#SABORtheMoment: Mix N Mingle at Sabor Bar de Vinos

Finally. Quezon City needs a place like this...and about time too.

Novotel Manila Araneta Center adds a cool Spanish vibe with the recent opening of Sabor Bar de Vinos to the culinary landscape and nightlife scene up north. With its name derived from the latin word sapor which means flavor, Sabor Bar de Vinos offers a feast for the senses with its elegant interiors, savory tapas, sweet treats and refreshing libation with a cool and distinct Spanish flair. Uncorked, Sabor Bar de Vinos is ready to serve an exquisite dining, and wining, experience.

Located at the Lobby level of Novotel Manila Araneta Center, the warm wooden and earth tones and vibrant splashes of red hues add an elegant yet casual vibe to Sabor Bar de Vinos. And with its extensive selection of fine wines, there is no happier hour up north in Quezon City than at Sabor Bar de Vinos.  

The comprehensive wine list at Sabor Bar de Vinos include the herbal and fruity Waterfalls Road Eddy Sauvignon Blanc, the premium Clarendelle by Haut Brion Bordeaux, the elegant Anna Codorniu Rose, the dessert wine Cosecheros Y Criadores Infinitus and the Eclat de Rose Perlant. Champagne? The Dom Perignon is always chilled and ready for your happy hour. Wine enthusiasts can enjoy this fine selection and more in an intimate and cozy space tucked away inside Novotel Manila Araneta Center at Sabor Bar de Vinos. Then, there's Sabor de Vinos' signature Sangrias...

The combination of wine, liquor, fresh fruits and juices are an integral part of the Spanish bar experience, and Sabor Bar de Vinos clearly excels in this uniquely Spanish cocktail. The Fortress Sangria (P 900 Carafe/P 360 Glass) is a soothing yet potent blend of red wine, brandy, orange juice, lime juice and lemonade guaranteed to get you in the Spanish groove in no time, mildly sweet and tart with the deep notes of brandy for that elegant finish. 

The Sangria Blanco (L) is a smooth concoction made with Sauvignon Blanc, vodka, lychee juice, apple juice, lime juice and basil leaves while the Sangria de Rosa (R) is a naughty temptation with rose wine, tequila, guava puree, strawberry syrup, pineapple juice, lime juice and mint leaves, so take your pick. Better yet, have all three.

Each one has its own distinct flavor, with different temperaments, to suit your taste. Or if you prefer, why not mix your own customized Sangria? At Sabor Bar de Vinos, you can do exactly that for a truly personalized experience.

And here's an even cooler deal. Guests can enjoy Unlimited Sangria or Wine at Sabor Bar de Vinos from 5 pm to 8 pm for only P 700 net. Happy hour definitely got happier with this value-packed offer. Pair your cocktails with Sabor de Vinos' curated menu of Spanish tapas and international as well as local-inspired dishes... 

...like the Galician Style Chicken Empanada (P 350), a traditional savory pastry filled with flavorful marinated chicken, Spanish paprika, roasted cumin, olives and peppers. One bite of the soft and buttery pastry delivers comfortingly familiar flavors that pair well with the sangria.

The Mushroom Croquettes (P 350) are another tasty option at Sabor Bar de Vinos. Soft and crisp croquettes filled with three kinds of mushrooms including porcini, button, and portobello with rich and creamy blue cheese topped with caramelized walnuts are just what you need in between rounds of sangrias at Sabor Bar de Vinos. Other tasty nibbles at Sabor Bar de Vinos include the Beetroot Arancini with Goat Cheese and Croquetas de Pollo. 

The Gambas al Ajillo (P 350) is almost mandatory in any bar experience, and Sabor Bar de Vinos takes this Spanish bar staple a notch higher with succulent sustainable shrimps delicately sauteed in olive oil with thin slivers of garlic, paprika and chili with white wine sprinkled with homegrown fresh parsley and served with tomato focaccia. The fresh-baked focaccia is just perfect in soaking up the richness of the garlic-infused olive oil. The Homemade Smoked Salmon Roulade is another must-try at Sabor Bar de Vinos.

Novotel Manila Araneta Center takes pride in sourcing the freshest, all-natural garden-fresh greens from its very own farms and you can enjoy its clean flavors with the Greek Salad Skewers (P 250), tasty bites with skewered marinated cucumbers, fresh cherry tomatoes from El Dorado Farm, olives, oregano and feta cheese. The contrasting notes and textures combine to tease the palate, and it's healthy too.

Familiar flavors from down south of the border can also be found at Sabor Bar de Vinos, like the Cheese and Cured Ham Quesadillas (P 350) filled with cheddar, provolone and ham served with sour cream and avocado dip. The wide range of curated dishes adds to the overall experience at Sabor Bar de Vinos, with a variety of flavors to pair with your leisurely tipple.

Did you say cheese? The Selection of Cheese (P 650) with assorted crackers, sangria jelly, nuts, taggiasca olives and radish should do the trick, pairing well with wine. Sabor Bar de Vinos also offers a Cured Meat board with assorted charcuterie, semi-dried tomatoes, gherkins and mixed pickles. 

You'll also find local flavors recreated with a modern spin. The Dinakdakan (P 350) with boiled and grilled pork mask, pork liver, creamy mayonnaise, chili and seasonings drizzled with tart calamansi is one of the many flavorful surprises at Sabor Bar de Vinos. Elegantly executed, the flavors are indulgently rich with just a hint of sharpness from the chili and rounded out by the zesty notes of calamansi. Other savory options include the Bitter Ballen or Dutch Meatballs made with veal and a rich blend of spices and seasonings and Sauteed Chorizo in Red Wine.

Sabor Bar de Vinos also offers a selection of sausages like the Curry Sausage (P 250), pan-fried minced pork sausage slathered in rich and thick tomato curry sauce. The bold yet fragrant notes of cumin announces its arrival, followed by the equally robust and upfront flavors of the sausage and curry. Other sausages include the Kielbasa, Nuerberger Sausage and Frankfurter Sausage. Gourmet cheeses, charcuterie, seafood, and savory specialties, Sabor Bar de Vinos has that perfect dish to pair with your wine or sangria. Guests who order a bottle of wine also get a free tapas dish. How cool is that?

And don't forget dessert. Sabor Bar de Vinos' Cannoli Venetia (P 250) caps your tipple on a sweet note. The classic crispy tube-shaped shells filled with ricotta is another play on contrasting textures that will make you leave the gun and take the cannoli instead. Other decadent desserts at Sabor Bar de Vinos include the classic Tiramisu and Zeppoli.

Sabor Bar de Vinos is open from Tuesdays to Sundays, 3 pm to 3 am for that cozy and intimate tipple or gathering with friends. Novotel Manila Araneta Center's Executive Chef, Michael Schauss, joined our group, FourScene, for an evening of good food and good vibes. And as one round led to another, Sabor Bar de Vinos captivates and embraces you with its warm and alluring charm. Time does fly when you're having fun at Sabor Bar de Vinos, now uncorked and ready for your own tipple.

Sabor Bar de Vinos is located at the Lobby Level of Novotel Manila Araneta Center, General Aguinaldo Avenue, Araneta Center, Quezon City or call +632 990-7888 for inquiries and more information.

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