Meeting N’ Booze, one of the newest customer safe places and celebrity hangout spaces in Marikina City, has come a long way from being “just a dream” to a “dream come true”.
During Traffic Digest‘s visit over the weekend, owner and chef Rannie Landicho shared how he and his co-owner Joseph Benitez visioned a cozy, accommodating restaurant that can be the customers’ go-to place for comfort amid all the chaos brought by the global pandemic; the same pandemic that forced them to let go of their former restaurant.
“Noong nag-open ulit ang food industry, lakas-loob naming pinush. Bahala na,” Landicho shared.
In January 2022, Meeting N’ Booze opened up its doors to customers and the response has been overwhelming—from local diners to celebrities finding out about the restaurant through word of mouth.
“Malaking impact sa amin ‘yong mga sikat na celebrities na pumupunta rito kasi napo-promote nila ‘yong restaurant,” Landicho said. “Magugulat na lang kami na darating sila, hindi namin ine-expect, kamukha ni Ruru Madrid, Bianca Umali, ‘yan, ‘yong couple. Jean Garcia, mga legend, mga iconic. Hindi ko makalilimutan ‘yong mga celebrity na tinatawag ako para sa food. Na-appreciate ko, kahit na pagod na pagod ako, lalapit sa akin para sabihing, ‘Sir, ang sarap ng food mo.’ Nakaka-touch.”
“Hindi mo alam paano makapagpapasalamat sa kanila kasi mga bigating tao,” he went on. “Kasi, normal lang ako na cook, e, nasa mababa lang ako. Kaya natutuwa ako.”
Landicho humbly shared how he finally came up with their bestselling Adobong Kambing after a lot of trial and error.
“Number 1 ang Adobong Kambing. Kung tutuusin, ang hirap lutuin, kaya trial and error. Dumaan sa maraming proseso, ang tagal, ilang kilo ang nasayang. Trial and error tayo, talagang susugal ka talaga,” he recalled. “Pero roon kami nakilala.”
Aside from good food, Meeting N’ Booze also has a place for each type of customer.
For the ones who want to socialize with others or simply enjoy a live band while eating, the first floor is an open space where they can chill.
For those who want to host parties and big gatherings, the second floor is spacious enough to accommodate them.
Private and soundproof rooms are also available if they want to have exclusive bonding moments with their family, friends, and co-workers; where they can sing, chat, and talk about even the most confidential things worry-free.
While those who want to relish fresh air can simply dine at the terrace.
Take a glimpse of everything Meeting N’ Dine has to over through a video summing up our experiences during the visit:
For food, drinks, and dining places that make the world stop and make the world go, visit Traffic Digest‘s Food & Restaurant Section.