summer blockbuster on a big screen!

Our Summer Bestfriend:
Airconditoning, reclining seats, refillable popcorn and drinks, the latest blockbuster movie—everything we need and more in this scorching heat! You can book tickets online at www.blockbusterseats.com.

For more of these and other awesome getaways, explore McKinley Hill at Upper McKinley Road, Taguig City and see what they have to offer! Check out their Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook accounts for more exciting places to go to. You may also check out www.megaworldlifestylemalls for updates on the most happening places in the metro!