The Nautilus Whiskey Bar: Food, Drinks and an Epic Skyline View
I have a confession to make, I have a thing for roofdeck bars and sunsets. It’s a giveaway why I or anyone loves a sunset; it’s Mother’s Nature’s way of showing off. It’s easily my favorite colors and I never met a sunset I didn't like. And rooftops, I love roof tops. There’s quite a magical vibe to them; the feeling like you’re on top of the world, the fantastic views or maybe just the fact that each one is unique. While the city hums below, roof tops with an epic view of sunsets has the power to make one pause for a moment, find that silence and no matter where you are in life right now, consider that life is pretty amazing.
Moreover, there’s no better way to view a city than from high up, right? I’ve frequented Quezon City in my lifetime, but I have never experienced it from up high, unlike in Makati, Pasig, Mandaluyong, Taguig, Alabang or Manila. That is until I set foot on the top floor of the new Prime Hotel, where its in-house indoor/outdoor lounge: The Nautilus Whiskey Bar, is located. This chic and cozy year-round hangout spot is the newest of the very few whiskey bars in the country, you can even get a pipe lighter to smoke a pipe with a glass of whiskey.
Whiskey is more popular now than ever and has become a worldwide phenomenon. Back in the early days, whiskey was usually enjoyed by adult men at their favorite country club or at their members-only Gentlemen’s Club. It was somewhat a symbol of someone’s status quo. Until hipster millennials came along and Jack Daniel’s with Coke became a constant weekend nights’ drink in hand.
I have always been a lightweight and I prefer cocktails over beer. But when I was introduced by my friend who happens to be an American chef with Irish roots to Jameson Whiskey, I immediately got hooked! For one, it gave me less of the hangover. Though its ABV is greater than beer, it has less carbs. Yey right?! I find it easier to drink too since it is way smoother than beer, IMO. Vat 69 is also a classic that I enjoy once in a while with my friends but let me tell you, that one is quite the traitor. I’ve only tried a few types of whiskey, that’s why it is something that I want to get to know more and explore, as if it is a blossoming love affair that I am completely enthralled with. I’m excited to meet Macallan, Glenfiddich, Yamazaki, Hibiki, Rittenhouse, Dalmore and the others.
The Nautilus Whiskey Bar, on that drizzling Friday night in Quezon City gave me the three things that captivates me. This great new find is a cozy nautical/industrial/steampunk themed open terrace with an attached bar/lounge. Part swanky, part stylish, with plush velvet couches and leather seats amongst dark wooden tables with a somewhat seamless skyline view of the surrounding areas in Tomas Morato. You would also find a couple of eye-catching pieces by artist Ram Mallari, Jr. around the place. The resto-bar was named as such because it is owned by MEGA Global Corp. – the makers of MEGA Sardines and MEGA Tuna.
But before you savour that first sip and take in the surroundings, check out Nautilus’ great food selection:
Wagyu Cubes Skewers - juicy, umami rich wagyu cubes cooked to perfection and melts in your mouth like butter. I love wagyu cubes because their easy to eat but more than I like how succulent these are. Since Japanese wagyu is more fat than flesh, these soft cubes had the flavor of savouriness combined with richness.
House Buffalo Chicken Wings - spicy Buffalo wings drenched in fiery pepper hot sauce and melted butter, served with a side of blue cheese dressing. My sister makes the meanest Buffalo wings so my standards with chicken wings is kinda pretty up the bar. These Buffalo wings did not disappoint though, the skin was crispy, the sauce was tangy and they were not super spicy and just right to my liking.
Tuna Carbonara Pasta - pasta with Mega tuna and Mega prime mushrooms in a creamy white sauce. This had a pronounced tuna flavor and the sauce was really creamy. What it lacks though is the flavor of ground black or white pepper.
Nautilus Signature Cheeseburger - special house burger featuring a homemade quarter pounder beef patty carefully drizzled with melted cheddar cheese - served with a side of crispy deep-fried onion rings and seasoned potato wedges. The burger patty was tasty and juicy. I like that it has generous amounts of cheese. The fries were great, they’re freshly cut and deep fried, which is good and not those that are processed ones that you can buy at the grocery.
Roasted Spiced Chicken Au Poivre - spice-infused roasted half-chicken served with vegetables and fries. The chicken wasn’t a standout, it is not bad, just ok. For anything, the meat was tender and juicy.
Baked Norwegian Salmon - salmon fillet served on a bed of onion links, shiitake mushrooms, and melted cheese. I would say I am biased to this, because salmon is one of my favorite things in the world. The salmon meat, thank goodness was not dry. It was juicy, delicious and comforting and the melted cheese is like the cherry on top.
Their modest bar turned out to have an impressive selection of whiskies from around the world. We spotted an 18yo Macallan, 18 yo Hibiki, 18 yo Glenfiddich, 10 yo Ardbeg, 10 yo Dalmore to name a few. Besides those, wines, tequilas and other spirits are also available if you’re not into whiskey. Whiskey-infused and non-whiskey cocktails are also offered.
The Nautilus Sling - a blend of orange juice, lime juice, triple sec, blue curacao and bourbon whiskey.
We didn’t get to do the whiskey tasting though, but that gives me a reason to brave the traffic to QC just to be able to go back to Nautilus, so I can do just that. Oh and by the way, besides all of these, Nautilus holds regular whiskey masterclasses and provides nightly live music.
With a panoramic view of Quezon City, its interiors that is everything-worth-Instagramming, selection of whiskies from around the world, signature cocktails and full food menu, The Nautilus Whiskey Bar, is truly a relaxed local urban space perfect for post-work or weekend unwinding.
One thing remained is Best Cigars
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