Moonshine Bar in Jupiter Street Makati

Tucked away in Jupiter street in Makati is this quaint little oasis full of gourmet cocktails and hearty comfort food. It's perfect for the yuppie crowd or just anybody from the area. After a hard days work, all you need is a cold drink and really good food to make your stress go away. It was raining a bit when I arrived and it felt perfect to be there even if I didn't know a lot of people from this place - it's got a lot to do because the bar is conducive for talk. So when you're there, stay nice and wear a smile and grab one or more Mason jar cocktails; and enjoy letting lose every once in a while.

Moonshine Bar is the child project of college friends (TITAN Restaurant Group) Chef Jehrad Dolino, Chef Rain Barbers, Renz Mediarito, Chef Jared Sto. Tomas, and Gian Mathay (who's based in Cebu). They were the naughty and notorious bunch in college, they were the ones that were more known for getting drunk before, while and after class. They were kind of frustrated seeing some businessmen that didn't even have culinary background, but have built pretty great restaurants. They knew they could do it, maybe even better. In the beginning. they didn't get to storm ideas that well because everyone wanted to trump each other - not surprised since they're all alpha males. They got together and butted heads one day, 3 off of 5 agreed with a more "Speakeasy" concept. It's a retro 1920's vibe, wherein movies, are usually seen where gangsters hang out.

The Interiors

Yes, the concept's quite great. I love the few unique pieces they have on the lot like this light fixture on top of the table we dined in.

It's made of exposed light bulbs, glass jars and wrought iron whilst the tables were a mix of wood, upholstery with leather and a couple of  bunk chairs. 

Seating can probably go around 50-70 people including the ones outside the porch. Just like you I can't take away my eyes off the mirrors and brick walls. It's not too fancy shmancy and they've got a great bar whipping up some great cocktails and drinks this side of town.

The lighting is perfectly set for that "secretive" kinda place that "no one knows" feel they were going for. There's not much people around this area which would be perfect for the intimate gatherings you might want to have with friends, officemates and even family. There's a slight drawback on the brick walls though because once that other tables become a bit rowdy, you'll hear them quite much. Since you probably go here for fun, you wouldn't really notice it and might actually think they're you're friends too.

 We went there on California Wine Night so there were a ton or two of our foreign friends from Europe, US and Asia having fun with the multitude of wines they have inside the store. Still, nothing fancy but more relaxed.

It's very near the Buendia MRT station, I literally walked from there. It's in front of the Car shop and about 5 buildings away from the street corner beside a little known Persian restaurant if my memory serves me right. Ladies, you are STRONGLY encouraged to go to this place not just for the drinks but the hearty food choices they have that you'll see in a bit. I didn't even know I'd meet really good people in this joint but I did so if you're alone, don't despair, you can meet people here. The place is tops for those who don't want ultra commercial places that charge an arm and a leg on drinks and chow, which gets us into our next piece. 

Modern Filipino Comfort Food at Sentro 1771 Fort Bonifacio

One that needs no introduction is this regular runner hangout in Serendra - Fort Bonifacio area is Sentro 1771. Remember my article last year here when I adored their breakfasts? It was mighty clear that I had to go back. It was cool because I got to also see new people and talk about pressing issues in Manila. It was comfort food, chat and a nice afternoon. How can you beat that?

Had one of their best selling drinks. This is the Dalandan Juice. It was just the right thing to have that hot afternoon after I commuted to Ayala. The traffic, long queues and travel time was an issue but when you get this... you'll forget everything. The tangy, sweet concoction was the perfect thing to douse off that heat from outside. A must try!

For appetizers, we got this Macau Chorizo and Cheese Tidbits. Not as porky as it sounds. The spices were more of a deep pepper and paprika-ish flavor. The cheese component brings this to the forefront of kids favorites so order a batch or two if you happen to have small kids with you. They'll love it!

The much talked about Sinigang na Corned Beef takes the stage and gathers some ooohs and ahhhs from the table. I distinctively remember having this a couple of months ago which was awesome, but this batch was a little off - must be something in the broth that I don't know (or the refill that happened above). I still suggest you go for this, don't ever leave that place without experiencing it because as I remembered, this was heavenly. Must take it while its hot!

I don't really eat fish that much but this one's phenomenal. I really like what they did to this "Fish of the day in Pandan". They must be changing white fish on whatever's fresh and available through the fish monger. It was really good. Meaty, flavorful and hit it with a tangy spritz of lemon plus a spicy salty mix of Soy and Chili. Argh, I miss it already!

Vegetarians need not despair as they also have these Camote Cups on the menu. Julienned slices of carrots, camote, string beans and other veggies makes this a hearty treat for those who prefer to cut down on fat. Pretty simple but you must eat this fast right after it comes out of Sentro 1771's ovens since it won't be as good when its cold. They also got herbs on it which mostly is the thing that puts flavor on this thing together with that sauce on the side. Much like a stir fry that is grilled and more hearty. You get me? :)

For someone who loves lamb meat, this is something really cool. This boneless lamb shoulder stewed with carrots, bell peppers and spices on thick tomato sauce is just the right thing to have if you craved for Sentro 1771's Lamb Caldereta. They can have it cooked a little more spicy if you prefer a HOT version of this on piping hot rice. This is our kryptonite.

Want to be more adventurous with rice? Sure! This Seafood Bagoong Rice is the perfect thing to pair with your favorite viands morning, noon and night time. The mix of rice, grilled squid, garlic shrimps and hito flakes then topped with green mangoes just spells home.

Dessert in Sentro 1771 also comes so pretty. This is their Fried Suman and Mangoes. The sticky rice is smothered with caramel syrup and topped with fresh - golden - ripe mangoes. Dreamy in every bite, this is a modern take on the Filipino mangga't suman we enjoy through the years. It's the perfect thing to end a meal.

My favorite among the things that were served that afternoon is this! It's their Keso Flan. It's a baked light no crust cheesecake served with slivers of queso de bola and salted red egg. The contrast of sweet, salty and cheesy just undoubtedly hits the spot. Never miss this one on the menu. You'll regret it.

Fluffy and crispy filo dough surrounded by chocolate and caramel lines plus cream custard and bananas blistered on top... this is their Banana Tart. It's nice and light. I thought it was going to be hard to finish this after those other items above that I ate. Surprisingly, this is so easy. I just blinked and it went poof!

Whatever the occasion, Sentro 1771 always has something new on the menu. The classic Filipino dishes even have a modern twist. Comfort food and the nicest desserts in one place... dine and be with the ones you love this year as they celebrate their 10th year. Honest and good, that's Sentro 1771 for you! 

For more information about the restaurant:

SENTRO 1771

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http://www.sentro1771.net