Eating Out

In recent Kapihan get togethers at the Polo, some Batch63 stalwarts thought of starting a food club. Simplistically, the objective was to sample interesting food fare of selected restaurants. On July 22, 2011, the first activity of the ‘club’ was launched at Cirkulo. Cirkulo is a resto along Pasay Road Makati serving Spanish-type food. The Batch63 guys who joined in this first food club activity were Gabby Valdez, Lito Quiogue, Jackie Arellano and Oni Mayo. In what turned out to be a worthwhile 3-hour lunch break, the four relished the new food fare and bonding time.

Cirkulo’s spacious interior is a dim quiet haven. It is in stark contrast from the din outside. (It’s always a joy when one chances on a public place where patrons can converse without strain.) The meal started out with a cocktail and tapas. The main course consisted of delectably tender lamb chops, refreshing roasted veggies and sumptuous paella. Coffee and chocolate cake capped the meal. Please see photos of the fare selected by the group.

The four would-be gourmets of Batch63 spiced up their meal with spicy exchanges about . . who else? . . . those who didn’t join this activity! Earlier Jackie had texted the Batch to invite them to this affair but he only got a couple of responses. I understand that Paqui Campos and Lito Domantay expressed interest but the last minute invite was not conducive to ther skeds.

Those guys who didn’t come to Cirkulo missed out since Gabby Valdez picked up the tab. Gabby reasoned that it is the inaugural activity of the club and he wants to kick start it in a memorable way. In typical Batch63 (sardonic) style, Jackie frowned on the development. Jackie said that it is important to pretend that the Batch63 gourmet club is an elite group whose members need not be hosted to come (Ano sila, mahirap?). Despite Jackie's typical showmanship, the group appreciates Gabby's special effort to encourage activities of the Batch.

God willing, the outings will happen at least once a month. The other places being mulled for the next time are special eating places in the Metro and even as far away as Pampanga, Bataan and Baguio. Jackie, Gabby and Lito are car buffs who like to drive around Luzon to experience quaint places. Abangan! By the way, we are in the process of coining the name of the club. Any suggestions?

See slide show for more photos.