Cover Inside Medusa (Photo: Patrick Diokno)
Inside Medusa (Photo: Patrick Diokno)
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From super to supper clubs, The Palace brand is staking a disruptive claim in hospitality. Here’s why Medusa is different to anything you’ve tried in Manila
The late-night cooks that served up nightlife concepts such as Revel, Xylo, Clubhouse and Yes Please, have been rather busy in The Palace kitchen. As of late, they have rustled up a truly transformative, multi-sensory and inimitable masterpiece that is set to wow Manileños and tourists alike.
Named for the cursed Gorgon of Greek mythology, Medusa is a bold new concept redefining nightlife as the country’s first true supper club—seamlessly fusing elevated dining with curated nightlife-skewed entertainment.
While the Medusa vibe and USP harks back to Erik Cua’s 2005 baby (if Embassy Cuisine rings a nostalgic bell, you know what gen you are!), Medusa is Cua’s answer to bringing the hottest supper clubs du jour to Manila.
Cua, the president and visionary behind The Palace, personally visited Papi Steak and Delilah in Las Vegas last year for R&D; these two spots were standouts that made quite an impression on him. As Alex Habaluyas, managing partner and chief marketing officer for all The Palace concepts points out to Cua, “We’ve made the best concepts [here] when we travel in the name of research,” she shares, adding, “We wanted to somehow shift into a hospitality group rather than just being known for nightlife concepts. So, this is our take on dining, but it’s still a place where people can socialise, have a good time, have a few drinks, and dance a little bit.”
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Above Medusa (Photo: Patrick Diokno)
Above Pauline and John Sac of 50/53 Architects | (Photo: Patrick Diokno)
Medusa (Photo: Patrick Diokno)
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Chimes in JM Rodriguez, a partner of The Palace and familiar face in the party circuit, and whose favourite supper clubs include Lío and Heart in Ibiza, STK in Dubai and Delilah in Las Vegas, “We bring first class nightlife to the heart of Manila, and we are definitely ready for a Medusa. We’ve travelled to different places in the world like Las Vegas, New York, Ibiza, London and Dubai that start the nightlife trends and this is what’s new.”
At the core of Medusa is its world-class culinary programme, curated by globally seasoned chefs, the husband-and-wife team of Lisa Revilla and David Thien, as well as Chow Kang, whose pedigrees are shaped by Michelin-starred kitchens and acclaimed international dining concepts. Add executive chef Ruther Sandico to the impressive roster and together, they present a menu of reimagined comfort and bistro classics (think oysters Rockefeller, Wagyu & caviar mille-feuille, lamb pappardelle or the seafood cocotte “lutée” to share), all crafted to pair with a sophisticated cocktail and bottle service programme, brilliantly honed by bar service consultant Arcadius Rybak and ReCraft, helmed by bartender and beverage consultant Cedric Mendoza.
Those more inclined to order off the wine list, will more than appreciate that its curation was to the palate of sommelier Chris Birt, who focused the 77 labels not just on the food pairings, but allowed his time in Manila to inform what its oenophiles would respond to.
Above The immersive space that is the main dining room of Medusa luxuriously blends old-world grandeur with whimsical escapism | (Photo: Patrick Diokno)
The immersive space that is the main dining room of Medusa luxuriously blends old-world grandeur with whimsical escapism | (Photo: Patrick Diokno)
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Above Geometric black-and-white tiles against a hand painted mural bring a stark contrast and maximalist vibe to Medusa’s grand entrance | (Photo: Patrick Diokno)
Above The tented golden-hued lounge (which connects to Revel) oozes vintage glamour with its plush curved seating, fringed stools, striped marble floors, and cabaret-style feathered lighting | (Photo: Patrick Diokno)
Geometric black-and-white tiles against a hand painted mural bring a stark contrast and maximalist vibe to Medusa’s grand entrance | (Photo: Patrick Diokno)
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From the cocktail list, The Gorgonette and the Medusa G&T are the main attractions of its six signatures. But if there was to be a bet on what would draw out the phones, it would definitely be for the giant showstopping Bobby-dazzler punchbowls that serve 10, all cleverly named such as the Wrath of Perseus, Medusa’s Revenge and Aphrodite’s Breath.
And speaking of showstopping, Medusa’s interiors do not disappoint. Another creative husband-wife tandem, Pauline and John Sac of 50/53 Architects, brought every element—from design to lighting to flow—beautifully together, inviting diners and revellers to feel, move and connect within an environment where form, function and atmosphere are in perfect sync.
A dramatic central bar anchors the venue, flanked by a welcome bar and cosy mini-bar lounge—perfect for every kind of evening, from lively catch-ups to quiet tête-à-têtes. While more private dining concepts within the Medusa concept are on the minds of its creators (there currently exists a private dining room for 12, and two semi-private rooms that can seat nine), Medusa can easily cater to and accommodate up to 250 guests for larger events with its indoor and alfresco seating.
Every space and every nook exudes a dramatic, theatrical opulence with maximalist flair. The main dining room features a sweeping trompe L’oeil of a sky painted on the curved ceiling adding a dreamy, surreal quality. Rich burgundy drapery in crushed velvet cascades from the ceiling-high windows and columns, creating an intimate, almost cabaret-like atmosphere.
Related: What is Balé Pampanga? An enchanting family home turned dining destination
Above Medusa (Photo: Patrick Diokno)
Medusa (Photo: Patrick Diokno)
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Marble-top tables, mini shaded lamps and plush seating in dark tones and mismatched geometric patterns evoke a sense of vintage glamour, while scenes from The Jungle Book depicted in murals, sculptural columns and stylised palm fronds introduce an exotic, retro-tropical motif. A fun foil to the upholstery is the geometric black-and-white floor tiling, adding a modern edge.
Whatever strikes your fancy on any given night, two distinct journeys are to be had in this immersive albeit luxurious establishment: Supper, a full-service dining experience with elevated cuisine for the late night and fine-dining set, which starts at 6pm. Digestifs and lounging (or carousing) take over at 10.30pm for late-night socials, and where a dynamic scene of bespoke cocktails, bottle service, late-night bites and curated entertainment unfolds.
At around 9.30pm, the “disruption”, as Habaluyas puts it, comes into play through a mood lighting and music switch, making way for more upbeat sounds. Their current roster of DJs such as Sky Dominique, Yggy, Tolo, Jazz Zamora, Knoxville, Maleek and Marc Naval, among others, ply the crowd with exciting and charming beats. On weekends, cabaret dancers file into the main lounge for a sultry dose of glamour. Billie Holiday-esque torch singers are also in the amusement pipeline.
“It’s really a vibe dining here, that’s what it is,” shares a proud Cua. “There are so many things coming together and so many things to offer; you’ve got something happening in the private room, you’ve got something happening in the main bar; you’ve got a lounge…When you come in for dinner, it will slowly change, and the place transforms…It’s crazy and it’s quite dynamic!”
Above Left image: Hand painted animalistic scenes from “The Jungle Book,” marble-top tables, small shaded lamps, and plush seating in mismatched geometric prints evoke a sense of vintage glamour | (Photo: Patrick Diokno)
Above A stunning feature of the main dining room is a sweeping trompe l’oeil of a sky hand painted onto Medusa’s curved ceiling, rendering a surreal quality to the imposing space | (Photo: Patrick Diokno)
Left image: Hand painted animalistic scenes from “The Jungle Book,” marble-top tables, small shaded lamps, and plush seating in mismatched geometric prints evoke a sense of vintage glamour | (Photo: Patrick Diokno)
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To properly showcase the late-night experience and to give the novel concept the attention it deserves, Medusa shall be throwing an exclusive by-invitation-only opening party on July 31 with all the pizzazz and panache they’re known for.
And, as a prologue for what lies within, inscribed on Medusa’s cocktail menu cover page is this: Inspired by the mythological figure of Medusa, our supper club embodies the essence of a woman who was as mesmerising as she was powerful. Once a symbol of fear and fascination, Medusa’s legend endures in a space where indulgence meets enchantment. Here, myth becomes experience, and every night becomes a story worth telling…
Dress code is elegant casual. Operating hours are from Tuesday to Saturday, 6pm to 2am.
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