Food for the lovelorn

 ABV Rallos proffers a V-Day dining experience

By Earl D.C. Bracamonte

Food and beverage concept, ABV Rallos, gave a preview of tbeir Love Month menu in anticipation for forthcoming Valentine dates. Though, nowadays, dating couples, as well as group of friends, celebrate Hearts Day not just on Feb 14 but on any day before and after that red-letter date.

Owner Samuel Ng Suy call their outlet a speakeasy, though with a positive meaning than how the word was perceived during the days of the American Prohibition. Executive chef Erick Toyama presented the five dishes that will be part of your Valentine dinner. While bar manager Jayson Manalo made us sample a few of their alcoholic beverages.

After enjoying freshly-baked dinner rolls, the epicurean delights began with Prawn Bisque, a savory soup dish with Ebi tempura doused in crab cream.

Then follows the very filling Appetizer Platter with three samplers. There's the Salpicao OG, that's flambeed beef of tender Wagyu cutlets in garlic confit; the Spicy Miso Tebasaki Wings, that's deep-fried tebasaki-style chicken wings tossed in spicy miso sour cream; and the Japanese-inspired fusion Wagyu Sando, a sandwich of Wagyu beef with truffle aioli and tonkatsu sauce.

A palate cleanser, named "Enchanted," is served midway through the meal. The mocktail, proffered with a dry ice presentation, is lemonade infused with chamomille and ternate petals. The latter changes its blue color when mixed with citrus. This drink cleanses the tongue (taste buds) and is good for digestion. Bar manager Jayson Manalo will guide you through their beverage selection.

The gustatory onslaught continues with Crab & Shrimp Dandan Noodles, with poached shrimps and crab wrapped with somen noodles in dandan sauce. This is one delectable seafood dish with a nutty twist!

And the main course comes hefty with Char Siu Fried Rice, a sumptuous rice bowl filled with char siu slices over collagen rice and topped with onsen egg. This is the resto's only rice meal, and when you get to taste it you'll understand why.

Cocktail options abound so you can choose from an extensive list that's curated by award-winning bartender Royce Pua.

You may opt for my favorite, the Patch Adams, that the staff fondly calls "an alcoholic peach iced tea," that's concocted with whiskey, Amaro, and peach hover.

Another popular mix is the White Lady, with its mixture of gin, creme, and wasabi. It's another interesting concoction with a different kick!

Happy endings come with tiramisu and matcha filling inside a crunchy Manipuri hollow shell.

Chinese New Year revelers would relish the 'Enter the Dragon' cocktail with mezcal, tequila, tomato juice, and Korean gochujang. It's one drink with a zing! Perfect in bringing your party spree to a higher level.

Valued at Php 1,999.00, the Valentine dinner set has five courses and two beverages - one alcoholic (cocktail) and one non-alcoholic (mocktail). The set meal for two will be available starting Feb 1 'til Feb 28.

The intimate curtained dining area can seat 12 people or accommodate four couples. The entire bar and dining den can serve 40 to 60 people in total.

ABV Rallos is conveniently located at the mezzanine of Alphabase Building on #45 Sct. Rallos St., Quezon City.