Speak Softly And Carry A Big Tomahawk: Pork, Beef and Beer Below Zero at Backwell by BBZ

Back then, it was a pragmatic approach to foreign diplomacy and when you think about it, it still is. Teddy Roosevelt flexed his "big stick" in an era that defined his administration at the global stage. At Backwell by BBZ, a massive Tomahawk exudes that same bravado for a sumptuous feast like no other. A big stick? Make mine a Tomahawk...

Backwell by BBZ in Makati's exciting Poblacion neighborhood flexes its own muscles with some serious beef and pork for a lavish repertoire of dishes best paired with their signature Beer Below Zero. A casual vibe, real good eats and your favorite beer chilled at the right temperature, you'll find all that and more right here at Backwell by BBZ.   

Aptly named, Backwell by BBZ is located at, well, the back of Rockwell along Kalayaan Avenue. It's an establishment built around a unique and innovative process that lets you enjoy your beer ice-cold but never frozen, hence the name Beer Below Zero or simply BBZ. But it's not only the perfectly frosty beer that shines at Backwell by BBZ.

An extensive menu awaits diners at Backwell by BBZ. And it's pretty impressive. From tasty starters and entrees, pizza and pasta, to steaks and grilled specialties, Backwell by BBZ has it covered. But the best way to get acquainted with Backwell by BBZ is with an ice-cold bottle of beer. And BBZ serves beer at the right temperature all the time perfected by its proprietary frosting process for that crispness in flavor with each and every sip. With no need for ice that only dilutes the flavor (which, by the way, is just not the way to enjoy a beer), Beer Below Zero allows you to experience the true flavors of your favorite brew. Take your pick from Backwell by BBZ's offerings of local, imported and craft beers and enjoy it the right way.

At Backwell by BBZ, you'll also find the signature brews of Monkey Eagle, a local craft beer from Tagaytay. Established in 2014, the micro brewery offers a full line of craft beer including their Saison Farmhouse Ale, Blue Wheat American Pale Wheat Ale, Potion 28 India Pale Ale, Psychedelic Blonde Ale and Barley Sunset Pale Ale. The founders of Monkey Eagle aim to bring the best of the world to the country with its distinctive brews while serving its community. Given the BBZ touch, experience one of the country's emerging local brews right here at Backwell by BBZ.      

Backwell by BBZ also offers cocktails, fine wines and spirits...

...or why not concoct your own customized and refreshing G & T from a wide selection of premium gin paired with your choice of accoutrements like fruits, herbs and spices? Backwell by BBZ stocks over 24 labels on their menu representing the finest gin from England, Scotland, Australia, Italy, France, Spain, Germany, the US, Canada and even Colombia. You'll find your favorite gin at the bar. Maybe even discover a new gin you can't find anywhere else.   

A bowl of crisp chips is served, and you're good for another round of ice-cold beer by BBZ.

Then, Backwell by BBZ's kitchen fires up their signature appetizers, starting with the Wagyu Tapa (P 358) using tender Australian Wagyu Beef topped with garlic chips...  

...followed by Calamari (P 348), crisp and deep-fried squid served with homemade pomodoro or tartar sauce. The fork-tender Wagyu Tapa delivers bold beefy notes draping your palate with a savory richness tempered by the nutty hints of crisp garlic that's perfectly washed down by your favorite ice-cold brew. The crisp calamari offers both flavor and texture capped by the tart pomodoro or creamy tartar sauce, and yes, best enjoyed with your frosty beer.

Another round of ice-cold beer by Beer Below Zero and your ready for some serious platters...

...like the wittingly-named Putok Batok (P 578) with its tempting assortment of Crispy Chicken Skin, Chicharon Bulaklak and seasoned Crispy Chicharon served with Sinamak Vinegar. And once you start, you just can't stop. The rich flavors are tempered by the sharp notes of the local vinegar for balanced flavors. Everything you love, neatly laid out on a wooden platter. And no, anything this good just can't be bad. All you need is another bite and one more beer to feel right.

Other sumptuous platters include the Sausage Platter (P 928) with five kinds of sausages served with curry ketchup and Dijon mustard, the Man vs Pork (P 1,898) which really says it all with Crispy Pata, Lechon Kawali, Crispy Pork Rind and Sisig, the Confit of Pork Belly (P 898), a hefty 1kg serving of crispy lechon kawali with soy sauce and Sinamak Vinegar...

...and the classic Crispy Pata (P 898), deep-fried pork knuckles also served with Sinamak Vinegar. Pork, after all, is best paired with an ice-cold beer. Without the ice.

Juicy pork capped by a crisp layer of crackling, it just can't get any better than that. Paired with beer, just perfect. This one's just pure pork love with real and honest flavors.

But Backwell by BBZ had one more surprise...

The house specialty, the Tomahawk (P 3,998-45oz/P 4,998-55oz) served with au jus, horseradish cream and vegetables is an impressive dish. Nothing quite like a massive slab of premium beef on a wooden board.

Masterfully carved, each fork-tender slice just melts in your mouth, almost like butter. Perfectly grilled to medium rare with a juicy pink center, each bite delivers a bold burst of beefy notes. Add some au jus, the flavors become even more intense with a beefy richness that coats your palate. The horseradish cream delicately tempers the richness, and you're ready for another slice. And another. It's an impressive Tomahawk, and knowing you can find a good one in Poblacion is always reassuring just in case you're hit with a sudden craving for serious beef. Impressed from the very first bite, this calls for another ice-cold beer.

Other grilled specialties include the Grilled Ribeye (P 1,898-14oz), Grilled Pork Chop (P 678-18oz) and Grilled Lamb Chop (P 858-17.63oz). But there's more. Backwell by BBZ offers an extensive menu guaranteed to satisfy any craving, from appetizers to soups and salads, pasta and risotto dishes, pizza and sandwiches to entrees like Callos, Grilled Salmon Fillet and Peri-Peri Chicken.

Speak softly and carry a big Tomahawk. And some Crispy Pata for good measure. At Backwell by BBZ.

And if you still have room, you can cap your feast with some of Backwell by BBZ's indulgent dessert offerings like this rustic Apple Pie. And with Valentine's just around the corner, couples can enjoy 10% off your bill starting February 11 to 17. And if you're dining solo or third-wheeling, you get a special 14%  discount. Being unattached sometimes has its perks.

But Jek Nunez of Backwell by BBZ, culinary consultant Sabrina Artadi, and Justine Claudia Perrine of Hineleban Farms have so much more in store for guests and diners at Backwell by BBZ. The farm comes to Poblacion at Backwell by BBZ, serving Hineleban Coffee and Hineleban Adlai in a unique collaboration of pure, real and honest flavors. Find out more on my next post at Bringing The Farm To Poblacion: Hineleban Farms at Backwell by BBZ...

Backwell by BBZ is located at 8471 Rockwell Drive corner Kalayaan Avenue, Poblacion, Makati or call 0920-972-2904 for inquiries. You can also check out their FB Page at https://www.facebook.com/BackwellByBBZ/ for more information and updates.

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