COCONUTS HOT SPOT — In the African savanna, wild animals gather round at a watering hole to refresh their thirsty bodies. But in the metropolis, I guess that watering hole has to be spiked with a bit of alcohol. The Perfect Pint, a restaurant and bar in Bgy Fort Bonifacio, Taguig, offers, as noted in its signage, “craft beer and fine food.” After office hours, this place gets packed with people looking to cool down, kick back and unwind.
THE LOOK
Once inside, the bar section greets you so warmly you can’t say no. Overhead are two high-definition flat screens that are usually set to NBA TV (yay for basketball fans). Also on display are various wine and scotch bottles, German/Belgian beer bottles and, most notably, local craft brews on tap. On the left is a wooden accent wall inscribed with the words “Savor the Flavor”. On the other side are cement-colored bricks that are carefully layered. The second floor location gives it a good view of constantly-evolving BGC.
THE FOOD
We were supposed to try the food-and-beer pairing promo, but since we were hungry, decided to order à la carte. I had the Kapalmuks (PHP220) with Privo Praha classic wheat beer (PHP160). My companion opted for Thai Chili Pork (PHP190) with Katipunan Craft Beer’s Signal #1 (PHP300).
Kapalmuks is chopped and deep-fried pork face served on top of rice. Photo: Patrick Cruz
Thai Chili Pork looks like your ordinary rice bowl topping but the flavors are far from common. Photo: Patrick Cruz
Kapalmuks is chopped and deep-fried pork face served on top of rice. The diced pork skin was perfectly-fried to a crisp. The skin was crunchy and the fat beneath it was gooey. The rice was a bit sweet as it was infused with Worcestershire sauce. It provided good texture and flavor contrast to the crunchy pork. My Pivo Praha, a local craft brew, was also good. I’ve tried this before in a bottle, but having it via draft was much better. It is comparable to Paulaner’s Hefeweissbier Naturtrub.
The Thai Chili Pork looks like your ordinary meat and rice bowl topping, but the flavors are far from common. The subtle taste of basil and chili added wonderful flavor undertones that made it distinctly Thai. For those who want more spice and fieriness, feel free to ask for extra chilies. Don’t worry, you can always wash it down with Katipunan Beer’s Signal #1, a dark roasted malt beer. If you love Cerveza Negra, you’ll definitely enjoy this one. It has that roasty and toasty taste with hints of coffee and chocolate.
The Perfect Pint serves well-prepared and sumptuous food and good drinks. And compared to other more popular bars and gastropubs, I think they are a bit under-rated. That may be a good thing.
NOTES
Cost: Approximately PHP350 to PHP500 per person for food and drinks
Cleanliness: Very good. The place is spic and span.
Service: Staff can suggest orders and are well-versed on their specialties.
Sound level: Light mainstream pop is played. Flatcscreens are on mute.
Lighting: Cozy, bar-like vibe. Relaxing, chill-out feel.
The Perfect Pint, 2/F Crossroads Building, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig; www.facebook.com/ThePerfectPintPH, +63 2 8231320. Daily 11am-2am. Top photo via Perfect Pint’s FB page.
Coconuts Manila dined anonymously and paid for this meal.
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