While the nation ponders the food for thought served by the senator-judges at the Corona impeachment trial, another row of restaurants opened on 7th Avenue at The Fort, which now houses these new kids on the block: Rocket Room, Stella and Cue.

Rocket Room is a bar lounge that will hosts various artists playing jazz, funk, soul and other great music. Stella, joined to the Rocket Room at the hip—they have the same owners and even share a toilet—is where the food is. Run by the Chelsea group, it has wood-fired brick ovens to cook its Italian-inspired menu of white fish, pizzas and even steak.

Try, especially, the salt-baked gindara at Stella. This beautifully cooked large piece of gindara is enveloped in salt, achieving a true flavors-of-the-sea effect. The pizzas are also recommendable, especially if you are in a large group. The dough is quite similar to Gino’s Brick Oven Pizza in texture, although the toppings are more traditional in nature.

On a night out, a conversation piece is the jalapeño cocktail which will give you a boost far stronger than a Red Bull vodka by sheer force of its chili. You can reserve the mojito for lunch as it is so light it’s almost juice.

For the heavy eaters, Cue has a fancy Friday’s-like menu: ribs, steaks, mac ‘n’ cheese. Hearty food for those with a hefty appetite. Those who are behind this restaurant got the template right: beautiful design, relaxed atmosphere, attentive servers, servings big enough to share and Pinoy faves on the list.

You will be satisfied with the heart attack-inducing roasted bone marrow, which is even served with soft-shell tacos, and the baby back ribs. Flavors are not that exceptional, but you will not be disappointed. Especially recommendable is the beef belly which is tender to the bone and beautifully flavored. The menu describes it as dark ale-braised, slightly charred and mustard-crusted.

Whatever your chosen drink, whatever your chosen menu, this little new foodie nook guarantees a good time with friends. Do not eat alone. These restaurants demand company—definitely a place for good times!