Atin Ito First Filipino Community Newspaper in Ontario
True to the Latin word where it derived its name from, the new Arcana Lounge offers a secret destination for those who want to dine and wine sans the build up of post-lockdown crowd.
“Pre-pandemic, bars would be filled up every Friday and Saturday. But now, people really go out as early as Monday and Tuesday nights. It seems everyone’s excited to go out after two years of staying at home,” Arcana manager Patrick Jacinto observed, additionally telling The Manila Times at the sidelines of Arcana’s opening that they took build up of the crowd as a signal that it’s the perfect time to open up a new lounge.
But far from the loud party clubs where most people pre-pandemic go to for the music and drinks first, and food only second, Jacinto said they are offering an experience for discerning diners who want equally good food and drinks amid a luxurious and relaxing environment.
“Coming from the concept of Arcana, which means a mystery or secret, we wanted to be that rare gem here in Greenhills. We wanted something private, low-key and not too loud. Basically, we wanted our customers to get a feel of a hotel lounge,” Jacinto continued.
But if the people behind Arcana want something low-key in their surroundings, they going after the opposite in their menu — an all-out, over the top food and drinks option.
“We’re pretty much Western in food style but with Filipino twist definitely, because we believe that even though there are a lot of other establishments with different types of cuisines, Filipinos will always go back to Filipino food. So we decided to incorporate Filipino twists in the dishes,” said Jacinto.
“We take pride in having premium suppliers, guaranteed fresh food delivered every day. If you check the freezer there’s nothing frozen except for the steaks,” he added.
From their Sisig Rolls, Sliders, and Buffalo Wings to Rib Eye, Porterhouse Steaks, Lamb Rack, Pork Ribs, Pan Seared Salmon, and Prawns Thermidor, just to name a few, Arcana made sure they have dishes for any celebrations.
“Our food is pretty much straightforward. My inspiration always is for people to enjoy, I want food to be a part of the memory especially when you go out with friends and family but done in cooking methods and techniques that are a little bit refined,” chef Edward Dimaculangan noted in a separate interview.
As for the drinks, the equally talented bar manager and consultant Kenneth Bandivas made sure there’s a wide selection of drinks for every type of person, and for any type of occasion.
Its versions of Forgotten Classics such as the rich Whiskey Sour or the bittersweet freshness of the Negroni are surefire hits for those with a more nostalgic palette. For those with a taste for something new and exciting however, Arcana Lounge also has a list of Signature Cocktails including Picnic cocktail (inspired by the classic Bloody Mary); and the Arcana Twister, a creamy yet refreshing take on the quintessential favorite pineapple drink.
Arcana Lounge is located at 2/F, Outdoor Promenade, Greenhills Ortigas Ave., Connecticut St., San Juan City. — Christina Alpad
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Credit belongs to : www.manilatimes.net
