A good memory might not just be the result of what you put in your eyes and ears but what you put in your mouth as well. I have been looking for a great Tapas Bar in Manila since August last year –after I came back from Spain and tasted the most delicious tapas with wine and cocktails. I can still remember how divine the tapas were as if it’s still inside my gaping mouth. There aren’t that many in Manila but the food landscape is starting to look promising with the newly opened Relik Tapas Bar and Lounge at the Fort.
The dining interior of Relik has a casual yet sophisticated vibe. The unfinished ceiling with vintage touches like an old radio, typewriter and refurbished turntable-turned DJ booth is somewhat like an extremely posh diner meet a jazz bistro meet a gentleman’s underground cigar club.
Diners are led to plush leather sofas under warmly lit lamps. The whole den-like feel has that sentimental charm, making first-time customers feel instantly at home. Relik’s homey ambience and cozy interiors have made it a favorite hangout for those who have visited the place at least once. Relik also has a private non-smoking room that’s good for executive lunches or meetings or it can also be rented out for events and parties.
Relik is not immediately within commercial premises. It’s a restaurant that you have to somehow search for. Little do you know though that it might be a worthwhile discovery for you, as it was for me.
On the Table
Baked Brie with Honey Glazed Jamon Serrano and Tomato Salsa
One of the simplest yet tastiest appetizers, a mélange of flavors is Relik’s baked Brie tapas. Brie with rind baked until it has thoroughly melted inside. In this recipe the brie is topped with slivers of jamon serrano, drizzled with honey that counters the savory element.
It was also accompanied by slices of Melba toast for texture and refreshing tomato salsa for a hint of acidity.
Roasted Pumpkin Soup with Crème Fraiche
Vince and Phoebe who were beside me couldn’t stop exclaiming how good the roasted pumpkin soup was. It’s smooth, just had the right thinness without losing the body. The crème fraiche adds to the richness with a slightly nutty and sour cream taste.
Chicken Quesadillas
The quesadillas had a beautiful toasted color on the tortilla and a mound of ingredients inside. The kitchen definitely didn’t scrimp on the chicken, cheese and it was one hefty bite after the other. It’s served with bright colors of fresh guacamole and tomato salsa.
Spicy Gambas
The shrimps were medium-sized and had a lot of garlicky flavor and a mild kick. If you don’t like spice, you can tame it with a squeeze of lemon.
Lengua Bourguignon
The slow-cooked Wagyu cow’s tongue was soft and almost buttery swimming in brown red wine sauce with cloves of beautifully roasted garlic that were like edible diamonds glistening in the dish.
Relik Paella
Apart from the tapas, Relik’s main dishes are also must orders. Two of those that should not be missed would be the 350 gram USDA Certified Angus Beef steak and the Relik Paella, which needs to be ordered a day in advance.
Mother Ann’s Braised Ox-Tail
Slow-braised Australian ox-tail served with pome puree and buttered carrots –CERTAINLY a must order dish! All the flavors seeped into the meat and it actually falls off the bone. There’s nothing not to eat in this dish, even if you’re not a fan of carrots, you will not ignore ANY thing because every component is simply mouthwatering.
Relik owners flew in Chef Benjo Tuason from Australia to conceptualize Relik’s signature dishes, which is not necessarily entirely Spanish cuisine. It’s really honest and good comfort food that comes out of the kitchen that’s why it’s also a great place to have lunch. Hearty lunch sets that are easy on the pocket are available.
Each set includes soup, salad and one main course. A typical lunch set would consist of Roasted Pumpkin soup with Crème Fraiche, Caesar Salad and Lengua. Other days, one can expect some French Onion Soup with Manchego Crouton, a Garden Salad and for the main course, Chicken Parmigiana with Sweet Potato Fries.
The set lunches vary regularly so there’s always something new and exciting to try out during the week. Various desserts like the Vanilla and Amaretto Panacotta with berry compote or homemade cakes are also available for the sweet-toothed. Relik restaurant will be an iconic spot for tapas and drinks soon enough.
Relik Tapas Bar and Lounge
2/F Commercenter Bldg., 31st Ave. cor. 4th St.,
Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Philippines
Mon – Fri, 11:30 am to 2:30pm / Mon – Sun, 530pm onwards
For bookings and reservations: (63) 917 529 8333 / (63) 917 624 8251
Relik Tapas Bar and Lounge Album
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