A ‘third place’ for astrology enthusiasts
When was the last time you made a connection with a stranger? In real life?
This was on Lorraine Consunji’s mind when she and her husband Dave opened Kas & Poly, a new restaurant in BGC that opens each reservation not with the menu, but with the question, “What is your sign?”
A Gemini Sun, Libra Moon and Leo Rising, for Consunji, “Astrology helps me understand aspects of my life.”
Consunji had been thinking about “third places” –— that place you go to after home and work to establish a sense of self and community. To the sociologist Ray Oldenburg who came up with the term in 1989, it was his barbershop. Just last week in the Forbes Technology Council, member Jon Kirchner wrote, “Forget Starbucks: The New Third Space Is Your Car.” As more work from home, as social media makes us less, well, social, Consunji — who already gathers big groups at all-day dining restaurant Brunch Bureau in Legazpi Village, Proscenium Rockwell, and Molito Alabang — sought to create a place where people can meet others and expand their circles. Astrology, whether you believe in it or are simply entertained by it, is a thought-provoking place to start.
Kas & Poly is Gemini Corp.’s first foray beyond comfort food, with the stars as their guide. Intense Scorpios are char-grilled pulpo. Steadfast Taureans will appreciate the tried-and-tested combination of oxtail in a rich, herby stew. For the Libras who can’t seem to make up their minds, they find balance and get a little bit of everything in their very own set. Waiters are informed of your sign with a sticker, and make recommendations around it. For drinks, Aquarians ruled by the planet Uranus inspire a tea infusion where lemonade, rosemary, and blueberry are tinted with the bold violet of butterfly blue pea.
Come dinnertime they offer a 12-course tasting menu with cocktail pairings, each inspired by the 12 astrological signs.
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Kas & Poly is located in W Global Center, 9th Ave., cor. 30th St., BGC. Geminis (born from May 21 to June 20) get 10% off when they dine at Kas & Poly until June 21. Follow @kasandpoly on Instagram for updates.
