Gastropubs and wine bars are aplenty but no place focuses on sangria, this was the reason why a group of friends opened Alegria Cozinha Moderna & Sangria Bar. They have not one, not two but 9 different sangria varieties paired with their take on modern Latin cuisine.
The location is quirky in a unique sort of way because it is situated at the top floor of Uniqlo’s BGC branch. You can go up the escalators to the 4th floor while perusing the clothing displays while the store is open or you can take the elevators straight to the top.
When we visited, it was the al fresco area that was packed, surrounded by the bright lights of the bustling cityscape.
Elote con Chicharones (P150). The Mexican grilled corn is given a Filipino twist at Alegria. The corn is torched then slathered with cilantro lime cream, topped with kesong puto then drizzled with paprika and pork crackling dust. The crackling dust gives an extra bit of crunch as well as a tasty mouthfeel.
Coxinha (P200). This breaded dough appetizer is filled with shredded chicken and served with a side of wasabi aioli. Chicken broth is added to the dough that encases the shredded chicken to make it more delectable.
Our favorite among their sangria selection was the La Quinca (P300) that’s made up of rose wine, vodka, and cherry with the Verde (P280) with cucumber, apple, kiwi, white wine and gin a close second.
We were able to try 3 tacos (P160/each, P450/3 pcs) from Alegria’s selection, we skipped the 4th which was vegetarian. The first one is Mi Japones, misono steak, wasabi aioli, nori, mango salsa, esquites (toasted corn) and red cabbage. The next is Alma Koreana with prawn in squid ink batter, napcha kimchi, ssamjang aioli, kesong puti, and esquites. The last is El Mexicano with pork loin, salsa creole, smoked esquites, red onion pickle, cilantro, jalapeño and avocado (seasonal). The corn tortilla is made in house so you can taste the freshness and the variants are familiar in flavor yet has an element of uniqueness. My fave among the three is the Mi Japones.
Want more substantial plates, you can pick from their selection of entree or their line of Brazilian grilled meats.
All Brazilian grilled meats are served with Arroz Alegria, Elote con Chicharones, and a choice of sauce (red hummus, chimichurri, salsa creole). We had the Pork Chops (P450), 48 hour brined tender chops, well seasoned and grilled nicely. Serving size is good enough to share with 2 people. Other options are Steak Misono (P670), Pollo Peruano (P470), Calamari (P450) and Tiger Prawns (P490).
La Fideo (P365), pasta tossed in jalapeño aglio olio, with cherry tomatoes and kesong puti with polio lima (chicken fillet). The pasta has a appetizing kick to it, nothing overly powerful and the kesong puti and cherry tomatoes help to balance it out. The chicken fillet has good depth of flavor that matches well with the pasta.
Marinero (P380), Puerto Rican rice with sun dried tomatoes, chorizo, sausage, mussels, prawns, and calamari. The rice is the same as the ones that come with the Brazilian grilled meats but this has a generous amount of seafood and sausages.
Foi Mal Taco (P180). Dark cocoa corn tortilla with vanilla ice cream, chocolate shavings, chocolate meringue shards and crushed nuts. This might be the most unusual taco I’ve ever and I was surprised how good the cocoa corn tortilla tasted. This is one modern Mexican dessert a chocoholic would enjoy immensely.
Alegria Cozinha Moderna & Sangria Bar
4F C3 Annex, 7th Avenue,
BGC, Taguig City, Philippines
Operating Hours : 5pm-3am M-Sat
Contact No.: 0945-2647828
Facebook Page: Alegria Cozinha Moderna & Sangria Bar
Like this post? Subscribe to Tales From The Tummy by Email
Follow Tales From the Tummy on Google+
Follow Tales From the Tummy on Google+