Happy Andrada-Gras and Tanguy Gras, a former hotelier, welcome guests at H&T Wine Gallery, the newest watering hole in Quezon City, which carries the best wines and deli items from the world over. Part café and part bistro, H&T is more than just a winery, as it also serves a considerable selection of delicious hot meals, cheeses and deli samplers.
Habitues of Quezon City and nearby environs don’t have to go far, as they now have an ideal place to hang out in. Fashion designer Happy Andrada-Gras and former Sofitel and MGallery F&B executive Tanguy Gras have unveiled their latest creation in style. But unlike most of Happy’s couture work, this one is more epicurean than vogue.
Their marriage has conceived the fulfillment of a long-time dream: H&T Wine Gallery, a gourmet deli and wine bar in Kamuning, Quezon City. Located on the first level, just below Happy’s atelier, H&T Wine Gallery is not your typical bar and retail store. With only a seating capacity of 18, this hole-in-the-wall is a dream world for Happy and Tanguy, transporting guests from barong to baguette within the confines of their quirky imaginations.
“We began H&T as an online shop at the start of the pandemic and with great success. This has become a personal project for both of us, and we were very happy with how the business was received. Now, Happy and I are delighted to launch a brick-and-mortar space for everyone to enjoy our selections in-house,” says Tanguy, the wine gallery’s co-founder and general manager.
“We designed H&T as a gallery where each part of the space is unique. As a whole, H&T Wine Gallery gives you a tight and at-home feeling. This is a place where friends and family can enjoy their favorite wine and deli items after meals in a neighborhood that is not so busy. You can also reserve the space for private events,” adds Happy, its co-founder and president.
Every section of the entire space projects its own distinct personality. The counter sports a retro vibe complete with framed scenes of Manila and Tanguy’s native Nice, neon light signages and Funko Pops, while a parallel area glows in a vibrant splash of hot pink, from the wall and decors down to a section whose furniture is dipped in yellow, the result of an illusion from a 2D spotlight on a wall casting its light from above. Even the restroom has disco lights.
At H&T Wine Gallery, art and hospitality co-exist seamlessly. No wonder, as it reflects Tanguy’s wordly vision and experience. After starting his hotelier career as bartender in London and a waiter in Monaco, Tanguy is bringing all his 15 years of work experience in his and Happy’s labor of love in Quezon City.
Inside H&T, Tanguy likes to take guests on a tour of vineyards around the world.
The Old World wine selections begin at Tanguy’s homeland. In the red wine section, Bordeaux and Burgundy wines banner the top shelf among other French wines and Rhone Valley labels. These are followed by Italian selections, including Chianti; an extensive lineup of Tempranillo and other Spanish wines; and a special area for Malbec. The white wine shelf is equally impressive, with the best selection from Bordeaux and Burgundy, Portugal and Spain.
The New World red and white wine selections include many representative varieties from countries the world over, including Carmenere from Chile, Riesling from Columbia Valley (US), Shiraz and Chenin Blanc from South Africa, and Cabernet Sauvignon from California and Australia, among others.
Among the sparkling wine selections is Champagne Pol Roger, a personal favorite of Winston Churchill, and Cava from Spain. A fine list of rosés from Provence, Bordeaux and Southwestern France are available, too.
All these bottles sit in shelves personally designed by Tanguy and Happy, displaying not just wines but also ciders, sangria, escargot, pate, olive oil, sardines and other food items. In the chillers are assortments of jamon from Spain (from Jamon Serrano Bodega to the finest Jamon Iberico de Cebo Campo), preserved truffles, and various European cheeses.
Guests can buy the items off the shelf or have them prepared. The menu includes a selection of charcuterie, sandwiches, cheese, hot tapas and sweets. Those who want a taste of the best deli items can order any of the samplers available.
Every bottle and food item have been personally selected by Tanguy and Happy to be part of H&T Wine Gallery, and true to its promise of personal service – chances are high you would be welcomed by Tanguy and Happy themselves.
Located at 24 K-D corner K-1st Kamuning, Quezon City, H&T Wine Gallery is open from 11 am to 7 pm on Mondays to Thursdays, and until 9:30 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
Book a table or for private events through 09171752779 or contact@htwinegallery.com. Deliveries are available in Metro Manila. To know more, follow https://www.instagram.com/ht_winegallery/.
