Who doesn’t love ‘unli’ Sangria?
Filipinos love all things “unli.” Whether it’s cellphone data, rice servings, or drink refills, the more sulit, the better.
That’s why it’s great that Las Flores has brought back its unlimited sangria to cool things down.
Yes, bottomless sangria returns during special cocktail hours from 5-8 p.m. at all of its branches.
Step inside the Greenbelt 3 branch, and it’s like you’re transported to an upscale pintxos bar in Segovia. Grab a table, peruse the menu—but before all that, order up the Free Flowing Sangria for P495.
Served in US-made Ball mason jars for a relaxed vibe, the sangria itself is a delicious mix of San Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Tanqueray, vermouth, and cinnamon with fresh fruits and basil topping the glass. (If you’re trad, you can have it in a regular wine glass.)
Sangria is one of those things that makes you appreciate the pace and allure of Spanish culture, though it made its first blood-red appearance as far back as Roman times. The magic of cut fruits, red wine, and syrup pairs sublimely with the sunset filtering across Greenbelt 3 courtyard. It’s a refreshing, satisfying balance of ingredients that brings pause to a hectic day.
The signature Sangria Roja promo has also become something of a Las Flores tradition, though this year it’s timed to happy hour instead of liquid lunches. For the recent launch, DJs spun music at the outside tables as Spanish brand ambassadors from Madrid and Barcelona roved around, boosting Spanish cuisine and culture.
Yes, you could just kill off the last remaining drops of the day over endless jars of sangria. But it’s perhaps best to pair this nectar with Las Flores’ popular dishes.
Here, executive sous chef Pablo Ramirez, who trained in Basque Kitchen, brings to life a menu that’s a perfect distillation of the region.
We started with Croquetas de Jamón Ibérico—plump and crispy on the outside, with a roll of Jamon on top of each. That calls for a sip of sangria.
Then came a sizzling plate of Gambas al Ajillo in olive oil, garlic, chili, and white wine, perfect for soaking up with toasted bread. More sangria, por favor.
A fan favorite, the Chipirones Andaluza (fried calamares) is a classic tapas dish, served here with kimchi-aioli sauce. Another great pairing with bottomless sangria. (Funny how sangria goes with everything on this menu.)
As lively conversation took over the restaurant and magic hour set in, another signature dish arrived at our table: the Paella Pollo y Cerdo is something special at Las Flores. Here, it’s not the deep-pan Mediterranean style served in so many local cervecerias, but a more authentically Spanish flavor with fluffy rice and crusty, delicious tutong.
While drawing on popular international food brands, the Bistro Group also has a keen insight into local tastes. Its three homegrown brands— Siklab+, Crazy Garlic, La Lola Churreria—are all distinctive. Las Bistro even added one La Lola popular favorite to the Las Flores menu: La Lola’s signature churros, golden outside, chewy and soft inside, served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Las Flores is also greeting the season with a selection of three classic cocktails: There’s a crisp Daiquiri, the relaxed elegance of a Whisky Highball, and the sophisticated profile of a Manhattan, each crafted to mix with the flowing night vibe of Las Flores.
A wonderful transition comes: that magic-hour shift from sunset to convivial evening. A perfect reason to share a glass—or two, or three—with friends and loved ones. ¡Salud!
