poblacion bar – Jellybeans in the City

A Toast to Heritage: Bizarre Bar’s ‘Ampaw’ Cocktail celebrates Filipino roots

In the heart of Makati’s Poblacion district, Bizarre Bar is crafting cocktails that are more than just drinks—they’re a journey into Filipino culture. For cocktail lovers who appreciate a mix of tradition and innovation, the bar’s latest offering, the ‘Ampaw’ cocktail, promises a memorable experience.

The Heart of a Cocktail: A Childhood Memory

Behind every great cocktail is a story, and the ‘Ampaw’ is no exception. Bizarre Bar’s Beverage Director, Ian Libang, takes us back to his childhood with this creation. Inspired by his mother’s practice of turning burnt rice into a sweet treat, the ‘Ampaw’ cocktail is a nod to his heritage. Libang fondly recalls summers when his mother deep-fried the leftover rice from the cooker, sprinkled it with sugar, and served it in a newspaper cone. This humble snack, passed down from his grandfather, now inspires a drink that’s anything but ordinary.

Tradition Meets Modern Mixology

The ‘Ampaw’ cocktail seamlessly blends the old with the new. Using clarified wild turkey bourbon as its base, the drink incorporates a toasted rice sorbet, bringing an unexpected twist to a classic bourbon experience. The result is a cocktail that’s both familiar and surprising—smooth bourbon with the punchy flavor of burnt rice, balanced by the tangy coldness of the sorbet. It’s a sip that’s both comforting and adventurous.

A Memorable Finale

Designed as the final toast of the evening, the ‘Ampaw’ cocktail stands out for its ability to surprise. Guests might expect a sweet dessert to conclude their night, but the ‘Ampaw’ defies these expectations. With its balance of sweetness, acidity, and contrasting textures, it’s a palate cleanser that leaves a lasting impression. As Libang puts it, “The ‘Ampaw’ isn’t just a drink—it’s a way to etch Filipino heritage flavors in the memory of our guests.”

A Cultural Celebration in Every Glass

Bizarre Bar’s approach to cocktails reflects a broader movement in the local dining scene—one that embraces tradition while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. The ‘Ampaw’ is more than just a drink; it’s a celebration of Filipino culture, a modern twist on a classic memory that resonates with those who appreciate the stories behind their cocktails.

Sip the Story Yourself

For those eager to taste a piece of Filipino history, Bizarre Bar in Makati’s Poblacion district is the place to be. Experience the blend of tradition and innovation that has made the ‘Ampaw’ cocktail a standout. Book your table and let Bizarre Bar take you on a cultural journey—one cocktail at a time.

Details provided in a recent press release.

Poblacion’s Bizarre Bar toasts to tradition in recent cocktail degustation

In the vibrant neighborhood of Poblacion, Bizarre Bar has embarked on a remarkable journey to illuminate the rich culinary heritage of the Philippines. Recently, this establishment hosted an exclusive cocktail degustation, inviting friends from various embassies to partake in an evening where Filipino heritage seamlessly blended with innovative mixology, enveloped in the warmth of Filipino hospitality and the sounds of original Filipino music.

The event left an indelible impression on its esteemed guests, including Yukari Koike, the Political Officer of the Japanese Embassy and a long-term resident of the Philippines. “I’ve savored Filipino cuisine in myriad forms, but Bizarre Bar’s inventive presentation of local flavors and ingredients is truly exceptional. A heartfelt ‘arigato’ to the Bizarre team for this extraordinary experience. The high-class Filipino cocktails and dish pairings were uniquely distinctive. I will certainly return with colleagues and friends to share this wonderful experience,” Koike remarked. Her sentiments were echoed by other guests, who praised the bar for its singular tasting experience and expressed their eagerness to return.

Bizarre Founder Chef Mikel Zaguirre — Bizarre Founder Mikel Zaguirre

At the helm of this captivating event was Beverage Director Ian Libang, a celebrated mixologist renowned for his international accolades. Libang’s vision transcends merely transforming Filipino ingredients into cocktails; he weaves local traditions and culture into each creation, offering a storytelling experience that immerses guests in Filipino heritage in a refined and sophisticated manner. “Our goal at Bizarre is to do something different,” Libang shared. “We incorporate our local traditions and culture into our cocktails, giving our guests a unique glimpse into Filipino life.”

Libang’s creations were complemented by the culinary genius of Mikel Zaguirre, Bizarre’s Founder and a chef of great repute. Together, they crafted a harmonious blend of cocktails and bar bites that delighted the palates of their guests. Zaguirre emphasized, “We prefer to use the term ‘Pinoy’ rather than just Filipino, as it encapsulates the heart and soul of our heritage. Our approach at Bizarre allows people to truly experience our Filipino-ness through our menu.”

The cocktail degustation, aptly named “The Roots,” was a five-course journey celebrating the timeless flavors of the Philippines, infused with contemporary twists. Guests were welcomed with “Quezo,” a delightful tapioca snack paired with kesong puti, setting the stage for an evening of culinary exploration.

The first course featured “Atchara,” a vibrant orange cocktail inspired by the popular Pinoy sour side dish, mellowed by Aperol spritz, spices, and ripe papaya, paired with “Inihaw,” a succulent trio of roasted kurobota pork, tenderloin, and chicken thigh.

Sawsawan cocktails and Kilaw — Sawsawan cocktail and Kilaw

Following this was “Sawsawan,” a cocktail spotlighting patis (fish sauce) and topped with calamansi sorbet. This sour-driven delight emerged as the crowd favorite, accompanied by “Kinilaw,” seasoned raw tanigue with leche de tigre and fried shallots.

The main course, “Binhi,” inspired by rice grains, featured a malt whiskey-driven cocktail garnished with chocolate bitters. It was paired with a creative twist on kare-kare, the “Kinunot” ox-tail pie with bagoong demi sauce, the evening’s most beloved pairing.

The dessert portion began with “Ni-yog,” a piña colada-esque cocktail featuring tequila, leche flan, and coconut, blended into tablea colada foam and torched for a delightful contrast. Paired with “Nilupak,” a cashew-coconut tart topped with pineapple and coconut cream, it was a delightful finale.

The degustation concluded with “Ampaw,” a celebratory toast inspired by the local deep-fried tutong (burnt rice) treat. This exquisite cocktail featured mesoyi and ampaw sorbet in milk-washed bourbon, providing a sophisticated end to an extraordinary evening.

Libang and Zaguirre’s dedication to showcasing Filipino culinary heritage has established Bizarre Bar as a premier destination for cocktail connoisseurs and gastronomes. Their unique approach has earned international acclaim, solidifying Bizarre Bar’s reputation as a must-visit venue in the heart of Makati, Poblacion. For an unparalleled experience of cocktails and bar bites, book your table at Bizarre Bar today at Bizarre Bar.

Details and images provided in a recent press release.

El Chante, Poblacion

Denizens of Poblacion in Makati are probably already familiar with the previous site of the Johnny Walker House in Pobacion. Located at the corner of Dona Carmen Street and Kalayaan Avenue, it is a touchstone for those seeking the night life.

In fact, a few months back, a special viewing party for the premiere for Game of Thrones Season 8 was held right here.

Today, it is the place to be for music, food and drinks have a hot Latin flavor under the name El Chante.

Chante is a colloquial Spanish word for “home.” And those who prefer their nightlife eats and entertainment to have that saucy Latin quality would surely feel at home here.

Together with my fellow foodies from #WeLoveToEat, I ventured to Poblacion and its newest nightlife destination. The Latin-style bar chow and eats we sampled include:

Salchipapas (Php200 for single | Php250 for platter). A portmanteau of Spanish words salchicha (“sausage”) and papas (“potatoes”), this Peruvian street food consist thinly sliced pan-fried sausages drizzled with ketchup and other sauces.

Beef Empanadas (Php200). Baked pastry turnovers with savory ground beef filling. Be sure to ask for extra servings of El Chante’s special sauce. You’ll know why as soon as you dip the empanada (or any of the bar chow) in it.

Buffalo Chicken Wings (Php200 for single | Php380 for platter) and Buffalo Chicken Tenders (Php250 for single | Php420 for platter). Unbreaded and deep-fried chicken pieces coated in zesty and spicy buffalo sauce prior to serving.

Cheesy Cheese Sticks (Php200) and Chili Cheese Sticks (Php200). Sticks of cheese wrapped in egg roll wrappers; the spicier ones – also called dynamite rolls – have chili peppers in them along with the cheese.

Mozzarella Sticks (Php250). Breaded and deep-fried slices of mozzarella cheese.

Nachos (Php200 for single | Php380 for platter). Freshly made tortillas deep-fried to a crisp and topped with cheese sauce, pulled pork, special mayo and salsa.

Salivating yet? Well, these bar chow are just half the fun. Wait ’til you get a taste of El Chante’s house cocktails that are just full to the brim of pop culture references!

The Irish Trash Can (Php250). Made with vodka, gin, rum, peach schnapps, blue curacao, triple sec and one can of red bull. If this doesn’t get you in a partying mood, I don’t know what will.

Mermaid’s Drink (Php250). Here’s something to cheer Ariel up! Lemon juice mixed with simple syrup, vodka, midori and blue curacao make up this drink that brings you to the seaside with every sip.

White Walker (Php250). Named after the chillest (literally!) characters in Game of Thrones, this drink consists of orchata liquer, vanilla cream soda, cream, rum and blue curacao.

Butter Beer (Php250). This is definitely NOT the Hogsmeade drink as this has beer and Liquor 45. Drink your heart out, Harry Potter!

Planning a fun night out with the gang? Check out El Chante’s special take on tequila shots. Instead of salt and lemon, brown sugar and orange slices accompany the shots of Olmeca tequila. Toast among your friends with this for just Php500 for every five shots.

Plus, there’s an open bar for just Php600 from 9pm to 12 midnight everyday.

Well, it sure looks like Poblacion’s party people have a new rockin’ destination.

El Chante is located at the Third Floor, 8456 Dona Carmen Street corner Kalayaan Avenue, Poblacion, Makati City, open Sundays too Thursdays from 8pm to 5am and Fridays to Saturdays from 8pm to 7am. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 995 8651999 or +63 917 6395487.

Disclosure: Together with my fellow foodies, I was invited to join a foodie meetup held at this restaurant. Food items mentioned here were served to allow us to sample the fare and were not paid for by the attendees, including myself.

Photo Credit: Alex of BoyEatWorldPH for the barkada shot.