Drink in the details at Detalle Bar + Kitchen
It’s all in the details for this straightforward, hidden bar in Ortigas
It can’t be denied that the mark of good quality craftsmanship is in the details. This might very well be what sisters Bernice and Denise Lim, together with their cousins Brainard Hao and Kirk Lao, had in mind when conceptualizing Detalle Bar + Kitchen. However, contrary to the popular belief that good quality means shelling out big bucks, Detalle prides itself on offering reasonable prices for premium quality drinks and food.
When the owners came up with the idea of putting up the restobar a year ago, they all agreed on one thing: They wanted to make it a relaxing spot where people can chill, similar to what they used to do at Taverna Verde, the bar that once occupied the space. The unassuming nook in Ortigas was the perfect spot, according to Bernice, as it provides a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of the business district.
The clean lines, dark wood, steel furnishings, and wide glass windows complete the polished industrial interiors, giving off a welcome, casual dining vibe. Detalle goes the extra mile and spells out your name on a Scrabble shelf placed on your reserved tables.
For those opting for lighter fare to go with their drink, try the bar chow Las Sardinas, a flavorful bite of toast topped with sardine and fried quail egg, slathered with peperonata jam, and served with wild rocket salad. The tangy blend of sweet, spicy, and sour pepperade sauce in the Basque Fried Chicken will leave you wanting more, as Detalle’s very own recipe for the crowd favorite chicken wings is definitely one that excites the taste buds with every bite. Those looking for healthy fare will find the Summer Pasta a good complement to the appetizers as the light pasta dish has fettuccine, broccoli, tomatoes and asparagus tossed in olive oil, then topped with Parmesan cheese. Don’t pass up on the Fungi Pizza as well—the palatepleasing combination of mushrooms, caramelized onions, roasted garlic and thyme is a wood-fire, oven-baked tasty work of art. Meanwhile, if you’re up for something fuller, opt for the Grilled Salmon, which is served with asparagus risotto and roasted vegetables.
Detalle’s dedication to creating premium quality drinks is evident in every sip. While the menu offers the more common drinks found at any other bar, there are also special concoctions that are definitely worth coming back for, such as the Julia Vargas JayWalker, a smooth mix of Johnny Walker Black Label whisky and cranberry juice; and the City Lights Lemonade, a refreshing mix of Absolut Citron, Sprite, and some lemons and cherries. For some good ol’ fun with friends, try the Beerkada, Detalle’s version of beer bombs with four different “bombs” that the waiter will expertly knock off all at once—always a spectacle to watch and even more fun to drink.