Rush Hour

Why is it called “rush” hour when the traffic moves so slow?

It had been a long day, and I was stuck in my car with a temper that could not tolerate the stop-go antics of the cars ahead of me. I decided to take a side street and ended up on Reposo St. now known as Nicanor Garcia St. in Makati. Off to the left was an oasis of quiet where I could spend a nice quiet hour as the horrendous traffic simmered down …

Ricco Renzo is an art gallery /caffe owned by the amiable Paulito Garcia and managed by a bubbly Kaye Nuguid. It has been known as a gallery and venue for exhibits of leading artists . It has also been a convergence point for such activities as poetry reading, creative writing classes, seminars on animation drawing , art sessions, painting workshops and other pursuits of the arts.

I walked into a nice quiet island of art
A reprieve from the horn honking madness outside
An oasis of culture
An antithesis to the dog-eat-dog traffic warfare on the streets
A quiet corner to gather my thoughts …
To indulge the senses

I bumped into an old acquaintance – Alan Cosio
One of the country’s leading artists who was holding an art exhibit – Cosio’s Nudes
Stories were exchanged as we brought ourselves back to the “good old days”

We settled comfortably in the Caffe – a work of art in itself
Surrounded by paintings
Multicolored table linen
A blue lighted deco bar
A pianist quietly providing an ambiance of classic and standard music

It was indeed a “happy hour”
Aside from bumping into an old friend
There was “buy 1 take 1”beer
And 30% off table wine …

Their menu is quite extensive with pastas, sandwiches, entrees, appetizers etc.
But they were also serving “breakfast”
And I just could not resist
So there I was with 2 sunny side eggs, crispy corned beef , rice and a glass of vodka
Breakfast indeed …
At 6pm in the early evening

Truth to tell, the food in Ricco Renzo is rather good – having to cater to a combination of “artistes”, young professionals, and bohemian friendlies who have made this a regular hang-out since it opened 4 years ago.

If you are in the area,
Do drop by
Satisfy your appetite
Challenge the senses
Soothe your muddled mind
Enjoy

G/F LRI Plaza,210 N. Garcia St. (formerly Reposo)

Bel Air II, Makati City1200 Philippines
Tel. No.: (632) 898-2542 - 45

http://www.riccorenzo.com/