Detalle Bar + Kitchen is All About Details in Food, Drinks and Interiors

We initially ordered an aperitif.

Mojito (Php 180)

A Mojito, which most of us are accustomed to drinking in a “rocks glass”, was served in a Collins Glass, which is how it is supposed to be. For non-alcoholic drinkers, a glass of Lemonade is just perfect for any dish.

We were then served with these bar chows…

Meat Ball Lamb Sliders (Php 270)

Tiny sandwiches of tasty lamb patty with hummus mayo, apricot jam and arugula salad. The toasted chickpeas on the side gave this dish a different sophistication compared to the usual potato fries

Salmon Crocquetas (Php 290)

A different croquette experience of delicate mashed potatoes with flavorful salmon remoulade filling.

Arancini (Php 250)

Risotto in crispy balls with mozzarella and aioli.

Squash Soup (Php195)

I love pumpkin soup and I didn’t miss the chance to taste Detalle’s Squash Soup with chorizo chips and maple chestnut. We enjoyed it to the last spoonful serving!

We were already feeling a bit full from the appetizer spread that were served to us, but the real meal started with this.

Panroasted Chicken (Php 330)

Half – chicken with roasted eggplant resting in a bed of smooth mashed potatoes. On the other side, the chicken was swimming in a chorizo lentil sauce!

D’Burger (Php380)

D’Burger is a simple name to call Detalle’s heavy and bold burger meal. D’Burger is 300 grams of burger patty with blue cheese, arugula, bacon jam and aioli.

One could never be modest when dining in Detalle. It didn’t help that I was with two guy friends who were almost ready to raise the white flag and sweetly surrender to the heavy spread in front of us. Just like our first dining experience in Detalle, the food didn’t disappoint (the very reason we came back!). The menu offers comfort food with a touch of sophistication, but is never intimidating. Food servings are generous and good for sharing.

As we enjoyed each bite and munch, we almost forgot that we also ordered two pan pizzas!

Quattro Formaggi (Php390)

A delightful pan of four-cheese pizza – mozzarella, feta, Parmesan and ricotta.

Fungi (Php 375)

A gastronomical treat of mushroom pizza with roasted garlic and caramelized onions that gave a contrast to its sharp flavour.

We knew then that we needed a little help from the bartender. What was missing with good food and entrancing talks? Servings of tasteful drinks in fancy glasses!

Dona Margarita

Detalle’s drinks and cocktails are as impressive as its bar list and creative names. A quick look at the bar list drove me to the Ortigas vicinity with drinks called Julia Vargas Jaywalker and Meralco Blackout. The price ranges from Php 150 to Php 550 per cocktail. A comparable price for a quality drink you can enjoy down to the last drop.

Julia Vargas Jaywalker (Php280)

Meralco Blackout (Php 290)

Detalle uses premium alcohol and liquor to yield a smoother yet thicker taste. The more familiar brand they use for Vodka is Absolut, and for Rum, is Bacardi. On certain days, Detalle runs a promo for discounted cocktail drinks. A word from Bernice, “We don’t want to short-change the people..”, was like an assurance that drinks are not watered-down and customers get what they paid for. As I took a sip of the margarita, it seemed like a toast to our understanding of inventory, variance and quality products.

Detalle’s relaxed ambiance with a clash of rustic design is injected with a feel-good music which surprisingly is a duplicate of my friend’s playlist. The music is a spin of indie songs to mainstream favorites; with live acoustic performances on Mondays.

Bernice and Denise have a big dream for this bar that they wanted to be a “secret hang-out spot” for friends and family. A vision that explains why there is no signage along Meralco Ave or Julia Vargas that points to its exact location. There is only the Anne Curtis’ billboard to help you find the hidden secret place. A “secret” no-more, the good words about Detalle is spreading like a wildfire and there is the lively billboard to witness every celebration and conversation that happens in this industrial bar.

When we looked up from our favorite spot in Detalle, we saw the lights!

A quick snap shot from our favorite corner in Detalle.

The quick dinner extended for hours as we enjoyed hanging out in this “secret” place.

When in Manila, Detalle provides a new definition for a fun and meaningful night out with friends. It is not, after all about the loud music, lavish clothes and the “need to be seen” – rather, it is all about the comfort food, good drinks, real conversations and the small details.