Angel's Kitchen and The Blind Pig

Angel's Kitchen is possibly the most homey restaurant around because everything they serve is reminiscent of home-cooked food. Simple but tasty.

It is also the semi-secret place C and I always eat in when we are both in Manila. I haven't seen or spoken to him in ages, but it never matters because it's like nothing has changed whenever we reunite.

Lamb curry with apple raisin chutney

Our orders never change, either -- Seafood chowder, salad, and a lamb curry to share. Although I wished for more catch-up time with C, I was pretty excited to finally try The Blind Pig afterwards.

Praised as "Manila's best bet for a drink" by CNN, The Blind Pig is the city's first speakeasy. I've never been to a speakeasy before, but I've heard nothing but good things. My friend J once told me that the speakeasy she stumbled into in Philly had great drinks and even better prices...and that upon being asked what her purpose of visit was at the door, she replied with, "to do my laundry" and was let in...

"The Blind Pig"

After struggling with directions, we finally found the nondescript building and THE braille sign. We knocked quite a few times on the locked door until a peephole slot opened and a pair of eyes asked us who we were.

We entered a dimly-lit room with booths around the walls, a few tables in the center, and a bar that seats 4 people.  Immediately, we were handed 'cards' with the menu written on it.

Flip it over and you'll find some rules:

Once we ordered our drinks, the server asked for individual names and referred to us by our names for the rest of the night. Impressive.

The Gold Rush

The Blind Pig is definitely not for the weak. Don't expect to find any girly or sugary drinks -- even the strawberry martini that a friend personally asked for was stiff. I went with the gold rush, which is bourbon-based and made with honey and lemon. I've never tasted anything like it. Although I took it in sips (it was that strong), I really liked it.

What really distinguishes The Blind Pig is its homemade syrups and hand-carved ice:

Hand-carved ice! 

Morning Glory Fizz -- topped with egg white

Dark and Stormy

Slowly but surely, as drinks disappeared and the night progressed, the voices of friends and those around us got louder and happier. A decided to test the bartender by describing his flavor preference and asking for "the most interesting martini." The bartender personally handed him an interesting concoction, which he explained very well without sounding too stuffy. He liked it. Challenge met.

The "most interesting martini" with hints of lemon and a lemon peel

Meanwhile, T went for a second round and swore by the mint julep. It was so strong that my face turned sour. It was good, though!

Poorly-captured Mint Julep 

A went for another customized drink and asked for a strawberry martini. I was excited to see whether this request would break the bartender's string of strong drinks but of course, it was just as strong as the rest.

The Blind Pig has everything a modern speakeasy needs -- An extremely knowledgeable staff, a sultry ambiance, and a great menu that lists both classics and some twists. Needless to say, everyone had a grand time and I now have a new place to add to my list of Manila gems.

What's funny is I thought twice about blogging about The Blind Pig since its appeal is that it is still a pretty well-hidden secret. But what the heck -- If you're looking for a relaxed atmosphere with a really good and strong drink, then look no further. And don't forget to knock hard.

Angel's Kitchen
57 Connecticut St.
Greenhills, San Juan

The Blind Pig
227 Salcedo St. Corner Gamboa
Legaspi Village