Why not Tropezz?

Few places in the world can rival San Tropez as a party place. An island off the coast of France, it is frequented by the rich and famous who live to party and who party to live.

Little wonder that San Tropez is choice of inspiration behind Tropezz, a resto-bar in Greenbelt 3, Makati. A 200-seater joint, it channels the vibe of its namesake to offer Manila’s party people — to use a jargon of this generation — a "kick-ass" experience in dining, entertainment and vicariously living the good life to the hilt.

Unlike Tavern On The Square that used to occupy the space, Tropezz opened up the feel of the place by maximizing the number of tables inside, without compromising privacy, seen through glass doors and panels. Its interiors (done by the sought-after Anna Rocha who’s also responsible for a number of resto-bars in Greenbelt including ones in the soon-to-open G5) is a relaxed but sophisticated ambiance of white-painted walls, pinstriped black carpet and playfully abstract artwork.

The view of the whole Greenbelt complex that Tropezz offers customers especially at night is enough reason for people to tarry. Situated right smack in the middle of the complex, one can drink and enjoy the beauty of G3 from Tropezz veranda.

Like Tavern, on the other hand, Tropezz is bent on discovering future superstars. Taking chances on upcoming acts versus established ones, this is where you find exciting artists. On the marquee this month are Kiko and Kelly on Mondays, Ais Roxas with Cuerdas on Tuesdays, Myxtreme on Wednesdays, Music Genre on Thursdays, Shayne with the Brown Sugar on Saturdays.

No cover charge — just come in and enjoy entertainment over dinner. Also, the stage is so big. Every seat in the house has a good view of the performance area.

Tropezz has become a favored venue for special functions and shows. Students from top universities have booked for a bikini open. A new record company recently held its press conference at Tropezz. Its function rooms don’t have curtains and blinds. After all, what’s the point of going there, dressed to the nines, if you’re just going to be hidden?

Divas Dessa and Jenine Desiderio and avante garde electronic band Updharmadown, fell in love with the place when they saw it and staged shows there soon after.

Tropezz’s real come-on is the menu. We’ve already sampled some of its best-sellers. We love Tropezz’s Belly Mucho that is slow roasted pork marinated in mandarin oranges and hoisin sauce. The meat is so tender (tenderized for no less than three hours), you practically could gulp it down as soon as it hits your tongue.

We also found the Caviar de Ifugao interesting. According to Tropezz Chef Arnulfo, the cream cheese spread is mixed with butter and tinapa. No wonder it’s truly Filipino-flavored, albeit on the exotic side! As with other items on the menu, Caviar de Ifugao is presented according to international island cuisine standards. Plates are in white to better "frame" gustatory art works.

This is where the secret of Tropezz’s success lies: The menu has a little bit of everything, one need not go to another place.

Delectable, too, is the cake creation called Original Sin. Made without flour, the chocolate scintillates the taste buds and stays on the tongue for a long time. One will never be the same after trying it. We heard that its Halo-Halo Cheesecake is also to-die-for. And if you want a playful drink, you can try Deep Throat, a combination of coffee liqueur and cream with cinnamon on top in a shot glass. The concoction is drank without using your hands.

Tropezz is owned and run mostly by women. It is also a family restaurant because of its wholesome ambiance and excellent food. But, really, it is niched for, as Madonna would put it, "ladies with an attitude and fellas that are in the mood."

Which is kind of smart, if you ask us. We all know that where the ladies are, men can’t be too far behind. And where mommy goes, kids come with the package.

So next time you’re planning on a night out, why not Tropezz?