#SangriaWineNot: Tapas, Sangrias and Spanish Cuisine at Ponce in Quezon City

Some days just call for a refreshing sangria. It is, in fact, the answer to a question that you've already long forgotten after another round. So have another along with some tapas and spend a Spanish afternoon without driving all the way to the usual destination down south in Makati or Bonifacio Global City. You'll find all the essential elements for that laid-back Spanish afternoon or evening, and then some, right here at Ponce...

The bustling neighborhood of Quezon City welcomes its newest dining destination with that cool Spanish vibe at Ponce, and it's the perfect spot for that late afternoon tipple of sangrias and tapas. Come on in for a round or two, better yet, stay for lunch or dinner and indulge in a mouthwatering array of Spanish dishes...at Ponce.

Located along Scout Dr. Lazcano Street near Tomas Morato in Quezon City, Ponce is the newest dining destination this side of the metro offering authentic Spanish cuisine, tasty tapas and soothing sangrias. For young couple Dick and Mars Balajadia, Ponce recreates their extensive travels to Spain with each flavorful dish and cocktail...

Named after the family patriarch, the couple honors Maximo Ponce at their latest concept adding to their list of dining establishments which include Stoned Steaks (more on my posts at A Sip with the Sizzle: An Elegant Wine Pairing Dinner at Stoned Steaks' The Wine Room and A Surf & Turf Kind of Sunday at Stoned Steaks).  

Above the new Spanish restaurant is Luxo Suites, four stars of boutique luxury with 12 well-appointed guest rooms designed with urban luxe themed interiors and the latest in-room technology. The vibrant flavors of Ponce completes your getaway in this Quezon City neighborhood. With its own spa and gym, guests at the Luxo Suites can enjoy a sumptuous breakfast and hearty meals at Ponce, conveniently located at the ground floor. Your dining experience at Ponce begins with a refreshing Sangria, that classic Spanish libation with red wine and slices of fresh fruits blended with other spirits to open up the palate with its soothing and fruity notes. Ponce boasts of an extensive bar, even a secret speakeasy on the second floor offering a wide range of Spanish wines and fine spirits. 

Pair your sangria and cocktails with Spanish tapas like the Patatas Bravas, a traditional Spanish dish with deep-fried potatoes in spicy tomato sauce with garlic aioli. A bite followed by a sip, you'll soon get into that smooth Spanish groove here at Ponce. 

Another round of sangrias call for more tapas. The Tortilla de Criollo (L), a Spanish omelet with savory criollo sausage and Risetti de Truffa-Setas (R), a hearty dish with rice-shaped pasta cooked with garlic, mushrooms, truffle paste and Manchego cheese deliver vibrant flavors for a hearty late lunch or dinner...

The elegant Pintxos Salmon con Huevo Mayonesa, intricate tapas with salmon in crisp wonton cups slathered with creamy egg-mayonnaise and topped with alfalfa sprouts brings fresh, mildly sweet and briny notes to the palate capped by the clean flavors of alfalfa and perfectly finished by the egg-mayo dressing. Perfect with sangria or wine, the contrasting textures and rich flavors packed in tasty bites guarantee an enjoyable sangria session at Ponce any time of day. 

And there's more. Delicately soft and lightly crisp croquettes add even more options to your afternoon or evening tapas at Ponce like the Croquettas Jamon (R) with the distinct notes of premium Jamon Serrano mellowed by the rich garlic aioli.

At the formal launch of Ponce, sumptuous platters of cheese and charcuterie were served...

...along with more tapas like the Croquetta Pulpo with succulent octopus inside a crisp ball.

Our round of flavorful bites at Ponce continued with the Hamburguesas y Tres Quesos, savory sliders with a juicy beef patty draped in cheese...

...and the Albondigas en Salsa de Crema de Champinones, Spanish-style meatballs covered in a creamy mushroom sauce. That sauce completes the savory punch of the dish. The fresh-baked bread at Ponce are perfect in mopping up the richness of the sauce.

It's not a Spanish feast without paella and Ponce served their signature dishes at the launch with the meaty Paella de Carnes, a savory paella with meatballs, Spanish chorizo, chicken and green beans...

...and the Paella Verduras, a vegetarian paella with shiitake mushrooms, young corn, carrots, fresh beans and cherry tomatoes topped with truffle aioli for a lighter and healthier option. 

Other signature dishes by Ponce were also showcased that evening including their Pollo Organico, organic roasted chicken in cauliflower puree, roasted vegetables and chicken jus.

But you just gotta have more tapas at Ponce and the Gambas al Ajillo topped with crisp garlic in olive oil is a must-have for a proper tapas session. Each bite of the succulent shrimps deliver a subtle snap before draping the palate with a briny sweetness followed by the nutty hints of garlic.

In between bites, enjoy Ponce's Ensalada de Mars with fresh flavors from the crisp lettuce, orange, walnuts, calamari and shrimp drizzled with orange vinaigrette.

And you can't say no to more paella like Ponce's Paella Negra con Langostinos with soft and fluffy rice with that crisp crust on the bottom infused with squid ink...

...or the Paella Mars y Montana, a lavish paella with pork meatballs, clams and prawns.

Later that evening, Chef Angelo Santicruz rolled out the house specialty...

The De Cochinillo Asado del Chef is an impressive sight. Perfectly roasted for that juicy and mildly sweet pork flavored with rich spices and aromatics capped by a crisp layer of crackling, Chef Angelo then carves up the whole suckling pig using a plate in true Spanish style...

Perfectly crisp and juicy, Ponce is now ready to accept orders for their signature De Cochinillo Asado del Chef for the coming holiday season.

A live performance added to the festive vibe at Ponce that evening...

...while another serving of De Cochinillo Asado del Chef capped a sumptuous feast at the newest dining destination in the neighborhood of Quezon City.

Dick Balajadia (L) and Chef Angelo Santicruz (R) have created a spot in the middle of the bustling neighborhood where great stories, laughter and memories can be shared with friends and family over rounds of sangrias, tapas and hearty Spanish dishes.

A serving of Churros con Chocolate ends our evening at Ponce, a welcome addition to Quezon City's vibrant culinary scene. And with a nod of approval from Maximo Ponce, diners can enjoy their own Spanish afternoons and evenings at Ponce.

Ponce is located at 124 Scout Dr. Lazcano Street, Brgy. Sacred Heart, Tomas Morato, Quezon City or call 971-8328 and 0917-633-2784 for inquiries and reservations. You can also check out their FB and IG accounts at @poncemnl.

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