Nothing has thrilled the nightlife set of Manila's 400 more than the recent opening of Stardust on Jupiter Street in Makati, as it has inspired them to relive the golden days when party scene in the city of man revolved around the top discos and bars, eminent of which were the creations of Louie Ysmael.

Louie, the original disco king, and his cohorts like bosom friend Manolet Dario, the acknowledged Dean of DJs in this part of the world, businessman Andre Kahn and Peter Hager, founding partner and president of Stardust, have pooled their expertise, talents and wisdom acquired from decades of partying in style to create the smashing early success that is the Stardust.

With Louie and company reviving those wonderful years, Manila by night has once again begun to glitter and dazzle, enhanced even more by Stardust's curated music spanning from the 1960s to the early 2000.

Indeed, a sophisticated space that from its day one has already brought in the glamour crowd that is usually not easily impressed, Stardust has received accolades, especially for its fantastic yet classy ambience, a visual spectacle carefully conceived and executed by designer Angie Gonzalez-Hager. And music being key to a night spot's success, Stardust boasts the perfect system designed by Waxie Joaquin (of Waxefield Sound Production Corp), Jose Francisco "Jiggs" Hermano and Edward Bicierro, with sound treatment by Jose Paolo Aguado of Basic Machinery and Acoustics Corporation.

According to Peter, "Stardust was born out of the nostalgia of socializing and partying in the late 70s and 80s – a time of incredible memories before the internet, mass cellphone and social media. These were the days of legendary venues like Stargazer, Louie Y's, Kublai Rock, Roxy's and Euphoria.

"With Stardust, we want to bring back this experience in a beautifully 80s-inspired venue serving excellent food, great signature drinks, timeless classic cocktails and ice-cold beer."

Peter is particularly proud of the "entertainment system designed to deliver crystal-clear sound in a properly-treated environment allowing guests to listen and appreciate curated music while still being able to talk to friends."
On the part of partner Andre Kahn, he declared, "This is not just a restaurant or lounge; it's an entire experience that pays homage to a golden age of entertainment, inviting patrons to let loose, celebrate life, and feel a part of something truly extraordinary.

To sum up, and I quote from the partners in their manifesto, "Stardust was conceptualized as a haven for music aficionados, with unparalleled acoustic treatment and sound systems for optimum listening experiences. As the founding group grew, the concept expanded as well, to recreate the glamor and opulence of the heyday of Manila's nightlife scene.

"What emerged was Stardust – a space that engages all senses, offering elevated visual, gustatory and tactile experiences in addition to incredible sound."

Food, I must tell you, is superb, and among the must-try dishes are the Street Corn Ribs, Gambas y Chorizon, Aglio e Olio with Chicken Breast and US Beef Tenderloin. I enjoyed my Cesar's Salad a lot while engaged in conversation with Manolet's mom, Bayanihan original dancer and long-time Malacanang executive, Tita Maribel Dario, a family friend from way back.

And to those who love to drink, just ask for their list of Signature Cocktails, among them the award-winning Silver Surfer, the gin-based Euphoria and vodka-based Midnight Moonbeam, "all crafted to literally and figuratively be 'out of this world,' Manolet exclaimed.

And from the legendary Louie Y himself: "We invite you all to visit us at Stardust on Jupiter. It's something you haven't experienced before. Cheers!"