This article is a ?first? for several reasons: First, (ahem) it?s written by Richie Ramos, a former colleague of mine who I used to work with at online city guide, GetAsia, several lifetimes ago. Richie was also the very first person who applied as a writer when I sent the call out last month for contributors. I admire enthusiasm so I thought it most appropriate that Richie?s piece be the first one published on the new Dessert Comes First; I?m happy to be working with him again. As an aside, I also wrote a piece about Handlebar way back in 2005 when I began DCF. The article is still there but the photos are lost in the digital abyss. Consider this article then a much-needed update. I?m beyond thrilled to present this first piece from a member of the DCF Creative Team. Enjoy it, we?ve got a lot more food to serve up! – Lori WORDS + PHOTOS by Richie Ramos
When I was assigned to check out Handlebar, I approached it with a mixture of anticipation and a bit of a secret shame. It was a welcome opportunity, since I’d always wanted to go to Handlebar to actually eat there, and not just to get a beer and listen to bands. On the other hand, given how long I’ve known about it, this would be the first time I?d actually eat there.
Handlebar – Handlebar Manila, in full – has been around since the early 2000s, and is a combination of bar, restaurant, and a hangout for bikers. The Mad Dog Motorcycle club calls it home, as do many of the expats that make up th...