The latest branch of 121 at Stopover Bonifacio echoes some of the things that are nicest about this group of restaurants while having a character of its own. For instance, it has three "kanta" rooms, available for P1200 an hour, fully consumable; I've seen these rooms offered in Eastwood and their Allegro branches. Also, it has retains some of 121's most classic dishes, like their grilled liempo with rice, which made the Salcedo "beer garden" branch a neighborhood favorite.
The evening we visited as guests of 121 and a food event-related quiz night, 121 style - 8 rounds, 10 questions, with breaks every two rounds or so, so people could eat and socialize. It's a different style from Murphy's, or the quiz battles run by the Geekfight people; this is the format I like the most. So yes, this is, indirectly, also a plug for 121 Allegro Makati.
In between rounds, we were served generous trays of lumpia, and one of their classic cocktails, Scandal. That was followed by chicken binakol, or ginger-scented chicken in coconut broth, beef salpicao with mushrooms, the grilled liempo (already chopped, it's usually served whole), and cheesecake for dessert.
While 121's food is probably more "pub grub" than "gastro pub," it is simple and satisfying - maybe a little less on the mark than at Allegro... The "magic" soy sauce that accompanies their grilled liempo wasn't quite the same; those who go to the other branches know this is one of their secret weapons.
More than that, the evening was great for camaraderie, and a test of culinary knowledge, with a ton of laughs. Brian Banta, owner and our quiz host, as his co-host, Hans Co, are just the best. read more