Rufo’s

This is the place to go to after a hard night of partying, conveniently tucked in an almost secluded area; the place offers rest and somewhere for sobering up- forget Embassy’s overpriced cafeteria. Sizzling sisig, fried danggit and of course the tapas are the piece-de-resistance. The service is amiable and fast, and the food, what can I say… hmm… after a night of finishing almost a bottle of vodka, throw your diet out of the window because the garlic rice, tapas and danggit and sisig just feel heaven. It was so good I almost had an orgasm. (Just thinking of it, just makes me shiver!) Price wise, they are priced wisely. Just perfect, no complaints there! If you are tired of the usual McDonald’s fare after parties, Rufo’s is the best place to be, before hitting your bed or someone else’s! (Just make sure you gargle Listerine to take away that garlicky breath!). Rufo’s does delivery, but I’d recommend you just head to the restaurant itself – the quality of delivered food is quite inferior compared to the one fresh from their kitchens.

Barcino’s

Chic and comfortable with distinct Iberian undertones, Barcino’s is my ultimate choice for real after-dinner conversations over decently priced, yet excellent Spanish wines (priced between PhP450-PhP900). Similar bottles of the same vintage would be priced triple in another wine place nearby. The wine bar is a two-story affair in a newish apartment building block in one of the fast rising modern residential and business districts in the country – The Fort. The tapas are quite lovely and just right and a heady night with good company as well as the affable Spaniards who run the place and their equally-friendly staff makes Barcino’s one of the most charming and trés elegant wine bars in Manila.

Swagat Indian Cuisine

Probably the single most authentic Indian restaurant in the Philippines, Swagat, has created a very loyal following since it started its restaurant business in a basement of my apartment building over 5-6 years ago. After the persistent nagging from their customers, Mr and Mrs. Sanjay and Komal Khanchandani, finally moved Swagat to its current location. The restaurant is small but clean, and all the dishes are exclusively prepared by Mrs. Khanchandani herself, in an almost auteur-like fashion (although her husband sometimes takes over in extremely rare occasions). True to its Indian roots, the restaurant has an extensive Indian menu (a mix of all the different regions of India). I would go for Chicken Tikka Masala (I guess by now, you would have noticed that I am addicted to Masala), or Murgh Tikka (Tender skinless boneless chicken marinated in a blend of ginger, garlic, yogurt & various spices , toasted & sautéed w/ butter & cream.) matched with Vegetable Biryani. A cool glass of lassi made out of rosewater is perfect to balance the spiciness of the Indian dishes and their mouthwatering and famous- kulfi (chunky and super-creamy homemade pistachio ice-cream) to cap the night of delicious debauchery on my tastebuds.

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