IT?S 6 p.m. and you?ve just ended a day filled with back-to-back presentations.
It?s 7:30, and you and the girls decide to get together for a long-awaited gossip session.
It?s 8 p.m. and, after the eight-hour client meeting you just had, you just want to relax.
It?s 9 p.m., your boss yelled at you this afternoon, your boyfriend stood you up and that glass of wine is sounding better and better.
Whatever the reason, it all boils down to one simple truth: you want to find a place where you can relax, enjoy a glass or two of your favorite drink and just chill. No, not in your favorite mall where you?d probably wind up maxing out your credit card, but somewhere cozy and comforting, familiar and friendly. Here?s a list of my favorite chill out spots, plus a few suggestions from friends.
1. Centerstage Family KTV and Resto Bar. 136 Jupiter Street, Bel-Air, Makati
Maybe an hour of videoke isn?t everyone?s idea of chilling out, but for me, nothing?s more relaxing than belting out a few of my favorite songs. Plus, the private smoking and non-smoking rooms are great for those all-important gab fests or heart-to-heart talks that may involve a few tears. The food tastes great, the service is excellent and the prices are very reasonable (the room rates are by the hour, and they have lots of promos).
When you?ve had a Bad Day and You want to just Walk Away, visit Centerstage and sing Your Song. And Suddenly you?ll find a reason to Smile. And, No Matter What happened, you?ll find a reason to be Happy? Again.
2. Cirkulo. Milky Way Building, Pasay Road, Makati
After a totally crazy day at the office, you deserve a mouth-watering, wonderful meal. For days like that, Cirkulo is the place to go. Malu Gamboa will give you the warmest welcome and Chef J Gamboa will whip up a to-die-for meal that will wash your worries away. Personal favorites are the Cabeza de Cerdo (or as we call it, sosyal sisig), Croquetas, Paella, and the Warm Dark Chocolate Truffle Cake with Liquid Center . Enjoy it all with wine, sangria or a glass of what I consider THE BEST ICED TEA ever!
3. Apartment 1B. One Lafayette Square, L.P. Leviste cor. Sedeno St., Salcedo Village, Makati City
Located in the heart of Salcedo Village, Apartment 1B is a great place to unwind or take a quick dinner break from a long day at the office. The atmosphere is just pleasant enough to take your mind off your problems, yet quiet enough for heart-to-heart talks. There are enough options on the menu for a variety of food cravings. They have a good wine selection and serve great coffee. What more can you ask for?
4. Rastro. Burgos Circle, 1st St., Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City
Serendra is too loud, High Street too hectic. If you want to just chill out, Burgos Circle is the place for you. And if you want good food, try Rastro. Choose from their wide selection of hot and cold tapas, then follow it up with Pollo Asado Ariero to share with the gang (must be ordered in advance). And of course, let?s not forget dessert. Order a slice of Triple Chocolate Silk with your coffee; the layers of dark, milk and white chocolate mousse on Oreo crumb crust will definitely leave you breathless.
5. The Clubhouse. Temple Drive, Quezon City
Can?t decide if you just want to relax with a good cup of coffee or enjoy a big dinner? Stop by Corinthian Hills on Temple Drive and enjoy al fresco dining. For a light snack with your Mocha Frappe, head for Starbucks. If you want a heavier meal and great coffee, check out UCC. There?s also Gran Caffè Casanova Ristorante Italiano, an Italian restaurant to satisfy your pasta craving. If you?re there early enough, stop by Santi?s for some cold cuts, wine and cheese to bring home.
6. White Moon Bar. Roofdeck of Manila Ocean Park, Rizal Park, Manila
Get the best view of the Manila Bay sunset, listen to cool music played by Manila?s top DJs while relishing every sip of your San Mig Light under the stars. Now if that doesn?t sound like a great place to chill out, I don?t know what does.
7. Purple Feet. Inside Wine Depot, 217 Nicanor Garcia St. (formerly Reposo St.), Bel-Air, Makati City
Chef Marco Legasto offers a unique concept: freestyle cooking. Embark on your own culinary adventure. Purple Feet is located inside Wine Depot so you can get a bottle of wine to enjoy with your dinner at retail prices.
8. Basilio?s. U151 Forbeswood Heights, Rizal Drive corner 29th Street, Bonifacio Global City
Contemporary comfort food in a relaxing ambience, enjoyed with a glass of wine or a cup of Illy coffee ? that?s Basilio?s. Friends swear by the Spanish Adobo. They have a second floor that?s large enough for parties (celebrated my big 4-0 here!). Service is excellent and the prices are quite friendly. It all adds up to a great chill out night in my book.
9. Mag:net Café. 2/F B3, Bonifacio High Street, Bonifacio Global City
Chill out doesn?t have to mean quiet and cozy. Sometimes chill out means singing your heart out on Rockeoke Night or laughing out loud at the comic antics of SPIT. It also means a glass of Tequila Rose or a bottle of beer enjoyed with a serving of Sisig Rice.
10. In-Yo Fusion Cuisine. 66 E. Abada St., Loyola Heights, Quezon City (behind Katipunan Avenue)
Chef Nino Laus converted a part of his lola?s house into a fine dining establishment in Loyola Heights. The result is a relaxing ambience where one can try out familiar favorites like Salpicao given the chef?s personal twist.
So the next time you?ve had a crazy day and need a stopover before you head home, try out these establishments. Have a glass of wine, sing a raucous song, enjoy a good laugh and order a yummy dessert? and just chill. ?
