Re-establishing Manila's nightlife scene

The Establishment is big... literally and figuratively. It is the newest and most talked about venue now. The huge venue has five sections. The ground floor is composed of The Hall –– the main venue and the largest chamber of the restaurant/bar. To the left is Tulipan, a tapas bar; and to the right of The Hall is The Crystal Room, a French bistro. The yet to be opened second floor will be comprised of a Chinese restaurant called Brocade and a small private room called the Veuve Clicquot Room, where the fine champagne will undoubtedly be downed in several fun and future occasions.

There are heavyweight names behind this bar. Owners include Anton San Diego, Margarita Fores (who also did the menu), Raffy Florencio, Niki Romero, Louie Kaw, Archie Rodriguez and Anton R. Mendoza who also designed the very impressive place.

The opening was, as expected, packed. It had the beautiful people of Manila (and others who flew in for the event). Food is impeccable though not yet complete. They are preparing their dinner menu but lamb, salpicao, and the paella Tulipan (especially for those who like the crisp rice at the bottom of the pan) are already available. Other favorites are the gullas with organic egg (yes, a variation of angullas), the sinful yet divine cochinillo croquettas, bacalao croquettas, and my favorite appetizer, jamon serrano con mayonesa. We fans of the place are eagerly anticipating the future dishes to be added to the already extensive menu. Drinks were concocted by “mixologist” Joseph Boroski whom Anton Mendoza flew in from New York. He tried fusing local ingredients with classic drinks that resulted in a kalamansi mojito, the Captain Hook (peanut butter and vodka), a Choc-Nut martini and sangria made with red wine, sparkling wine, vodka among other ingredients.

(Check out what people have been talking about and see for yourself why this place will dictate trends for Manila’s nightlife. Call 844-6364 for reservations.)