Many small-scale restaurants and carinderias consider it their bestsellers. After all, tapas exude a poignant aroma of Pinoy flavor and texture, especially when combined with eggs and fried rice in a breakfast setting. Think about ordering tapsilog.
But contrary to popular beliefs, tapas are not slices of delicious beef marinated in soy sauce. They are, in fact, described as bite-sized appetizers or snacks, served either cold or warm and usually paired with wine. They also come in many different forms such as a chunk of tuna, hot meat served in a clay dish or even cocktail olive and onion pierced with a long toothpick.
Tapeo Tapas and Wine Bar in the heart of the Fort Strip at Bonifacio Global City stays true to its name. It offers chunks of tapas coupled with sangria, a Spanish wine drink mixed with fruit, lemonade and spices. The restaurant has since opened last year but still dutifully radiates a Spanish vibe, adorned with woodwork and brick-designed walls. High tables and chairs are available for diners who want to avail of their unlimited tapas. On display at the counter are some of what the restaurant sells to loyal clients such as empanadas and tortillas, truly a Spanish feast.
A Balanced Starter Meal
For starters, try the Lechuga Romana con Cabrales (P195), a salad composed of Romaine lettuce, tomatoes, apple slices, honey roasted almonds and crumbled blue cheese with roasted apple pinon dressing which gives a little bit of “magic” to the meal. The latter actually balances the saltiness of the cheese and gives off a sweet and tangy taste to the apples. The lettuce and the roasted almonds, in fact, provide a little bit of crunchiness and exuberance that make it a gastronomic delight.
For potato lovers, order the Tortillas de Patatas y Jamon Serrano (P195) which is a traditional potato and Serrano ham omelet served with aioli or mayonnaise seasoned with garlic. This is probably one of the most interesting items on the menu because both the potatoes and the ham just melt in your mouth. Interestingly, you can eat this alone or dip it in the aioli, but the tastes still won’t differ.
If you like the smell and the savor of cheese, you’d definitely love Manchego Frito (P342) which is fried manchego cheese or cheese made from the milk of sheep of the manchega breed in the La Mancha region of Spain. The exterior looks like an ordinary deep fried cheese but upon the first bite, it has a sweet and lingering taste.
The adventurer eaters, on the other hand, can marvel at taking a bite of the Angulas (P695) or baby eel infused in garlic oil and paired with three pieces of bread. For those who are not used to consuming exotic food, don’t fret even if the eels look like worms. You can devour the whole thing with one bite – and with your eyes closed. To make this delight worthwhile, pour some eel into the bread and eat it as a sandwich, which produces a spicy and piquant flavor – interesting to the palate even. Infuse a little bit of lemon into the dish and come out with a sour taste which balances the spiciness of the meal and the blandness of the bread.
Those who are into lechon or roasted pork belly may find Cerdo al Horno (P340), slow roasted pork belly served with fabada (or a Spanish bean stew) and saffron rice, exquisite and superb to the palate. The meat is so tender you can easily cut it into thin pieces with a spoon or a fork that at some point in this gastronomic journey, the meat even melts in your mouth. The inclusion of the fabana – with the supple pork beans – complements the softness of the pork belly quite well in a flavorful concoction.
The Costillas Asadas (P498) or Spanish pork riblets barbecue served with Patatas Bravas, a dish native in Spain and often offered as a tapa in bars is probably one of the few dishes in the menu that’s actually hard to swallow – literally. The meat is not so tender but definitely chewy and for avid fans of pork ribs, this is also a must try.
For those who love barbecues, you’ll also fall in love with the three kinds of pinchos, or literally known as “spike” or “thorn” which is a small snack served in traditional bars in Spain. Among those available include the Pinchos de Atun (P285) or tuna skewers served with saffron rice; Pinchos de Cordero (P315) or lamb skewered served with saffron rice; and the “foods” that Vhong Navarro gave to a certain Deniece, the Pinchos de Pollo (P275) or chicken skewers served in saffron rice. It also has lettuce as a side dish. All three have a rich and tender meat and surprisingly has a creamy texture even if you don’t dip it in the sauces available.
For dessert try the five pieces of Churros con Chocolate (P152) that when dipped into the chocolate sauce provides a heavenly mixture; and the Brazo de Tapeo or the Gypsy Cake (P152) that has Spanish custard as fillings. You’d think that this latter dessert would be all sweet but as you chew some more, you’d taste a dash of wine into it. Yes, the gypsy cake is interlaced with cherry wine, bringing it into a somewhat alcoholic flavor, but not quite.
Of course, dining in at Tapeo Tapas and Wine Bar wouldn’t be complete without the order of its Tapas Sangria (P220 per glass) or drinks made out of sangria. For a big group, you can order the bottle which costs P750, a little less expensive considering that the bottle can fill in up to five glasses. You can also have a fill of any of the following: Lengua (P351) or ox tongue simmered in flavorful tomato puree; Paella al a Tapeo (P330) or Tapeo’s version of Spanish rice casserole flavored with saffron and topped with seafood and meat; and for vegetarians, have a plate of the Champinones Al Ajillo con Chorizo (P299) or sautéed fresh button mushrooms, garlic and chorizo in oil and red wine.
The restaurant also has several ongoing promos such as Unlimited Tapas (Monday-Saturday 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.) for P495 with an additional fee of P150 for leftovers.
The Verdict
Must-trys are the following: Tortillas de Patatas y Jamon Serrano and the Cerdo al Horno which are actually meals in themselves. These are also good for two people already, quite cheap. If you’re looking for a different kind of entertainment, drop by every Wednesday nights. Dance and sing along, perfect and ideal for both the body and soul. -#EatsNowOrNever
Tapeo Tapas and Wine Bar
The Fort Strip, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City
(02) 556-2668
Facebook: Tapeo Tapas and Wine Bar
Operating hours: Monday – Tuesday: 11 a.m. to 12 m.n, Wednesday – Thursday: 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., Friday – Saturday: 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., Sunday: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
VAT: Yes
Service Charge: None
WiFi: Yes
Delivery: Within The Fort area
Comfort Room: Outside Tapeo, within the Fort Strip. Servers will give you a slip of paper to present to the person in charge of the comfort room.
Parking: Pay parking (P40 for the first three hours and P50 for each succeeding hour)
Reservations: Order at least 1 day in advance
Extra Rice: P63 (Saffron)
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