Being one of the many hangouts that dot the long stretch of Rizal Boulevard in Dumaguete City, the Spanish tapas bar Allegre is an easy a spot to overlook.
If we hadn’t gotten that invitation to try it out on our last night there, we would have missed the authentic Spanish dishes and great cocktails that draw a regular crowd to this charming tapas bar even on weekdays.
Allegre‘s patrons are of the old Spanish and Chinese families in Dumaguete and from as far as Bais City, said manager Xenia Fabe, adding that they also get the occasional local and foreign tourists.
The establishment filled up quite early on during our visit with the regular patrons and it was quite interesting to hear them chat animatedly in Spanish.
Allegre menu
Fabe, who manages the bistro, prepared a lineup of their bestsellers for the InnoPub Media team to check out. These included such Spanish favorites as paella valenciana, croquetas, chickpeas and chorizo, boquerones, tenderloin tips, and callos.
After tasting dish after dish, we couldn’t decide on a favorite as they were all delectable. Servings fall within the P100-P200 range and are quite affordable. According to Fabe, Allegre’s two cooks used to work for the Spanish families in Negros where they learned how to prepare dishes of authentic Spanish flavors.
When it comes to cocktails, Allegre has a triumvirate of bestsellers in the frozen margarita, calamansi mojito, and sangria.
For a fairly new establishment, Allegre has received quite a lot of positive feedback. The bistro started operations only on November 11, 2015.
Fun vibe
Fabe said Angelique Lhuillier Miranda, the owner, picked Allegre because it connotes happy, fun, and positive vibes and the quaint resto has lived up to its name.
Miranda also owns the La Bella franchise along the same block but Allegre is a homegrown restobar serving Spanish tapas and drinks, probably the first of its kind in the city.
“Most of our clients are well travelled and they love Allegre because it reminds them of the small pubs in Europe. The more crowded it is, the happier they are,” she added.
When in the resto, don’t ask for the wi-fi password because it doesn’t have wi-fi connectivity. You have to put your phone down and enjoy the Spanish appetizers or snacks paired with wine and cocktails in one of the best spots in Dumaguete that is the Rizal Boulevard.
