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Saturday, August 19, 2006
Potentonic
By Jigs Arquiza
Nestled cozily in an intimate corner of One Acacia Place, Tonic presents a more truly upscale alternative for Metro Cebu’s discerning night owls.
With most bars’ intentions to provide a sophisticated, cosmopolitan setting for its customers, Tonic succeeds where others have failed. This isn’t just another ordinary nightspot. Much thought has been given towards its conception: inspired by the bars and lounges in metropolitan cities like New York, Los Angeles, Paris and Hongkong, Tonic offers touches rarely seen outside these cities.
Pass though its glass doors and your eyes are greeted by a waterfall cascading down the far side of the main dining area, adding a touch of Zen to the surroundings. The stark yet elegant simplicity of Tonic’s interiors gives the customers a refreshing break from the typical ostentatious and badly chosen décor found in other bars and lounges.
Furniture is spaced evenly, giving customers more than enough legroom to give credence to the claim that Tonic is not just a bar, it’s a lounge, where people can relax and unwind in comfort. To add emphasis to this assertion are the stuffed chairs and sofas placed strategically around the establishment. In keeping with the minimalist theme, walls are left bare save for a couple of abstracts hanging near the bar.
While the overall theme is white, the bar provides the establishment with additional splashes of color. Backlit by low-wattage bulbs in pastel shades, it furnishes the customer with a soothing environment that’s easy on the eyes, a boon especially for those weary of looking at computer monitors all day long. The bar itself is lined by lavender neon lighting, enveloping it in a purple haze.
Epicures will without doubt have a great time feasting on Tonic’s excellently prepared and great-tasting cuisine. Obviously well thought-out, the menu offers a diverse, multi-cultural selection of soups, appetizers and entrees such as Pumpkin soup, Calamari, Sexy Scallops, Burritos, Yin Yang Ribs, Campesinos and the perennial favorite, Tonic’s Beef Tadjang. The typical assortment of beers, wines and cocktails are available, although the in-house cocktails Hot Sex, Blind Melon and 007 come most recommended.
Music at Tonic is easy on the ears: no bass-heavy hip-hop beats, no grating techno samples, just vocal house and a bit of rave, a bit of dance and a little trance, perfect for chilling out and spreading the love. Ibiza habitués would definitely approve.
In the midst of the numerous bars in Metro Cebu, each maintaining their so-called popularity with the “in” crowd, Tonic comes as a breath of fresh air. No claims, no pretenses, just good vibes, good food and good music.
Surely, a tonic for one’s soul.
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (August 19, 2006 issue)
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