I don’t see people drink during the daytime here as often as I do in other parts of the world, and I feel the stares when I imbibe during the day. I wish more people would get with the program and understand that there’s nothing shameful about it… In fact, as I’ve mentioned in a previous post, a nutritionist friend is an advocate of the concept because it apparently gives the body enough time to metabolise alcohol (ergo, less calories to burn before bed).
I think it’s only bad if a person overindulges in alcohol before doing something that requires a sober mind, such as driving or going back to work (not everyone’s blessed with having to drink for a living, hehehe)… But really, isn’t overindulging just as bad at night (this is how some people end up with projectile vomit in their house #truestory #notMe #ew)?
Anyway, in the spirit of mixing (pun intended) two seemingly unusual concepts, allow me to talk about a lovely place to do a little day drinking: The Grid Food Market in Rockwell.
What seems to be a posh food court is actually a gorgeous space that has global food choices with drinks that can be mixed and matched from one stall to another. In a stroke of brilliance, the people behind it put it right in the middle of one of the nicest malls in town, Power Plant Mall in Rockwell, Makati.
Yes, my name is Gail, and my idea of fun in Manila is shopping, eating good food, having a couple of drinks, and getting to do it all over again.
Anyway, here are some of my must-tries from The Grid:
Rambla: Sangrias and Wine
One of the things I miss about living in Makati is the nearness of Rambla. The restaurant, named after one of my favourite places to eat (and people watch) in Barcelona, has never failed me with yummy tapas and Sangria. In The Grid, they’ve got the most imaginative and refreshing Sangrias, such as Mango Sangria (an homage to our Philippine mangoes, which are nothing like those found anywhere else in the world) and Guava Sangria (mildly tart and perfect for a hot day). They’ve also got a great wine selection, which include some of my all-time faves such as the Martin Codax Albariño and the Cuatro Pasos Rosé. One of the cool things about their stall is that people can buy bottles of wine and jamon to take home (read: Perfect for those in a rush to get something to bring to a friend’s house party).
EDSA Beverage Design Group: Cocktails, Coffee, and Tea
For me, the concept of stopping for a couple of cocktails (then coffee or tea after for a much-needed second wind because #titasofmanila) with my favourite girl friends (fellow titas) during a monster day of shopping is très chic.
Enter EDSA Beverage Design Group with their diverse lineup of drinks. They’ve got everything from their signature coffee (according to a friend, and only because I can’t drink coffee, their Pour Over is to die for), coffee with an alcoholic twist (EDSA Beverage is one of the rare establishments I’ve seen in town that serves proper Irish Coffee), tea (I adored the Pu-Erh, yet another rarity in Manila menus), beer (I’m eyeing that Gulden Draak for my next visit) and cocktails (from a classic G&T to a refreshing Whisky Sour) so fashionable that it would definitely go with the brand new shoes that I’ve been eyeing with my girls (yes, there’s definitely an ulterior motive for my next visit!).
Laksa from Babu
Desserts from Workshop By Le Soufflé
The Grid, of course, is not just about libations (although I will highlight them here because, well, we’re all about drinks). They have a pretty mean Laksa from Babu (perfect for an ice cold beer from EDSA Beverage), and that Caramel Cake from Workshop By Le Petit Soufflé is absolutely life changing.
BRB, planning a trip with my girls. Cheers!
