Way to go, Il Ponticello

It’s hard to believe, but Il Ponticello — the low-key, high-sex-appeal restaurant-bar in Salcedo Village, Makati — marks its 10th anniversary this month. Ponti, as its faithful posse calls it, proves that an establishment can withstand shifting tastes (and last longer than a hangover) no matter how many times Wallpaper pronounces staying in as the new going out. By the looks of it, their longevity boils down to a unique mash-up of excellent food, yummy cocktails, and a chic neighborhood location.

To commit this milestone to memory, Il Ponticello is throwing a huge house party, “Modern Renaissance,” tonight that will let the good vibes of the past decade spill into the years to come. As a parallel homage, Supreme would like to toast the forces that conspired to lay the groundwork for Ponti’s success through a special Top Ten list. After all, in fickle Manila, a place as consistent and dependable as Il Ponticello is tough to find. When you do, however, it’s bound to come with extra layers of magic.

1. Under the bridge

Il Ponticello is Italian for “the little bridge.” That can have several definitions depending on your sobriety: a) Ponti links the best cuisine from every region in Italy; b) It’s the bridge that lets friends come together in the name of the best cuisine from every region in Italy; and c) Ponti is the bridge under which a river of alcohol flows, a fine companion on any given night. Yes.

2. Sophisticated but not stuffy

Designed by Lisa Antonio, the interiors are crisp and minimalist with Old World flourishes that are far from stuffy. The palette is warm and subdued, foreshadowing how you will be after some wine and pasta. Again, if the taupe brick wall gives you an under-the-bridge vibe, it’s called picking a theme and running with it. To make way for new stuff — and to help UNICEF build libraries for public schools — old items were recently auctioned off, including interesting prints and an Ivan Acuña painting.

3. Fine food for fine foodies

Ponti wouldn’t have lasted this long if its menu weren’t up to scratch. Their food offerings are all made with amore by chef Romeo Garchitorena, a Filipino who lived in Italy for 19 years. Aside from classics like Gorgonzola Pizza, Lamb Ravioli and Angus Salpicao, power-lunchers and casual diners can now look forward to dishes inspired by Turkey, Morocco, Dubai, and Egypt.

So live a little and have a cold appetizer, Terrina Di Anitra Ruspante E Fichi Glassati (farm duck confit with mango chutney on baby rucola). If it’s seafood you want, the Branzino Tartufato E Risotto Rosso (truffled wild seabass with beetroot risotto) has your name on it. Don’t worry if you don’t speak Italian as everything translates to “nom, nom, nom...”

4. Recognize and respect

In 2006, ANC’s Executive Class picked Ponti as the “Best Authentic Italian Restaurant in the Country.” It has also been included in The Philippine Tatler’s “Best Restaurants in the Philippines” since 2003. Huzzah.

5. Social lubricants

When Ponti says they’re a friendly neighborhood bar, it’s because they’re really a friendly neighborhood bar. “We would ask the guests, let’s say a party of five, to each name their favorite spirit then combine the ingredients, shake and serve,” recalls operations manager Albert Besa. This was how they ended up creating The Heroin. 

Other shooters created by buzzed guests include: the Sunburn (because it tastes like Boracay), the Woo Woo (because it makes you go “Woo! Woo!” after you drink it), Formula 44 (so strong it’ll take away your cough or cold), and the What Did I Do? (that’s what you’ll be thinking after pounding back a few of these). Another signature cocktail/religious experience is Ponti’s Italian Flag, a new take on drinking tequila that will have you growing a hair shirt in no time.

6. Chill Ponticello

Fact: A night at Il Ponticello feels like a house party except, like, it’s in a bar. “The way I see Ponti is that it’s been here all these years and it really feels like home,” says managing director Patrick Santos.

Ponti’s first decade has been one long harmonious nocturnal jam and if its walls could talk, it would probably spin yarns about models and celebrities tripping up and down the stairwell alongside college students and nine-to-fivers like one big family. Awwww. 

7. Soccer central

Since Ponti’s owners were soccer players in college, the bar has somehow become a fave among futbol fans, especially during World Cup season. If you have any doubts, look no further than the Azzurri, their most popular drink. It’s named after the Italian national football team.

8. Thursday is the new Friday

“Ponti introduced themed nights before other bars started doing it,” says Joanna Francisco, a Ponti regular. “Appealing to a range of tastes, Monday nights were dedicated to jazz; Tuesdays for reggae and rock; Wednesdays for electronica; Thursdays for rock; Fridays for house; and Saturdays for R&B/hip-hop.” Today, Thursdays are when fresh faces rock out to Overtone, Il Ponticello’s house band. DJs keep the crowd going on Fridays and Saturdays.

9. A reason to become a regular 

The Ponti Blu Card is given to all its frequent clients. This coveted item entitles them to 50 percent off their favorite drink. Another Ponti perk: Regulars get free birthday parties. Yay!

10. Future Ponti-fication

Il Ponticello was established in 1998 by three friends, Alberto Besa, Vincent Santos, and Cheryl Del Rosario, together with chef Romeo Garchitorena. After a soft launch in November 1998, it opened formally in February 1999. Ten years on, the place looks to unveil a new chapter in its history as Vince’s younger brother, Patrick Santos, joins the team.

“You get that feeling of comfort and familiarity mixed with the excitement of thinking that anything could happen anytime. Ponti is somewhere you’re not afraid to go alone to because you’re sure to know some people there,” Patrick concludes. “Also, it’s somewhere you’re not afraid to suggest to friends because you’re sure they’ll have a great time.” While experience is crucial for long-term profitability, evolution, or a new way of looking at things, is also important. That said, here’s to Il Ponticello’s modern-day renaissance.

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Il Ponticello, 2/F Antel 2000, 121 Valero St., Makati City. Tel. 887-7168 and 887-4998. Experience the rebirth tonight at 9 p.m.