La Casa Del Habano is located on the second floor of the Ayala Triangle Tower. If you were to go by the name alone and its global reputation, you could be excused for thinking it’s a cigar shop, a cigar bar, or a bastion of testosterone-fueled masculinity. And yes, to an extent, it is all that, but it’s also so much more — and I was truly happy to discover its chameleon-like attributes.
In the afternoon, La Casa converts into a wood-paneled oasis of calm in the middle of the Makati Central Business District. There’s an Afternoon Tea service that’s been wonderfully curated and can offer the women who lunch a new alternative to the hotel lobbies they frequent. Of course, this isn’t just for women, as men are welcome to sample the impeccable selection of savories and the signature afternoon tea pastries.
Sunset is the bewitching hour at La Casa Del Habano, for that’s when Daryl Ladioray on the saxophone and DJ Abdel Aziz collaborate to provide beats and rhythms that usher in a more laid-back atmosphere. Bar chow, small bites, and pica-pica are all part of the offerings during this time in La Casa’s daily cycle.
Later in the night, it’s a full-fledged bar and speakeasy, with the cigar lounge element coming into play. There’s a private smoking room, a walk-in humidor with the best Cuban cigars, and a bar ready for anything your heart may desire. And don’t underestimate how many women indulge in cigar culture today. Heartier fare is available during lunch and dinner. Plus, there’s a Moët & Chandon Golden Party Package.
The food I indulged in was their Afternoon Tea experience. I had missed lunch the day I visited La Casa and arrived a little after two in the afternoon, so I was really happy with the tea tray of savories brought to our table. The Truffle Ported Shrimp, with baby asparagus and microgreens sandwich, is something I fully recommend.
The Organic Japanese Egg with Manchego Aioli on Corn Tortilla Crisp is also worth trying. My favorite savory that afternoon was the Blue Cheese Chicken with Cranberries and Muscat Grape Sandwich. It had familiarity but was given a twist and an element of surprise with the blue cheese and the combination of cranberries and grapes. Normally, you’d just get one of the fruits.
As for the desserts, I especially liked their Pistachio Short Cake with Baklava Crisps. The Dark Chocolate Brown Ganache was good, though a bit on the flaky side. There was an interesting Pecorino Cheesecake, but my favorite was their Petit Carrot Cake with Truffle Cream Cheese, Almonds, Fig, and Queso de Bola. I loved how so many prized ingredients were included in this version and how well it worked. When I bring Issa, I know she’ll go for the freshly baked scones with clotted cream and rosemary strawberry jam.
It’s good to know that we have a La Casa Del Habano here in Manila and that it’s been positioned to not just be a Cuban cigar “heaven” but also a haven for those with a discriminating palate and an appreciation for fine drinks.