Relik: Modern Tapas Bar and Lounge

Although I love Chinese and Japanese cuisine, I have a soft spot for Spanish dishes. So when I was given an opportunity to try the modern Spanish-Mediterranean food fare from the newly-opened but already one of the hippest spots in the Metro, Relik Tapas Bar and Lounge, I didn't think twice and immediately grabbed the chance.
Relik Napkin

Located at the 31st Ave. cor. 4th St. of Bonifacio Global City, Relik Tapas Bar and Lounge is secretly tucked in Commercenter Building's second floor, sharing the space with the parking area. It was quite a challenge to look for the location, especially if you don't frequent The Fort like I do.

Entering the bar was a different story though as you immediately get transported to a cozy, rustic lounge which also exudes somewhat of a gentleman's club vibe. Staying true to their inspiration, there were relic of sorts in the restaurant -- an old radio, an old typewriter, vintage decorative pieces, vinyl records, and mismatching chairs over a dim lighting. Even non-bar goers will find comfort in the very casual yet still sophisticated space of Relik Tapas Bar and Lounge.

Relik Lamp Relik Couches

Although one would expect the goers to do more socializing and drinking in Relik, I say, do more eating! With Chef Benjo Tuason even flown all the way from Australia just to head Relik's culinary team, one should definitely not miss the chance to sample his dishes. And with this mantra in mind, I helped myself in trying out Relik's gustatory delights, starting with some tapas -- finger food or appetizers in Spanish.

Baked Australian Brie P530

First on our table was the Baked Australian Brie (P530), creamy Yarra Valley brie cheese wrapped in jamon and lightly glazed with honey, and served with tomato salsa. Although I'm not a really big cheese lover, this serving of brie had successfully converted me. Every bite is just filled with overflowing creaminess. Even without the bread, I'd gladly munch on the cheese.

Tasting Board P490

We also got to try a Tasting Board (P490) which had Jamon Serrano, 15 months boneless "Diego Martin", chorizo Pampiona "Casedemont", stuffed "Serpis" Spanish olives and Manchego 6 months "Artequeso". Although this board had a lot of flavorful tapas which everyone in our table seemed to like, my mind and heart was still with the Australian brie.

Quesadillas P300

Being a quesadilla lover, I was delighted to find out that Relik also serves this Mexican favorite. It was even better since Relik offers not one, but 3 different fillings for their Quesadilla (P300).

Garlic Shrimp, Pulled Pork and BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

We were lucky to get to try all 3 of Relik's Quesadillas -- Garlic Shrimp, Pulled Pork and BBQ Chicken, all served with tomato and guacamole dip. And although all 3 quesadillas were equally good, they were quite unmemorable compared to these dishes ahead.

Relik's Mixed Paella P820

Of course, a Spanish food spot should always have the famous and almighty paella. And true to their Spanish-Mediterranean branding, Relik delivered their signature Mixed Paella (P820) which they say was cooked in the traditional way. Filled with lots of shrimps and lovely flavors, this Valencian rice dish didn't fail to make us "oohh" and "ahh" in pleasure. It went really well with every dish we had. However, I noticed one thing -- it didn't have the slightly burnt crust of rice at the bottom. (I'm not complaining though as I really don't dig the burnt part, but some of you might look for it.)

Gambas with a Kick P290

In case you might feel like the shrimp on the paella is not enough (although I highly doubt it), there's the Gambas with a Kick (P290), the spicy version of shrimp sautéed in garlic, hot paprika and 2 kinds of chili. Although I'm not really a hot and spicy kind of gal, I really enjoyed this dish. It was not too hot for my taste buds and the shrimp pieces were cooked to a slight crunch.

Relik's Beef Tenderloin Salpicao P320

We also had Relik's Beef Tenderloin Salpicao (P320) -- Australian beef tenderloin sautéed in garlic and Worcestershire sauce. Although I've grown tired of eating beef salpicao, this dish reminded me why I dig this viand in the first place. True to its promise, the beef tenderloin was indeed very tender and had a lovely garlicky flavor.

Chorizig P295

Being a bar, Relik had to offer the Pinoy favorite pulutan, sisig. But being a hip and modern bar, the people behind Relik couldn't just stick to the usual so they added a twist, made it a bit more Spanish. This is where Chorizig (P295) -- a crispy chorizo bits dish topped over the classic sisig, was born. And being a sisig lover, this plate definitely satisfied me. Both the chorizo bits and sisig pieces were crispy and very savory.

BBQ Pork Belly P460

Last but definitely not the least, especially taste-wise, is the BBQ Pork Belly (P460). Slow-cooked for 18 hours with Relik's secret hickory BBQ sauce, this pork dish was very tender and very satisfying, my favorite viand to go with the paella.

To end the lovely dinner, Relik whipped up an off-menu dessert shot -- Baileys Mint Chocolate Cream Liqueur, a really creamy yet minty treat with a kick.

Dessert Shots
Dessert Shot Dragonberry Mojito

Before I end the review, another worth mentioning items at Relik Tapas Bar and Lounge are their cocktails which are concoctions from Miami. For the night, I had the Dragonberry Mojito, a really refreshing drink pimped with strawberries.

THE VERDICT

The night at Relik Tapas Bar and Lounge was definitely a memorable one. Although it has been programmed in my mind that bars are more for socializing and drinking, I was definitely right to eat more rather than drink more as Relik indeed served really good food. Until now, I am still craving for the Baked Australian Brie and Mixed Paella which is a good sign. This only means that this trip to Relik will not be my last.

Taste - 4.5/5
Ambiance - 4/5
Service - 4/5
Price - 3.5/5
Overall Value - 4/5


Relik Tapas Bar and Lounge, Taguig
2/F Commercenter Bldg, 31st Ave cor 4th St.,
Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City
Metro Manila, Philippines
(0917) 529-8333
Facebook Page

53 comments:

  1. your blog post really made me hungry..I am interested at the taste of the Dragonberry Mojito,

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  2. Late at night and you're making me hungry :d honestly, di ako familiar sa place nato. maybe because i'm not living in the metro, poor me. lol

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  3. quite expensive but definitely worth the price. Looks really appetizing. Nagutom ako. haha

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  4. wow!!!! now i am really hungry. i do miss spanish dishes that i want to have lunch at the eat all you can buffet in our local hotel! wow! i wish relik is near our place :D

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  5. breakfast time again and i've read your post, hay! ang laki ng gutom ko. =)

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  6. Owww, I wanna try the dragonberry mojito!

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  7. Wow! Looks good! Anyhoo, is this an Openrice event? :)

    http://www.dekaphobe.com/

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  8. Super love the Australian Brie. Yummy!

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  9. This just made me crave! Too bad I can't eat well because of my braces. :/

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  10. I don't frequent The Fort and the few times we went there we actually got lost. But the Quesadillas and Mixed Paella looks really yummy I must say.

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  11. Great Post, you really take good pics, perfect take for the yummy food and nice place!

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  12. Oh god, this is mouthwatering!!! Just looking at your picture, I can almost taste the brie melting into my mouth. I love cheese! Ah and that paella looks so rich and tasty! Definitely one to try. Lastly, i can imagine how that dragonberry mojito is such a worthy reward after a long day at work. Looks delish! :D

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  13. I love Relik! We've been meaning to go back nga eh. :) The photos look great!

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  14. I thought the dragonberry mojito was a bloody mary pag biglang tingin. The paella looks delicious esp I'm a rice lover. However, it's too far from where we live. Hahaha! Maybe pag naligaw ako dyan, this will be one of my options. Sana they have somewhere nearer naman :P

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  15. Wow, the paella looks delicious! *drool"

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  16. The paella looks ohhhh so yummy!!!! I wish to visit Relik soon.

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  17. I am so curious about the milk creamy liquor is that a wine also with milk

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  18. Sumi dear it was nice to meet you as well :) And yes, I would love to dine with you again sometime soon :) We dined at Reliks couple of weeks ago, and I must say that the Baked Brie was one of my favorites :)

    ~YedyLicious
    http://yedylicious.blogspot.com/

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  19. wow the interiors were really cool and delicious food!

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  20. Sarap!! Im super craving for that gambas and salpicao. Hay!!

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  21. Mouthwatering! Would love to eat at Relik, should I visit the area one of these days. I would definitely try the dishes with the seafood mix. Will just have to remind myself to bring my anti-histamines! *lol*

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  22. Drooling on your post right now. :p Would love to visit the place soon! Wanna try the Paella. Hihi

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  23. Your photos are the best! You're making me hungry!!! Hihihi

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  24. Ahhh...lovely and mouth-watering. I love Spanish food! Seems like you had a wonderful European dining. Hope someone takes me to Relik soon!

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  25. The place looks very elegant. I like dining in elegant restaurants. Especially those that allow a modicum of privacy. Maybe I should give that place a try.

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  26. Bad idea visiting your blog...I'm on diet! :( lol. Anyway, for how many people again? :) Looks yummy especially the pork belly ( o di ba nagrhyme?) - take me there when we have an EB :D

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  27. The quesadillas and the paella looks yummy! :) Their mojito sounds unique. :) Sana may ibang branch pa sila bukod dun sa Taguig. :)

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  28. ...and i thought i would be drooling over the quezadillas, and yet, there was the paella, the gambas, the salpicao...oh, my! sure looks like a feast out there.

    (hope to see u...)

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  29. I was at Relik last Saturday night and I should have read this post ahead of time!! Would have ordered some of those food you recommended! I ended up just drinking because i don't know which food is okay considering the price is a bit steep. HAHA ohwell, next time :)

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  31. That is so modern tapa talaga.....

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  32. ..sarap sarap talaga..nakakatakam..kaso parang pricey din.. ;D LOL

    but i love the place.. ;D

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  33. Their gambas looks delicious. I used to order gambas every time we went out to dine.

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  34. nakakagutom tuloy... dipa me naka pag breakfast... huh thank for sharing this....

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  35. I've been passing by Relik recently just to taste their Brie :P haha! Have spread the word to my officemates kaya ayun :))

    www.foodiefromthemetro.com

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  36. Your photos are mouthwatering!!! I had a hard time taking photos there because of the low lighting. THese are nice!

    Too bad we didn't get to visit the same time.I enjoyed my time there too.

    http://www.janedchua.com/2012/02/08/modern-tapas-terrific-at-relik/

    See you around. Cheers!

    Best,
    Janey
    Between Bites
    www.janedchua.com

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  37. The gambas looks awesome. My stomach is grumbling from just looking at it. I'd do anything to have that right at this moment. Chorizig sounds cool as well, hehe.

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  38. I don't know if you only just captured me how you take photos of the foodies and how palatable your every food blog entries or might be both. But, one thing I want to convey to you Sumi is how your passion is really turning out to how you present your writing products. What more if I am faced with the real food. Sa picture pa nga lang panalo na. It's like the captured photos are as equally beautiful as the capturer herself--I mean it. Di yan pagsisipsip. Sadyang parang professional photographer ka na talaga.

    Kudos for always giving us delight and info where to check out all these foodies.

    Back to the entry, I would love to eat them all. All are enticing to me.

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  39. fantastic food photography as always! paturo naman!

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  40. first time to drop by your blog. :) nice entries.

    relik is owned by Ping Lacson's son di ba?

    the food looks very tasty

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  41. Yes the food here is good :) Been here during lunch time. They have a lunch promo for 350 bucks that has a soup, salad, and choice of main course. Given the food taste and the quiet ambience during lunch, it's so worth it :D !

    And given that it's 350 bucks, you can get that and a bit more with the promo in En Route to win 1,000 bucks worth of GC that you can use for lunch :)

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  42. wow, sumi, you're going everywhere!
    spanish dishes this time. :)

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  43. Aww tulo laway na namn ako sa post mo! Ako namn mahilig sa cheese pero ayaw ko ng blue cheese talaga. hehehe!

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  44. Looks goooood! Made me feel hungry for sure.. haha These are awesome photos Sumi! Loving your blog <3

    - Val of The Foodscrapbook

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  45. The place is so cool and everything seems really delicious!

    If you want we can follow also with bloglovin, google+, twitter and facebook?

    Come back soon to visit my blog, I'll be waiting for you!!
    Cosa mi metto???
    Enter the Romwe giveaway on my blog!

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  46. Totally green with envy! Want to try your fave dishes too from the way you raved about 'em hehe!
    The photos look so enticing! :)

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  47. great review Sumi! it was nice meeting you :) see you around!

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  48. wow.. the food.... nagutom tuloy ako...
    btw.. nice review!!

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  49. Interesting line up of dishes. I think it's a bit pricey lang. Those cocktails look good though. :)


    Denise
    http://satisfyingjuansappetite.blogspot.com/

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