Cover Matador QC, a wine bar where Spanish and Japanese cultures meet
Matador QC, a wine bar where Spanish and Japanese cultures meet
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The owners of Bar Flora and Recraft bring us Matador, where they present their love for both Spanish and Japanese food philosophies alongside their impressive selection of wine and sake
What was once known to have a very conservative and traditional food scene, Quezon City has recently seen a rise in sophisticated and eclectic drinking and dining. A welcome addition to this new breed of QC food and beverage establishments is Matador, along Scout Rallos, tucked away in a small complex that houses a handful of proprietary enterprises.
The wine bar sets the mood with lighting that is dark and brooding, promising an experience that is elegant and grown-up. A bar greets you, lined with wine bottles being chilled and ready to be poured for those looking to explore the breadth and depth of their selection. Owned by the same people behind Bar Flora and Recraft, Matador is described as “a lively and unpretentious wine and tapas bar” with a focus on New World wines (although we did spot a French crémant and Spanish Ribera del Duero), artisanal sake, and Japanese-inspired Spanish dishes. “The Spanish-Japanese concept comes from our love for two culinary traditions that value craftsmanship, seasonality, and social dining,” explains co-owner Shao Falcis. “Spanish tapas bring the warmth and conviviality, while Japanese flavours and techniques add precision and unexpected twists.”
See also: New in Maginhawa: Mugen Ramenya by chef Jorge Mendez
Above Matador QC, a wine bar where Spanish and Japanese cultures meet
Matador QC, a wine bar where Spanish and Japanese cultures meet
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With these characteristics in mind, the team proceeded to put together a menu that is rooted in tradition, yet playful and innovative. The same creative team behind Flora and Recraft spearheaded the food programme. “It is a menu that reimagines Spanish tapas through a Japanese lens—playful, familiar, but always with a surprise,” Falcis shares. “Each dish is designed for sharing, conversation, and exploration.” Highlights include the Brie Pintxos with raspberry, cranberry, tare, and furikake; the torched Wagyu Pintxos with peach, ponzu, and wasabi; Tebasaki wings with paella chorizo and cured egg yolk; Shiitake Croquettas with truffle and mozzarella; the hearty Miso Paella with pork belly; and the whimsical Mochi with honey, milk, and candied salami.
See also: First look: El Gato and Cattery, two new bars by the award-winning Fat Cat team
Above Matador QC, a wine bar where Spanish and Japanese cultures meet
Above Matador QC, a wine bar where Spanish and Japanese cultures meet
Matador QC, a wine bar where Spanish and Japanese cultures meet
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Their general manager, Louiza Juano, is a sommelier herself and, together with their in-house wine associates, curated a wine programme that is divided into three pillars: Tradition, Courage, and Artistry. Tradition, in the true meaning of the word, is about celebrating timeless classics. These wines evoke the fundamental characteristics of the iconic wine regions, familiar grapes, and benchmark styles that wine aficionados have grown to love. “Courage” is for the adventurous palate, eager to explore offbeat grape varieties, lesser-known regions, and discover unconventional wine-making methods. It’s for those who wish to challenge their personal safe space in terms of flavour and to step outside the familiar. The wines that express “Artistry” are the type that embody skill, creativity, and craft, often found in small-batch productions. These makers are the type that have a compelling story to tell, and Matador has made these available for the curious imbiber. Aside from wines, there are also a range of sakes that pair well with Japanese-inspired bites, and which are also very drinkable on their own. They have also developed inventive concoctions for those who prefer zero-proof options, like their refreshing Zero% Sangria.
Above Matador QC, a wine bar where Spanish and Japanese cultures meet
Above Matador QC, a wine bar where Spanish and Japanese cultures meet
Matador QC, a wine bar where Spanish and Japanese cultures meet
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Unlike their other nearby brands that focus more on craft cocktails, Matador is all about wine and sake, making their consumption fun and approachable. It is a wine bar conceptualised for those who seek something new and are up for an adventure, but in an environment that allows them to be totally at ease. Luckily, the laid-back QC crowd is completely on board with their vision. “From seasoned wine drinkers to younger cocktail fans, our guests have embraced the creativity in the menu and the unexpected wine & sake collection,” assured Falcis. Matador has clearly captured the previously traditionalist QC market’s attention—a promising step in the right direction for the area’s food and beverage scene.
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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.
