By Khris Marc Ronquillo
There’s something about a classy bar that makes kicking back and unwinding an effortless soothing experience. If that’s your thing, you need to check out BAR27 of Diamond Hotel.
Upon entering, you become hyper aware of the atmosphere and the elegance it exudes with its décor and the interior design. There is an overall space age feel in the clever placement of the lights that compliment well with the angled glass windows overlooking the spectacular Manila Bay sunset.
The bar is open any day of the week and their 27 new exciting cocktails and mocktails might just entice you to try them all from sundown to moon up. The crowd is pleasant and friendly, with the understanding that we’re there to enjoy the food, have a good buzz and listen to chill music.
This is what Friday nights are made of.
To help you with your choices, the drinks are grouped according to mood. Is it Chill, Upbeat, or Party? I tried one of each, first with the flaming AK B27, a mix of sweet and strong liqueurs from the Upbeat column. It playfully taunts you with its gradations of colors and gentle blue flame. It’s sweet but hits hard and fast. But I wonder how much harder something called, Hangover Delight or the Absolute Knee-bender would hit.
As night falls, the buildings all around lit up, signaling the start of Manila’s night life.
I tried Cool as a Cucumber from the Chill section next. It comes highly recommended and not without good reason. The lime juice and the mint work well with rum and with a tropical Caribbean twist.
The drinks go well with the perfect trio of Iberico Bellota, San Daniele Parma ham and Serrano, known collectively as the Jamon Experience together with the creamy smooth Croquetas, all indulgent and sophisticated.
Of course Bar27 understands that sometimes you just got to have your all-time favorites, and good old Filipino classics, like Crispy Pata and Sisig. Perfect for those occasions when you are treating out a balikbayan friend longing for a taste of home.
The live musical entertainment that goes along with the moonrise enhances the friendly ambiance as the musicians serenade you and even play your requested pieces.
From the Party selection of drinks I went for the friendly sounding Tres Marias that provided me with enough courage to grab the mic and sing.
For inquiries and reservations, call (632) 528 3000.