in Food and Drinks, Philippines

Happy Hour at Romulo Cafe

AS IT SHOULD BE. This is how your happy hours must start

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Happiness at Romulo Cafe

Filipino-inspired tapas with cocktail shots after work hours sound good, right?

Consider yourself lucky if you are caught with an immobile vehicle along Scout Tuazon, Morato and maybe on Jupiter St. in Makati or within Market St. where Azumi Hotel is in Alabang. Tonight, October 1, Romulo’s Café’s Happy Hour will start from 5-7pm and it will be a breather to stop for a while instead of getting yourself stuck in traffic.

According to Sandie Romulo Squillantini, Romulo Café owner and granddaughter of Gen. Carlos P. Romulo, tapas are associated with Spanish food. Going against the stigma, the group infused Filipino delicacies with the colonial idea that resulted in Tinapa Spring Rolls (a personal favorite), Bangus pate, and Lechon sisig in burrito wrap, among others.

FLAVOR COUPLE. Sandie and Enzo Squillantini shared to the public the taste of their home while foraging for additions in their growing menu.
FLAVOR COUPLE. Sandie and Enzo Squillantini shared to the public the taste of their home while foraging for additions in their growing menu.

Let me enumerate the tapas that tickled my taste buds when they launched the new additions last September 27.

1. Tinapa Spring rolls – growing up along the coastline won’t upset my nose once the whiff of tinapa tickled my nose. The crispy bites will bring you home, not too salty yet smoky.
2. Lechon Sisig wrap – burrito lovers won’t think twice ordering this wrap knowing that the all time favorite alcohol accompaniment will leave everyone tama-free.
SMOKY ROLLS. Tinapa flaked and encased in lumpia wrapper is another way of saying that tapas need not to be exclusive.
SMOKY ROLLS. Tinapa flaked and encased in lumpia wrapper is another way of saying that tapas need not to be exclusive.
3. Relleno Empanadita –the crispy crust replaced the scaly bangus skin. It was crazy at first bite but one will get the hang of it.
Caption: SANS THE SCALES. Minced bangus flesh made the way your grandma did.
Caption: SANS THE SCALES. Minced bangus flesh made the way your grandma did.
4. Vigan Longanisa Dumplings –deep fried wonton wrapped northern delight! It gives you the feel of walking along Crisologo Street while the Chinese symphony plays.
A DUMPLING TO REMEMBER. Vigan longanisa dumplings will leave you reminiscing the old streets with fireworks.
A DUMPLING TO REMEMBER. Vigan longanisa dumplings will leave you reminiscing the old streets with fireworks.
5. Pato Tim –sandwiched between streamed buns, it has the feel of Peking duck cua-pao.
SPANISH DELIGHT. Chorizo Empanada will make you say Si! Si!
SPANISH DELIGHT. Chorizo Empanada will make you say Si! Si!

Enzo Squillantini oriented everyone regarding the cocktails they concocted based on General Romulo’s life –his personal affairs; his career as a diplomat, writer and public servant and intricate details of his existence.

SHRIMP SHOTS. Charming take that a shrimp’s body is more precious than its head.
SHRIMP SHOTS. Charming take that a shrimp’s body is more precious than its head.

Being a practicing journalist, I am inclined towards the Spritzer Pulitzer. The mix of Mancino Vermouth Bianco Armato and Campari is uninhibited. Full bitterness that’s not hard to swallow, it has the Cosmopolitan feel with a vibe of toughness.

For those who prefer their cocktails sweet, they can try A Foreign Affair (Don Papa Rum mixed with apple, cinnamon and lemon) and Imelda’s High Heels (strawberry puree, lime and tequila).

Wanna stay tipsy but sane? Then get Old General (Woodford Reserve and San Germaine) served in a flask that gives a vintage feel. For lesser hangover, Dirty White Dove (Stoli Vodka or Martin Miller Gin mixed with Mancino Vermouth) may work.

AS IT SHOULD BE. This is how your happy hours must start
AS IT SHOULD BE. This is how your happy hours must start

Bringing your family to Happy Hour? Then everyone can have Amor Familia (Don Papa Rum and Augustura Bitters).

The cocktails were made in partnership with Wine Warehouse Corporation, Giancarlo Mancino, Philippine Wine Merchants and Don Papa Rum.  And the tapas? They were made with heirloom knowledge infused with love. And all this mix is Happy Hour. Visit http://romulocafe.com/ for more details.

Also Read: 8 Unique Maginhawa Hangouts to Visit this 2017

Written by Ghiellie Balan

Gilda CP Balan is a certified Gen-X'er believing in the ideals of the diskette is more powerful than the USB. Philippine News' Manila correspondent, trying hard photographer, wellness advocate and a cook -she has been indulging lately reviewing the correlations in the Game of Thrones (both the book and the series plus reddit assumptions) while figuring out how to carve human flesh into pies. Kidding aside, writing is her catharsis towards a meaningful life after decades of chaos.

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