Cover Photo: Instagram / @thebevvyph
Photo: Instagram / @thebevvyph
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Wines and spirits distributor Don Revy opens a full-service bar with perfectly paired dishes and cocktails by some of the industry’s most respected names.
Some days are made for partying it up and going out for a night on the town. Other times, though, one simply might want to end up at a cosy and obscure bar where the drinks are accompanied by good food and fun banter among friends. The Bevvy— businessman Jojo Vega’s new full-service bar along Pasong Tamo Extension in Makati— is the ideal spot for something like this.
Before the pandemic, The Bevvy was more of a casual set-up next to their warehouse where clients can sit down and try their bottles of interesting wine varieties from all over the world, as well as lesser-known liquor brands for the adventurous drinker looking for something new to try. “This is not anymore Don Revy (the distribution company that Vega co-owns),” Vega explains, “it’s a completely new bar and Don Revy is one of our suppliers.” Those who are familiar with the products they bring in will be happy to know that. The now familiar shelves are fully stocked with their brands such as Pebble Lane wines, Whitley Niell gin, and Pilsner Urquell, along with other bottles regular barflies would easily recognise.
See also: What inspired top mixologists' creations at Philippine Cocktail Festival 2023?
Above Photo: Instagram / @thebevvyph
Photo: Instagram / @thebevvyph
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The more the merrier, I suppose, considering that seasoned mixologist and hotel beverage manager Lennon Aguilar has come on board and would have a greater range to play with. While his experience as a hotelier over the past few years has truly made him the best fit as the new Concessions and Products Manager at Don Revy, he admits to being a mixologist at heart and feels very comfortable having his sleeves rolled up behind the bar. His dry gin martini eschews vermouth and is replaced by lemon bitters— a lovely start to the evening or a capper to a long day. This, along with a selection of fruity martini variations and rum-based concoctions are sure to satisfy cocktail aficionados looking for a nice buzz.
With that said, Vega is proud of his wines, and called upon popular chef Jayjay SyCip (The Fatted Calf/The Communal) to put together a food menu that would complement them. “Since the wines are the focus, we do not want flavours that would overpower,” chef SyCip points out. “So, we will be offering dishes that pair well with wine— quite straightforward, but of course delicious.” Bottles of prosecco might be a fun start with the good chef’s chicken liver pate, cured cod with radish and creme fraiche, and fried camembert.
Above Photo: Instagram / @thebevvyph
Photo: Instagram / @thebevvyph
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Shrimp skewers cooked a la plancha are accompanied by a lemongrass chimichurri, and a Japanese-inspired tuna tartare is rich with the flavours and aromas of sesame and togarashi. A dining companion more familiar with their wine list helpfully mentioned that this lovely New Zealand sauvignon blanc with the fragrance of tropical fruits might be a good match, and she was right. A punchy cabernet sauvignon from South Africa or an earthy Barolo I spotted on the shelves will surely be the best way to celebrate chef SyCip’s version of beef salpicao that is garlicky, saucy, and perfect with rice (yes, we heard there is a rice cooker on standby), or a perfectly grilled ribeye steak accompanied simply with a rich brown gravy and cauliflower gratin.
See also: Why Bangkok is Asia’s most exciting food city right now
Above Photo: Instagram / @thebevvyph
Photo: Instagram / @thebevvyph
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Meals here can end with more cocktails and wine, of course, or some desserts like a simple yet decadent brownie à la mode or sticky toffee pudding. I spy the chef’s missus—pastry chef Rhea SyCip of Flour Pot Manila—had a hand in these baked delights, knowing how everything that comes out of her oven is perfectly moist and sinful.
While the once unembellished showroom has been transformed into a presentable neighbourhood watering hole, the vibe remains the same. In an ocean of fine dining establishments and fancy bars, The Bevvy is perfectly comfortable being the antithesis. They know that there will be those moments when decompressing and a little quiet time is in order, and when that happens, this shall be an ideal respite.
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Jaclyn Clemente Koppe is a food and lifestyle writer, as well as a consultant to some of the country’s beloved food and beverage brands. Her passion for food and drink is only surpassed by her devotion to her family, most especially to her soulmate, Pepa the poodle.
