After Hours is Cebu’s newest ‘in’ lounge

Long-standing friends for many years, Stephan Zenz, an internati-onal hairstylist, and Alastair Schurch, creator of jewelry with a cult following, have a lot in common. Cebu residents since 1990, they are also brothers-in-law, married to charming sisters Margie Zenz, a master colorist, and Meryl Schurch, an international spa-trainer.

So, it was no great surprise when we learned that the couples recently jointly opened the most innovative, much-talked-about resto-bar in Cebu: After Hours Tapas Lounge.

And where exactly is this place? Brace yourselves. It is at Expose, the ultimate, high-end hair shop at Crossroad in uptown Banilad; the shop magically transforms into a trendy stylish lounge at night.

With a successful spin of a revolving mysterious bar, the re-arrangement of furniture, and subdued lighting, Expose takes on a totally different look every Wednesday to Saturday from 8:30 p.m. to later. The rest of the week, the lounge is open for private parties.

Over excellent wine, culinary delights, and great company, I pleasantly discovered what makes After Hours Tapas Lounge simply a haven for relaxation and enjoyment.

After Hours is a cozy space for private conversations in a cosmopolitan ambience. It serves a wide variety of innovative fusion and authentic tapas. Much-sought-after food consultant chef Ed Quimson was tasked to masterfully prepare the menu and train the Cebu-based cooks. The favorite picas include gama de tostas, a selection of tomato, home-cured ham, manchego cheese and tuna pate, bunuelos, the exquisite potato fritters with choice of sardines, bacon bits and three cheeses, Spanish chorizos, fried stuffed mussels, and lots more.

This get-together place, which is enveloping rather than intruding, is most comfortable and absolutely smoke-free. It is likewise equipped with state-of-the-art-sound system and an impressive selection of songs with emphasis on Latin and African beats.

The flawless fast service offered by energetic students is done through a touch screen POS system that guarantees service within eight minutes or less for freshly prepared dishes.

Wouldn’t you like to drop by? Perhaps before the last full screening, or after a terrific show? Unwind, relax and simply enjoy?