An Afternoon of Solaire Mixology

We had the chance to roam around inside Solaire a couple of days ago to try out some of the drinks they have in their restaurants. The activity included some pretty good exercises on how to make them and I got to mix drinks right off the bat. Yes, we were a little overwhelmed but I think we did get the hang of it.

We poured Bourbon, Chambord, Cherry Herring and Cranberry Martini into the shaker with ice. Then poured the whole thing in a martini glass and put the mango-pomegranate foam on top. This is a sweet cocktail called Duchess. It would be a pretty good starter if you're with friends and starting the night young.

This one is a Margarita with Agave Caviar Pearls. It's made with a mix of Reposado Tequila, Cointreau, Lime Juice and Demerara Sugar. I usually have this frozen but their version is a bit fancy since they put in those floating thingies on top. I love the contrast and how it tasted. It's a bit unusual because the pandan like taste was present so you can't really imagine that with ordinary margaritas. It is really special.

This one's called Smoked Russian. It's got Vodka that is infused with smoke from hickory chips, tobacco infused Kahlua, giving it a darker profile. Stir the cocktail with a cinnamon stick and you've got it made. I love dark ones because it's more masculine, I'm not a fan of the sweet ones.

Peppermill Restaurant and Mixology Bar by Chef Vince Rodriguez

It's been a while since I've tasted Chef Vince Rodriguez's delectable dishes so the moment I've heard he's got a new restaurant in Katipunan Avenue in Quezon City, we rushed to the doors as quick as lightning. Chef Vince is the man behind other great restaurants like Torch in UP, RED Garlic in Katipunan and Krave in Makati. He had several partners in those but decided to put up his own now (about time!).  I've raved so much with the dishes I tasted in Red Garlic but I'm so glad he'll be whipping up the favorites and MORE in Peppermill Restaurant and Mixology Bar located at 205 Place One Bldg. Katipunan Ave. Quezon City. It's a stones throw away from popular Katips and in front of dessert mecca Banapple in that area.

The Interiors

The interiors are simple and tasteful. Sturdy wooden comfy chairs and faux leather upholstery. The arrangement is conducive to chat and feels quite homey on most occasions. It's walls are almost all glass so light from outside brightens it up whilst the one side is filled with mirrors making it look larger and spacious than the usual. The grass and the pepper mills are probably the hit of the show. It's all over the walls too and it brings in together the theme of the restaurant. You should see the BIG pepper mill in the counter, it's a conversation piece.

I couldn't even take a photo of that big pepper mill because it wouldn't fit my camera's frame. You can ask for salt and pepper if you prefer to have a more well rounded taste to your meals but I bet you'll already love what the chef has prepared for you bar none.

The Food

I wouldn't want to get ahead of you and tell you that if it's prepared by Chef Vince I'm 100% sure it's good but really, it is. I love what he had prepared for us in the other restaurants and since he's getting the best ones from those to this joint, how can he go wrong right? It's going to be perfect for family gatherings, dates, group dates and just plain hangouts. The place can have seating for around 50 but there's a function room on top of the building that can get around 300 people. 

Then it arrived!

I gasped at the sight of the first dish. This is Indonesia Mixed Satay. You've got pork, chicken and beef on skewers marinated in different spices from that region. What makes it more delectable is the Malaysian Peanut Sauce. It's so soft and I love the combination of the meat and that peanut sauce, it's sweet and savory. I love it so much I had seconds!