Shangri-la is a brand my family trusts. While growing up, I overhear my mom and dad discuss on what hotel to choose when we travel within Asia. The name Shangri–la tops the list of my parents’ choice most of the time. In choosing a restaurant for the usual yearly occasions, it’s a default to dine in any restaurant either in Edsa Shangri-la or Makati Shangri-la. (Getting a Shangri-la membership card is very useful by the way) Because of their trust to this brand, the familiar brand name became a trusted brand of my choice as well.

Excitement fuelled me up when I heard of the recently opened tapas bar at Makati Shangri-la named Sage Tapas Bar. The new tapas bar launched its new beverage menu, highlighting originally handcrafted cocktails, and a list of new well-curated tapas created by Chef de Cuisine Gilles Galli. Together with selected well-crafted Tapas, Sage makes sure entertainment isn’t dull as they lighten up the stage with their new entertainment lineup of celebrity DJs and bands.

One Friday evening, O and I dressed up to get a taste of Sage’s new set of cocktails and tapas. If I do the math, what I tried and what you’ll read on this post is only 1/5 of more than 30 tapas to choose from.

O and I are fan of tomatoes. By just saying that, you’d see how we were so inclined to finishing this plate of Dolma. In general, Dolma is not only limited to tomatoes but it is a dish of stuffed vegetables including pepper, onion, zucchini, eggplant and garlic. Sage’s version of Dolma is a plate of cucumbers and tomatoes stuffed with pork and beef meat. I chose not to eat the cucumber and finish the tomatoes and its stuffing partnered with unlimited cocktails served on our table.

Phyllo or Filo pastry with lamb confit and figs. It has a more complex taste than what Filipinos normally serve at parties, Lumpiang Shanghai. The crisp of phyllo pastry blends evenly with every bite of the strong seasoned lamb filling. Paired with Waikiki Punch, this became my favorite!

Beetroot and gazpacho combined may not sound fascinating with alcohol. I thought so. As I tried to dip the crostini and take a bite, it didn’t taste boring as I expected. It practically comes with a straw so you can taste more of the freshness of beetroot and gazpacho. I don’t count it as my favorite but it isn’t a bad choice at all.

The salmon sucker in me obviously loved the Saffron Brioche with smoked salmon and cream cheese.  The light and slightly puffy brioche bread is a good choice to use for this tapas. I couldn’t think any way how it could be improved since it’s generally a right match to my Trish Blossom cocktail. This elegant light signature tapas joined me through the night.

Mostly found in the Mediterranean territory, this Red Mullet fish is deeply cherished as one of the most valued fish. The availability of Red Mullet in Sage had me savor every bite as I get a piece of Tartine bread and fresh cherry tomatoes. Sage cooked the fish the way we all love our fish crispy outside and juicy inside.

Combined with lavander pepper confit, the jelly-like texture of polenta attracted me with its simplicity and familiarity. It’s an easy dish to enjoy without too much complexity of flavors.

With Sambal sauce, there’s nothing to be critical about Fried Vegetable Wontons except its crunchy texture. If you get the texture right, you can easily fall in love with munching fried wontons. Sage got the texture and its filling the way my munching mouth wants it.

Elegantly presented, this trio was a great way to end the tapas night. Catalan cream is caramel ice cream and citrus marmalade, a sweet refreshing cup of summer. On the other hand, Turkish Delight is coffee ganache, orange jelly and green cardamom, which I really found delight in eating. Lastly, Tocinillo del Cielo is candied lemon and vanilla ice cream, very simple but satisfying.

Nuts about Sage’s special peanuts. I had more than 10 rounds of their peanuts that’s covered with sugar and spices. It’s crazy how I was hooked to their peanuts!

A classic favorite that is mixed with whiskey and lemon juice for a light and refreshing evening.

Ladies’ drink that complements every tapas served.

The favorite of Sage customers this summer. The mixture of rhum and pineapple mix takes you a short trip to the images of Hawaii.

I moved this drink to O since I don’t enjoy the cocktail made with whiskey and a touch of bitterness.

The Ambiance:

Stairs lightened up gave life to the ambiance. While walking around the bar, I noticed most of their guests are foreigners.

The night was still young when we came in. But when the night got darker and older, live performance of a band called Chillitees. The music set Sage Tapas Bar in the mood with their electronic and pop vibe. Another performance that night was from DJ Abdel Aziz, heating the room with electronic dance music to let everyone stand up and get their feet on the dance floor.
Every night, Sage has something prepared more than just food. Live music to set everyone’s mood to groove.

We went to the other corner of Sage Tapas Bar to check the interiors and furnitures used.

The garden view from where I was sitting pretty.

Can you spot O?

Are you looking for a bar that gives you elegant tapas, cocktails and music?

Sage Tapas Bar might be what you’re looking for. If you happen to swing by Sage, send me a tweet or comment below.

Thank you Sage Tapas Bar for spoiling us with your tapas, cocktails and my favorite, the peanuts.

Cheers,

Location: Lobby Level, Makati Shangri-la Hotel, Ayala Avenue cor. Makati Avenue, Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines

Contact: (+632) 814-2580

Operating Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 5pm-2am / Friday & Saturday, 5pm-3am

Website: http://www.shangri-la.com/manila/makatishangrila/dining/bars-lounges/sage-tapas-bar/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MakatiShangrila

Budget: PHP500++

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