Acclaimed author Henry James once shared that "there are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea" in reverence to the enduring British tradition. Afternoon tea has seen a resurgence in popularity in the local culinary scene these past few years, becoming a regular offering in many establishments. But have you experienced afternoon tea at a cigar bar? The afternoon tea tradition is elegantly celebrated at the very first branch of La Casa Del Habano in the country for yet another inspired take on the well-loved ritual with sweet and savory bites paired with soothing cups of tea. Step inside La Casa Del Habano for a cup and good times...
With over 155 locations in 60 countries around the world, La Casa Del Habano aims to spread and expand the Cuban cigar legacy with its very first store in Manila. Boasting the first ever walk-in humidor in the country complete with personalized individual lockers where loyal patrons can store their prized cigar stash, La Casa Del Habano raises the bar for the pleasures of premium hand-rolled cigar experience at its exclusive space in The Shops at Ayala Triangle Gardens. La Casa Del Habano weaves its own tradition with another for a unique experience with its own take on afternoon tea. Cohibas, tea with sweet and savory bites? Read on and pour me a cup...
Located at Ayala Triangle Gardens, La Casa Del Habano boldly takes the flourishing local cigar culture up a notch with its very first store in the country. Envisioned as both a haven and sanctuary for local cigar aficionados, La Casa Del Habano sets the standard for what a proper cigar bar should be.
Inside, the impressive walk-in humidor becomes a teaser for the exquisite array of premium offerings at La Casa Del Habano. Complemented by a well-trained and professional staff, each distinct element is seamlessly intertwined at La Casa Del Habano to enhance your experience.
The elegant space is anchored by a bar to supplement the pleasures of the cigar experience with a variety of handcrafted cocktails...
...accentuated by a soothing color palette of warm wood tones and leather to make you feel right at home setting the mood for your mid-afternoon urban escape. A cigar bar with a subtle speakeasy vibe, La Casa Del Habano is also the perfect spot for a calming mid-afternoon tipple without the usual crowds.
A welcome drink teases the palate before afternoon tea, and the afternoon is looking good at La Casa Del Habano.
Afternoon tea in a cigar bar promises a whole new way of indulging in the much-loved and popular tradition, and La Casa Del Habano becomes the perfect setting in an intimate and elegant space. The High Tea at La Casa Del Habano is priced at P 3,199+ for two, which includes a varied selection of premium tea blends, delectable hors d'oeuvres, lavish and exquisite desserts and pastries plus a refreshing mocktail. You can also customize your afternoon tea experience with add-ons like a glass of Chandon Garden Spritz (P 499+ per person) or a glass of Moet & Chandon Imperial Brut (P 1,600+).
A cup of Sangria Hibiscus with cranberry, rose hip and orange from the Flavored Tea Selection at La Casa Del Habano is the perfect start to your afternoon tea experience with its refreshing and vibrant fruity notes and aromatic floral finish.
Another cup? Absolutely. You can enjoy cup after cup at La Casa Del Habano for a memorable afternoon. The tea selection offered for afternoon tea at La Casa Del Habano also includes the familiar classics like Green Tea, Jasmine Blend, Earl Grey, Chamomile and Chrysanthemum...
...but its the curated Flavored Tea Selection that makes the afternoon tea experience at the exclusive cigar bar unique with creative specialty blends like the Detoxify Mint with green tea, lemon and ginger and the Spiced Black Tea with cinnamon, cardamom, star anise, clove and vanilla.
One more sip and your afternoon tea set of savory and sweet bites are served...
The savory selection of tasty nibbles are an elegant expression of inspired creativity coupled with the finest premium ingredients that first feeds the eyes before the palate.
On the top shelf, indulge in the rich and creamy notes of the Truffle Potted Shrimp with baby asparagus and microgreens and the Blue Cheese Chicken with cranberries and Muscat grapes. The succulent briny sweetness of the shrimps comes through smoothened by the rich cream with the sweet hints of asparagus and garden-fresh crispness of microgreens completing the flavors. The bold yet soothing notes of blue cheese perfectly complements the chicken with each tasty bite followed by the subtle tartness of cranberries and sweet Muscat grapes.
The bottom shelf offers a delectable play on flavors and textural contrast with the Organic Japanese Egg, Manchego Aioli on crisp corn tortilla chip and the inventive Two-Tomato & Spiced Honey Ratatouille with Caviar on a wanton crisp. The creamy richness of the egg lingers long on the palate kicked up by the Manchego aioli while the fresh, clean and uncluttered notes from the playful twist on ratatouille brings a flavorful surprise with each bite.
In between bites, the deep calming notes of the Spiced Black Tea with its medley of spices cleanses the palate and you're ready for another round of tasty and savory bites.
The tiered tray of decadent sweet creations are up next with the intricate selection of Pistachio Short Cake with Baklava Crisps, Dark Chocolate Brownie Ganache, Pecorino Cheesecake and Petite Carrot Cake with Truffle Cream Cheese & Almonds, Figs & Queso de Bola. Not too sweet, each bite brings indulgent layers of unique notes from the different components to cap your afternoon tea experience.
More than just a flavor-filled experience, La Casa Del Habano elegantly stitches together a seamless weave of sensory elements from the luxurious setting to the meticulous service for a proper and traditional afternoon tea. You'll find afternoon tea in the usual places, but enjoying a cup along with sweet and savory bites in a cigar bar is a whole new experience in itself.
How about a round of cocktails after tea? La Casa Del Habano is after all, a bar. And the best part? You can enjoy all the cocktails, beer and house wines for a cool 2-for-1 deal with the Indulge Twice offer. That's right. Two drinks for the price of one. Now, that's how you follow up a relaxing afternoon tea experience at La Casa Del Habana.
The Old-Fashioned (P 750) with bourbon, bitters and Luxardo has always been my go-to cocktail and La Casa Del Habano's rendition is spot on with its smoky presentation. Instead of the usual wood chips, La Casa Del Habano uses tobacco for that rich and robust smoky fragrance in true cigar bar style.
Each refreshing sip drapes the palate with the flavorful depth from the bourbon kicked up by the bitters and lingering citrus finish. The layer of fragrant smoky hints perfectly completes the flavors. La Casa Del Habano offers over 15 specialty handcrafted cocktails from the whisky-based Smoky Godfather (P 750), Barrel-Aged Negroni (P 650) and Cohiba Martini (P 750) to the Habano Sour (P 650) and Caipirinha (P 700) along with premium beers and fine wine.
La Casa Del Habano also offers al fresco seating options and there's just no better way to enjoy the shifting afternoon light than with a cocktail. Or tea.
At the bar, you'll also find premium artisan local craft beer from Crazy Carabao labeled with the La Casa Del Habano logo. The Crazy Carabao Pale Ale is just what you need when the sun goes down.
A round of cocktails can make you hungry, but no worries. The kitchen at La Casa Del Habano also offers a tempting array of savory dishes to pair with cocktails. From Kitayama Wagyu Salpicao (P 1,680)...
...to the King of Prawns Gambas y Chistorras (P 1,600), La Casa Del Habano has you covered. The vibe's good, and the flavors too so why leave?
It's about time we had a proper cigar bar in the metro. And a new spot to enjoy afternoon tea. As the local culinary landscape continues to evolve, it's good to know there are places in the metro where you can indulge in your pleasures of a fine and exquisite cigar and handcrafted cocktails too. And even afternoon tea. All in one place.
La Casa Del Habano is a welcome addition to the metro's culinary scene, with both the High Tea and Indulge Twice offers you just can't pass up. Like they say, sometimes all you need is a good cup of tea for a much-deserved pause from the urban frenzy. And some cocktails too. Find it and more at La Casa Del Habano...
La Casa Del Habano is located at the 2nd Floor, The Shops Ayala Triangle Gardens, Tower 2, Paseo de Roxas corner Makati Avenue, Makati City. You can also visit their FB Page and IG Feed at https://www.facebook.com/people/La-CASA-DEL-Habano/ and https://www.instagram.com/lacasadelhabanoph/ for more information and updates or call +63 998 794 2935 for reservations.
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