Lately, I’ve been trying to see my girl friends more often. It’s honestly a challenge to pin down a date because everyone is just so busy with work and other personal matters. I’m all for low maintenance friendships so this doesn’t really bother me. But, when we finally get to the stage of GNO where we have to pick a restaurant, I get excited. Just like lots of people, I love food and trying new things. For me, I think a tapas restaurant is always a good choice because you can order different options to share. That way, you get to try pretty much everything and might even discover a new favorite in the process. Looking through the Internet, there are so many tapas restaurants out there so we put together a list to help you find one you might want to try.
Bar Pintxos
Enjoy classic tapas from gambas to chorizo at Bar Pintxos. Oh, and don’t forget to order a few bottles of wine. If you can’t be bothered to leave the comfort of your home, they also offer a private dining experience aka a catered party. It can serve up to 40 guests and you get to customize the menu. As an added bonus, you can even have a table setup and waitstaff service. BRB, booking one now. Located at Don Jesus Boulevard, Cupang, Muntinlupa City.
Picada Tapeo
Personally, I love tapas served with bread and Picada Tapeo has lots of variations of that. Go for something meaty like the pringa, which has beef, pork, and tomato chutney. Another option is topped with smoked salmon, smoked ham, and cream cheese. Yum! To make things even better, they have an unlimited wine promo, which is P499 per person. There is no time limit or minimum purchase required. Sign me up. Located at 252 Aguirre Avenue, BF Homes Subdivision, Parañaque City.
20:20
This is one of my go-to spots when I head out with my girl friends. In case you didn’t know, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. all of their tapas go for P100 and they have happy hour for drinks as well. If you decide to make your way there, I suggest ordering the gambas, chorizo, and the patatas bravas. You can even enjoy these while watching a film on Wednesdays as part of their weekly event, Cinema Silencio. Located at La Fuerza Plaza 1, 2241 Don Chino Roces Avenue, Makati City.
Tomatito
The menu at Tomatito can be overwhelming so don’t be afraid to ask the servers questions. But I also have some recommendations for you. First is the salmon TNT, which is an “explosive balik smoked salmon with honey and truffle.” trust me, you will be downing these so quickly. Next up is the croquetas de pollo rustido. They’re perfectly round, crispy on the outside, and fluffy on the inside. Located at BGC Corporate Center, 11th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.
Donosti Pintxos y Tapas
At Donosti Pintxos you can enjoy plates of cheese, bread, aged ham, and tapas. For seafood, order the setas empanadas, which is deep fried breaded oyster mushrooms. Potatoes are also a good choice like the tortilla brava, a soft potato omelet served with spicy tomato sauce. Get a few plates to share or some just for yourself. Located at NAC Tower, 32nd Street, Taguig City.
Calderon
https://www.facebook.com/calderontapas/photos/a.523759827651373/2448508135176523/?type=3&theater
Before you dig in to some paella, start off with a few plates of tapas. I suggest an order os crispy calamares with a side of aioli dipping sauce. Another classic is salpicao, beef tenderloin cubes marinated in olive oil and garlic. Get this with a side of bread and sangria. Located at 12C East Capitol Drive. Kapitolyo, Pasig City.
Art by Marian Hukom
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