First Sip: Chotto Matte

A trip to Izakaya Sensu is not complete without visiting its neighbor Chotto Matte which means "wait a minute" in Japanese. I failed to ask why they named it such but I think it has the same concept as Brotzeit (which means break). The idea is to slow down and have a drink or two. And this is why Chotto Matte is open from lunch till dinner. 

Hello, Chotto Matte! 

This speakeasy bar seemed to attract a slightly older crowd with its dim lounge-like setting. 

With a huge selection of Suntory beverages, Japanese liquor lovers would go crazy over the wide selections! They have beers, cocktails, mocktails, sake and whathaveyou concoctions like Sakuratini. 🍸

I went with Chu Hi Sours line of beverages which is marketed as great light afternoon drinks. I initially ordered Melon (PHP195) but Andrej (one of the owners of Izakaya Sensu and Chotto Matte) insisted that we also try Grapefruit (PHP175).

Melon was served first (as Grapefruit was requested after I ordered my drink). 

It was basically a melon-flavored shōchū. (Shōchū is a Japanese traditional hard liquor that typically contains 25% alcohol by volume. It is usually distilled from rice, barley, buckwheat, sweet potatoes or brown sugar.) 

It had a nice hint of melon and it was like drinking a refreshing glass of light beer. Personally, I think that it would have been better if the melon taste was a bit stronger so that I'd have a sweeter drink to pair my meal with. 

The grapefruit had a stronger fruit taste and I liked it! I think I liked it a bit too much as I didn't even realize that I gulped down the whole glass in a few minutes. I heard that this is also one of the bestselling highballs and after finishing one, I understand why.

Be careful though in ordering a lot of these. It may not be as strong as whisky or vodka, shōchū is above wines and sake in the which-one-will-make-you-drunk scale. 

Overall, the relaxed vibe would be a good spot for Titas of Manila who like to drink something more... Asian. But skip going Wednesdays to Fridays if you want your peaceful night as Chotto Matte is exploring the idea of bringing in DJs to play music on those days.

I'll definitely be back to try more! 

Note: You could also enjoy your highballs and other Chotto Matte drinks at Izakaya Sensu's dining area. 

Chotto Matte is located at Ground Floor, Net Park, 5th Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. 

Posted in: Mixed