The Maginhawa experience
One of the more exciting moments in everyday life is stumbling upon that great little-known shop, pub, or restaurant that pops out of nowhere.
From the Diliman area in Quezon City, we highlight five secret quarters filled with character and authenticity, where it’s easy to slip in and slow down. Best of all, these very affordable establishments are worlds away from the madding crowd.
Maginhawa Street may not be in the prettiest of Quezon City neighborhoods — it cuts through four barangays: Sikatuna Village, Teacher’s Village East & West and UP Village — but it is a favorite among Quezon City folk, where students and professionals mingle with intellectuals and artists and where everyone eats very, very well.
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Cocina Juan (100 Maginhawa Street)
Flavored by Central America, it’s a place where people stay up late, eat good food, and have long conversations. Here you’ll find real Nicaraguan flavors with a Filipino twist; mouth-watering treats from the grill. A medley of Latin American cuisine, ranging from sofrito and cream dory to baby back ribs and chimichurri, ignite taste buds in an ethnic explosion.
Cocina Juan is not only one of my favorite food spots on Maginhawa Street, it is also a fine example of what this destination has to offer.
This hashery isn’t just about delicious food, it’s also a venue for artists to showcase their work. Cocina Juan holds exhibits for local painters and upholds the belief that one doesn’t need a gallery to enjoy and appreciate art.
Visit http://cocinajuan.multiply.com.
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Bookay-Ukay (3/F Maginhawa Street)
A place where bibliophiles flock to share and celebrate the written word, Bookay-Ukay is not your average second-hand bookstore. Apart from offering both new and previously owned books at reasonable prices with a wide variety of titles from Gossip Girl to Manila, My Manila and magazines from High Times to The Economist, the proprietors of Bookay-Ukay support the local artists community with free in-store and online promotions and by organizing events such as poetry readings, sidewalk sales, and my personal favorite, a media sharing evening where people swap films, music and ideas.
Visit http://bookay.multiply.com.
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Tomato Kick (3/F Maginhawa Street)
If you’re looking for an anything-goes crowd plus decent eats to go with your brew, Tomato Kick would be the number one choice to kick it with friends.
Owned by Paolo Bernaldo of Moonstar88, this dive is frequented by artists, professors, students and professionals. The menu on this hideaway will take you from Asia and Europe to Central and South America.
Don’t be disillusioned by its “hole in the wall” appearance. Once you settle in, you’ll find that the place is an ideal hang out spot. It may lack polish, but its laid back setting and prices make a trip to Tomato Kick well worth it.
Visit http://tomatokick.multiply.com.
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55 Tinta (55 Maginhawa Street)
55 Tinta isn’t your usual covered-with-photos, merchandise-selling tattoo parlor. Its owners: Jay Contreras, Led Zeppelin Tuyay and Jason Astete of the popular Pinoy rock band Kamikazee, along with Paolo Bernaldo, wanted to create a niche where people can come and go as they please, hang out, have meals together and create relations between artists, clients and guests.
The space is very clean. Hygiene must always come to mind when in a place where needles break skin. 55 Tinta also supports and boasts of a young roster of idiosyncratic artists that have received awards in inking excellence.
Visit http://55tinta.multiply.com.
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Pino Resto Bar (122 Maginhawa Street)
Already becoming quite known for their modern Filipino cuisine; kare-kareng bagnet, crispy tenderloin tapsilog and chunky choco tempura are musts, this lovely little cantina serves some amazing cocktails.
The Pinoka margarita is refreshing and its kick will fire you up for a night out on the town. The flavored beers are definitely a must-try, and will make even the ladies crave a cold one.
The interiors, designed by Nino Laus and Bj Ching, make for a delightful surprise on the strip. Still within the Bohemian Style spectrum that is the popular aesthetic of Maginhawa Street, Pino raises the term “tambayan” to a higher degree. This, added to the mouthwatering creations of Chef Ed Bugia, is what makes Pino a favorite of foodies around Metro Manila.
