A Dinner Date at 70s Bistro, Anonas, Quezon City, Philippines

Posted by Jozzua on Jan 26, 2006 in Uncategorized | 2 comments

70s Bistro

I’ll start off my review of dinner date places with one of my favorite hang out joints — 70s bistro. They have a website now and shows some pictures of the bar.

Seventies Bistro is one of those hole-in-the wall places along Anonas Ave., Quezon City. It’s simplicity hides a history of music. The place itself is usually graced by the likes of Joey Ayala, Gary Granada, Joey "Pepe" Smith and Bayang Barrios. Conrado De Quiros, a columnist from the Philippine Daily Inquirer, is a regular there. Sometimes, one would see a contingent from the non-government organizations such as Greenpeace. Needless, to say, 70s Bistro is usually visited by an Intelligent crowd

But why take your sweetheart there?

Let’s say your partner is the socially-oriented type, likes Philipine Folk music, and maybe an alumni (or student) of the University of the Philippines (UP). Perhaps she considers herself an artist — she loves to paint, draw, and make bead necklaces/earrings.

Thursday night, with Noel Cabangon, at 70s bistro is the the time and place for you.

Noel Cabangon used to go all acoustic, but now has a band backing him up. He comes from a generation of artists who considers music not just an art form, but a way to move people to social action. He is also known as the singer of "Kanlungan" — a song popularized by a Philippine McDonalds Commercial.

Noel Cabangon and "Kanlungan" is the reason why you should bring her here. He has a really great voice and when he sings his collection of love songs, any girl would fall off her feet. He can sing folk, 70′s music, jazz and even the modern "Dave Matthews" or "John Mayer" tunes.

So here’s what you should do:

1. Plan ahead. Go at least a week before your date. If you could talk with Noel Cabangon (he’s a really friendly guy), ask for some help. Prepare around P500 – P1000 for this date.
2. Come to the bistro around 8pm on a Thursday Night. Have Dinner. Prices of the food range from P150-200 per serving.
3. Offer her wine or beer, whichever she prefers. Have some small talk,smile, and make her feel comfortable. Wine is around P80. A beer would be around P40.
4. Relax and allow the dim-lights to illuminate her face. Try to get a whiff of her hair, or perfume.
5. Let Noel do his magic. Request for these songs: "Kanlungan" and "Dahil Nariyan Ka." (Or any other romantic music your might have in mind).
6. If you planned it the week before and spoke to Noel Cabangon, you should have prepared for this already. Sing for her on Stage while Noel plays the guitar. Noel allows some people, with permission, to do this.
7. At around 12 midnight, amidst the night of wine/beer, and good music. Take her home.
8. Kiss her.

Yeesh.. It’s a bit mushy/cheesy or whatever. But it works. Trust me. *wink*