Buzzed but still sober, sweet yet not fully ripe, the calm before the tempestuous storm. It's that elusive middle ground where everything seems perfect even for just a moment, that chill sweet spot of delicate balance in between transitions. Mood, moment and memory. Speakeasy, neighborhood watering hole or your personal secret bar, call it what you want. Welcome to Malagihay Cocktail Club...
They say the coolest spots can be found in the most unexpected places. Here's one more not so secret find to add to your growing list. From the same group led by Chef Mikel Zaguirre behind Binondo Boys (see more on my previous post That Cool Chinatown Vibe With Sumptuous Dim Sum, Noods, Rice Toppings And An Inventive Secret Menu By The Binondo Boys from two months ago) and Mabuhay Craft Cafe (more on my earlier post Mabuhay Craft Coffee, Now Brewin' Coolness 24/7 Along A. Mabini In San Juan from a few days back) comes another neighborhood spot in San Juan. The intricate narrative of mood, moment and memory resonates in a gradual and measured pace at Malagihay Cocktail Club experienced on the flight of stairs leading to the hidden bar, the comforting yet intriguing warmth of the space, the unique handcrafted cocktails and savory offerings from the menu in a continuous link of celebrating the in-between.
Loosely translated to mean "moist, damp or half-dry" like pulling out a shirt from the clothesline before it is fully dried, the sweetness of mangoes midway before becoming fully ripe with that subtle and delectable tartness or that borderline state of being a bit tipsy yet composed, it's that precise moment in between transitions that's celebrated at Malagihay Cocktail Club. A dark curtain opens up revealing infinite possibilities and in-between moments at Malagihay Cocktail Club...
...presented in colorful stories shaped and created by the bar. And in their kitchens too.
The vibe and feel of the space recreates the warmth of an old home's living room, setting you immediately at ease once you settle in your seats. A vintage and functioning turntable spins the evening's beats...
...as the bar comes to life with the first of many libations following the Mood, Moment and Memory themes. These are the stories of Malagihay Cocktail Club, retold in inventive handcrafted cocktails reflecting the phases of your bar experience. Cocktails are, after all a reflection of feelings "in liquid form." And Mood, Moment and Memory are the three expressions in how we experience both life and cocktails. At Malagihay Cocktail Club, "each cocktail is an invitation to feel something familiar, to satisfy a craving, to relive a moment or to return to a core memory that grounds us. It's a reminder that balance isn't only found in flavor but in emotion, that sweet steady state between joy and calm."
It's an ambitious statement that defines Malagihay Cocktail Club differentiating it from the usual bar. And Chef Mikel Zaguirre and his team succeeds with its intent and purpose the moment you step inside San Juan's own secret bar. From their Mood selection, your evening at Malagihay Cocktail Club begins with the soothing Atchalada (P 500) with its refreshing and vibrant tartness to open up the palate. Made with 400 Cornejos Joven Mezcal, atchara or local pickles, Korean tomato gochujang, the house made lacto fermented green tomatoes, strawberry manzanilla sherry and local IPA, the bright notes of the Atchalada signals the festive start to your Malagihay Cocktail Club experience.
The Magic Gulaman (P 550) with its blend of Hendrick's Gin, vanilla, banana, Dry Vermouth, coconut water and Prosecco garnished with sweet nata de coco or coconut gel leaves a lingering sweetness on the palate from the coconut water, Prosecco, banana and vanilla with each soothing sip followed by the distinct floral notes of Hendrick's Gin as the base.
From the Moment selection, Seeds (P 550) teases the palate with its medley of flavors from the 1800 Silver Tequila, pink guava nectar, Umeshu, Fever Tree, grapefruit soda and Pinot Noir for another complex yet refreshing libation.
Inspired by local flavors and a traditional condiment, the aptly named Dipping Sauce (P 500) brings familiar notes with its blend of San Juan Lambanog or distilled palm liquor, the Mexican distilled spirit Sotol, Bonifacio White Rum, Dayap Cordial, red onions and cucumber. The distinctly local practice of pairing your own customized condiment with vinegar, onion, and chilies is reimagined and transformed in a cocktail with sharp yet balanced play on flavors with an elegantly smooth and refined finish. But she's a deceptive concoction that's easy on the palate, having one too many will have you wrapped in her naughty fingers in no time. Still, this is my pick at Malagihay Cocktail Club. And this one pairs well too with the savory bites from the kitchen.
Cool evenings high up in Baguio with its fresh harvest of strawberries is the inspiration for Burnham Park (P 550) with its mix of strawberry, Haku Vodka, Soju, Fino Sherry, sampaguita, lemon, Prosecco and rosemary. Deceptively light and easy with its sweet fruity and floral finish, she can be naughty too if you completely give in to her tempting ways.
From the Memory menu, the Banana Con Royale (P 550) is another alluring seductress with Tanqueray London Dry Gin, lakatan, saba, banana milk, Prosecco and lemon. Indulgently sweet with its mix of local bananas, the deliberate infusion of local ingredients reflects Malagihay Cocktail Club's modern and progressive approach to Filipino flavors. What to pair with your cocktails? Leave it to Chef Mikel Zaguirre and his team to surprise you with their equally impressive renditions of savory local flavors...
...starting with the Truffle Tuna Ding Dong (P 390) with tuna confit whipped in truffle cream cheese and generously sprinkled with the popular childhood snack Ding Dong and served with Sky Flakes. The playful recreation of nostalgic snacks in the form of Ding Dong with its mix of nuts, corn bits, green peas and corn chips with the timeless local crackers takes you back to countless childhood summers, elevated with Chef Mikel Zaguirre's elegant tuna confit draped in luscious truffle cream cheese. Silky smooth with that delectable crunch, it's one of many dishes at Malagihay Cocktail Club that brings an element of fun to your bar experience.
The equally nostalgic Hot Dogs Fondue (P 390) reminiscent of birthday parties from way back is another fun and creative rendition from memory with the popular Tender Juicy Hot Dog sautéed for that savory finish with caramelized onions and sweet barbecue glaze and served with Quezo foam. One bite transports you to a different place and time back to simpler carefree summers.
The traditional local Lumpia (P 350) filled with pork, shrimp, palm hearts and mushrooms paired with tangy sweet and sour sauce and spiced suka or vinegar is given a fresh twist with a serving of garden fresh and crisp lettuce and alugbati or Malabar spinach.
Simply pick up a crisp spring roll, add the alugbati and wrap it all up in lettuce with a dab of sweet and sour sauce or spiced vinegar. Each crisp and savory bite releases a flavorful burst followed by contrasting textures.
Pure pork bliss in the form of Pork Flowers (P 580) is Malagihay Cocktail Club's version of the ubiquitous and popular chicharon bulaklak or crispy pork mesentery. Served with sweet and sour sauce and spiced suka, each bite is announced by a subtle and delicate crunch followed by a juicy richness perfectly tempered by the spiced suka.
Sinuglaw (P 490), a flavorful combo of salt cured tanigue or local Spanish mackerel and barbecued pork belly served with crunchy kropek brings both textural contrasts and savory notes pairing well with cocktails...
...while the Sisig (P 400) stays true to the Capampangan original with a savory richness without any mayo or egg just the way purists like it. One more spoonful and you might just be tempted to order garlic rice. The unrestrained flavors from the chopped pork mask and offals just hits the spot.
Fried chicken is given the Chef Mikel Zaguirre treatment with the Boy Bawang FC (P 440) enhanced by the popular local garlicky corn snack for an added layer of both flavor and texture. Dab some of that Manong's Sauce and enjoy.
That calming in-between episode broken down by Mood, Moment and Memory threads your experience at Malagihay Cocktail Club beginning with the space and its vibe, the creative cocktails and savory dishes. No, this isn't your usual bar or speakeasy. It's a sanctuary with its own narrative, and it's waiting to share its stories with you one soothing sip and tasty bite at a time and at your own unhurried pace.
Malagihay Cocktail Club is located at the 2nd Floor above Mabuhay Craft Coffee, A. Mabini, San Juan Metro Manila. You can also visit their IG Feed at https://www.instagram.com/malagihaycocktailclub/ for more information and updates.
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