Buffet Breakfast at F Restaurant Lounge

Our weekend staycation isn’t complete without having a sumptuous buffet breakfast together. If there are two things that my  husband and I agree on, it’s our love for food and our desire to travel. So, having buffet breakfasts and sampling different cuisines from the world over are just some of our favorite bonding moments. We love to share insights on food, (and don’t kill us) but we love to replicate these dishes at home if time permits.

Without further ado, let me take you to where we had our breakfast this morning — F Restaurant Lounge at the third floor of Best Western Premier F1 Hotel. Last night, we had the chance to lounge by the poolside, and on our way back, we passed by the hotel’s lone restaurant where these stunning artful furniture took our attention. The swirls in vivid red add drama to the dining area, and the ceiling details are just so beautiful!

Natural light bathes the dining area through wide glass sheets. Lines are almost everywhere — on the ceiling, walls, and buffet counters. These lines balance the circular patterns of the furniture at the entrance. Pardon me if I had to blur the people on the photo, as I highly respect everyone’s privacy.

We entered the restaurant trying not to be confused on where to start. The no-frills buffet spread looks enticing, and so we can’t wait but dig in our forks into some delish fare. I roamed around first to see what I can munch on. There’s a spread of the usual bacon and eggs, as well as an omelette station, a soup and dumpling station, a noodle station, a salad and sushi bar and another station dedicated to artisanal breads.

The assorted artisanal breads look tempting, but I tried not to give in yet. Well, on the contrary, hubby wasn’t able to control his desire for these little cuties. So, his first plate comprised of mini pancakes and waffles and some slices of cheese.

How cute was the presentation of the mini glazed donuts. If Akisha were with us, I am sure, she’ll go back to this station again and again.

As mentioned, here’s hubby’s first round of breakfast basics. The pancakes were tempting, and so were the cheeses. So I got some cheese for myself, too. I’ll repeat this again — I can eat cheese for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Any kind. Hard. Soft. Gourmet. Basic ones. Name it, as long as it’s cheese, I will surely love it.

While hubby started with the sweet ones, I, on the contrary, started with a steaming bowl of miso soup. There were two choices actually: miso soup and arroz caldo. I am not so fond of arroz caldo except when it’s raining or when I’m doomed with fever, so that made me decide to have the former. Plus, my palate is craving for something Japanese, and this miso soup was a nice start. I added some silken tofu and spring onion for some zest.

After I finished my miso soup, I went back to the buffet spread to get something “sinful”. Yes, you guessed it right… I had slices of bacon, scrambled eggs, mashed potato and a small portion of roast chicken. The bacon and scrambled eggs were so hearty…and addicting! The roast chicken was just average, though. It could have been more tasty on the inside, but nonetheless, it went well with the creamy mashed potatoes. The mashed potatoes by the way were thin shavings of potato with a rich texture — almost like a gratin, only, it wasn’t baked (or at least I thought it wasn’t).

Breakfast isn’t complete without caffeine boost, so we each had a cup of coffee. It was lighter than expected, but I am sure you can ask them to give you a stronger blend if you wish.

Hubby’s second plate comprised of luncheon meat, sausage, scrambled eggs, mashed potato, sauteed spicy shrimps and veggies, and plain rice. I got tempted with the plump shrimps, so I got some, too. The spiciness was just perfect to wake us up!

Towards the other end of the dining area is the salad, cold cuts and sushi bar. I got some kani sushi and indulged in tangy wasabi-soy dip. I also got some feta cheese, croutons, cold cuts, olives, parmesan and Caesar dressing. This is the closest I can get to a leafy salad, as I don’t really eat veggies. =)

For hubby’s third plate, he got some fresh melon slices, half a banana, and some greens.

And for his fourth plate (I am sure he’ll kill me now for sharing to the world how big his appetite is, hehe), he got some sweets again — banana bread, cupcakes and danish.

F also has a great selection of red and white wines but we figured out it’s too early for some tannins! This might be perfect for a night at the poolside bar, while having some cheese (yes, cheese again!) and cold cuts.

Overall, our breakfast was great and indeed,  it started our day right. C’est la vie!

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Best Western Premier F1 Hotel

32nd Street Bonifacio Global City

Telephone: (63.2) 928.9888

Fax: (63.2) 928.1888

Email: inquiry@bwpf1hotel.com

http://www.bestwesternpremierf1hotel.com

A Weekend Staycation at Best Western Premier F1 Hotel

Weekends are precious to me as these are the only days when I’ve got to spend time with my family. I consider it sacred, and as much as possible, I see to it to make the most out of our weekends. So, when the word “staycation” came to existence, we were one of those who became addicted to it. We just love the feel of being in a home away from home. We love looking into room designs and having buffet breakfasts together. We love lounging by the poolside and watching the sunset from the rooftop. For this week, we have stayed at the Best Western Premier F1 Hotel in The Fort.

Best Western Premier F1 Hotel is said to be the first luxury hotel in Bonifacio Global City. Its proximity to various places of interest is a plus. Not so far from the block is Bonifacio High Street, a long strip of restaurants, retail shops and parking spaces. St. Luke’s Medical Center is also a few steps away, as well as membership shopping hub, S&R. Multinational offices and other commercial and residential buildings surround the hotel.

From Makati, going to Best Western Premier F1 Hotel via taxi or private car is about 15 minutes on a weekend. You can also take the BGC Bus (East Route) at its terminal on EDSA cor. Ayala Avenue, and alight at the third stop (5th HSBC). From the bus stop, the hotel is just a few steps away. 

The reception area

We arrived at the hotel at around 2:00 pm, just in time for their standard check-in time. We were told by the guard at the ground floor to proceed to the reception at the 5th floor. The reception was too busy, an indication that the hotel has high occupancy for the time being. The reception lobby has interesting furniture with edgy designs. Upon check-in, we were given our access card and wifi password. We were told that our room, a Fort Suite, was at the 9th floor.

The kitchenette

Complimentary coffee- and tea-making facilities

Bonifacio Global City skyline from the living room of the Fort Suite

One of the two LED TVs

Arriving at the 9th floor, the Fort Suite was at the corner. The 42-square-meter suite is nicely decorated following a minimalist/contemporary theme. Upon entrance, the inviting couch facing a glass wall that overlooks Bonifacio High Street welcomed us. The suite also has a kitchenette complete with a coffee- and tea-making facility, as well as a personal refrigerator which we found helpful during our stay. A glass-topped dining table takes centerstage at the kitchenette. So for families wishing to have a staycation here, you need not worry about where to stock your snacks for the rest of your stay. There are also two 32-inch LED TV in the suite — one in the living room, and another inside the bedroom. 

The bedroom

The bedroom did not disappoint, too! A plush king-sized bed with clean linen is the bedroom’s focal point. Warm lighting is installed to set the mood. As mentioned, there is another flatscreen television in the bedroom, so kids and parents need not debate on which television show to watch over the weekend. The closet is spacious and is equipped with a safety deposit box for your valuables. There is also a flat iron and ironing board for your convenience.

LED TV in the bedroom

The bathroom is adjacent to the bedroom. It embodies the same contemporary vibe with Bravat bathroom fixtures, bidet, hot and cold rainshower and their signature bath amenities. There is no tub for this room, but the soothing warm shower and the calming ambiance make up for it. Towels are  clean and of high quality.

The bathroom

Premium bath amenities

After settling in, we went out of the suite to check out the hotel’s facilities. At the 3rd floor are the three swimming pools, F Restaurant Lounge, and the hip Angry Lounge (pool bar). Once we got out of the elevator, we were welcomed by stunning lighting fixtures, reminiscent of designs from Cebu (or are they from Cebu?)

Elevator lobby at the third floor

We didn’t have dinner at F Restaurant Lounge as we were still full from our late lunch, so we decided to check out the pool area first. What caught my attention is the Angry Lounge, an exquisitely-designed pool bar that offers a great selection of drinks and cocktails. There are beautifully-crafted seats where you can dine al fresco, while enjoying a spectacular view of Bonifacio Global City.

Poolside bar

Cozy seats at the al fresco dining area

There are three swimming pools: one is an elevated lap pool, a kiddie pool, and another one that looks like a Jacuzzi sans the water jets. Akisha enjoyed having a dip at the Jacuzzi-like pool. There are also nice poolside beds where you can enjoy the refreshing fresh air. 

One of the three swimming pools

Honestly, I find the chairs all over the hotel very unique and well-crafted. Each furniture piece has an interesting aura. This loveseat by the pool looks inviting. How romantic it is to lounge here under the moonlight.

The Jacuzzi-like pool

And speaking of moonlight, while I was able to capture the full moon sneaking out of the horizon while I was lounging on one of the Cobonpue-ish pool chair. I love the view!

Moonlight

The next morning, we woke up earlier to have buffet breakfast at F, which I shall be writing about next. Afterwards, we went to the mezzanine to check out the gym and spa. The gym has state-of-the-art Life Fitness equipment with individual audio-visual features. How I wish I have my workout outfit with me so that I could have tried it myself. The spa, on the other hand, isn’t operational yet but the exteriors look promising. 

State-of-the-art gym

We checked out earlier than the usual 12:00 nn check out time. While waiting for clearance from the reception, I saw this tent card — free shuttle service to and from Glorietta 4 and Market Market. 

Overall, our stay was pleasant. The location is nice and the rooms are clean and beautifully-designed. Find out more about our buffet breakfast at F Restaurant Lounge on my next post. 

C’est la vie!

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Best Western Premier F1 Hotel

32nd Street Bonifacio Global City

Telephone: (63.2) 928.9888

Fax: (63.2) 928.1888

Email: inquiry@bwpf1hotel.com

http://www.bestwesternpremierf1hotel.com

Having Weekend Lunch at LuLu Restaurant

Last week, I had the chance to check out one of the must-try restaurants in Rockwell. LuLu (formerly Lu Restaurant) has been acquired by new owners, Chef Tom Hines and Icy Marinas, for over a year now. It used to serve Moroccan/Mediterranean food way back, but has completely turned into a cozy restaurant serving gourmet comfort food and a bit of fusion.

I was told that LuLu has a great selection of shakes and smoothies, so when I was asked to select a drink, I ordered a strawberry fruit shake with a hint of basil. I like basil in my pasta, or in savory dishes, but little did I know that basil also works well with sweets. The refreshing taste of plump berries work perfectly well with the tangy flavor of basil, and crushed ice added a nice texture. I like it so much that before I knew it, my glass was nearly empty.

For the main course, I ordered Tuna, Arugula and Risoni, one of Icy’s favorites. The seared yellowfin tuna was cooked to perfection — brown on the outside with a hint of pink on the inside. The creamy risoni balances the zesty taste of the seared tuna. It’s actually as good as risotto!

For a sweet ending, I ordered the Lemon Glazed Yoghurt Cheesecake. It was the first time I have tried a “yogurt” cheesecake, and they said it’s actually a healthier version of the usual cheesecake. As I dipped my fork into the rich, creamy cheesecake, I knew I will love it. The citrusy twist made it more delectable.

Overall, my dining experience at LuLu earns two thumbs-up. Great comfort food with a twist, cozy ambiance and friendly owner and staff made it a blast!

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Lulu Restaurant

Rockwell

G/F Joya Bldg., Joya Drive

Poblacion, Makati

(02) 403-3991

A Post-Valentine’s Staycation with Roomorama

Metro Manila’s cityscape from One Rockwell’s sky lounge

Last January, while I was contemplating on what to do on Valentine’s Day, I had thought of having a staycation with my family. But this time, I want something different from a hotel or a resort, for the mere reason that I want the feel of a home away from home. Good thing I came across Roomorama, an online short-term rental booking engine that champions a new way to travel in Asia and the world over.

I was reading through the website and learned that Roomorama.com was founded in 2009 by entrepreneurs Jia En Teo and Federico Folcia out of their Manhattan apartment. Caught between professional obligations and the love of travel, the two would rent out their New York apartments to their friends. They used their earnings to subsidize their travel needs. Gradually became a habit, they advertised their apartment but noticed that advertising back then involved too many risks. They identified the need for a platform that will handle short-term rental transactions securely and quickly, thus, the birth of Roomorama.

I got intrigued by the concept, so I started browsing through their properties online, and to my delight, the wide array of accommodations they offer did not disappoint. Roomorama offers practically all sorts of accommodation around the world- from quaint rooms to opulent villas. There’s this stylish executive suite in Soi Langsuan in Bangkok, a beachfront property in Sri Lanka, a luxury apartment in Taipei, a minimalist villa in Krabi…name it, they have it! And surprisingly, the rates (compared to suites and villas of the same size  and amenities in hotels and resorts) are way more affordable! Having seen this, I browsed through their properties in the Philippines, and in a snap, a plethora of different properties that they offer appeared on my screen. Imagine, they have vacation houses,villas, suites and rooms in Bohol, Davao, Palawan, Cebu, Metro Manila, Baguio and a lot more!

Since I have no plans of going out of town for Valentine’s Day, I decided to check out their Metro Manila properties. Nice serviced residences, condominiums and apartments were available. There was even a beautiful house with a rustic Old Manila charm. Among these, I chose a loft at One Rockwell in Makati. Just a few clicks and voila, our V-Day celebration was all set. I must say that Roomorama is so fuss-free and easy to use.

I also had the chance to communicate with the owner of the loft I would rent for the weekend succeeding heart’s day. The owners were so helpful and accommodating in answering my queries about the unit.

When I asked them what do they think of Roomorama, this is what one of the owners said:

“Booking a vacation property at Roomorama gives travelers more variety — for a lower price. Our Loft for instance. We don’t know of a hotel that has the kind of architecture that we have. It is fully furnished with complete dining, kitchen, living, bedroom & bathroom amenities and is located in a secured, posh community. The loft is also walking distance to practically everything you need; has 24-hour concierge; has 100% stand-by emergency power, has hi-class building amenities; has very good wifi & cable TV for FREE, selection of movies on DVD for free, has local assistance–all these– for just  US$75 a night. It does sound cool, doesn’t it?” says Chris, one of the owners.

On the day of our staycation at the loft in One Rockwell, the owners’ caretaker met us at the chic lobby. The  owners pre-arranged the necessary permits from the property management office, so checking-in was fuss-free. The caretaker had given us an access card, which will serve as our pass to practically everything in the building – elevator, swimming pool and sky lounge.

When we entered the loft, I must admit I was so happy. Not only it is beautiful and well-maintained, the loft indeed feels like a home – exactly what I want for this staycation.

The cozy living room

The cozy living room has two sofas and a flatscreen cable TV. It is spacious and refreshing to look at since it has wide glass windows that allow natural light to come in. The entire loft has wifi, too!

“All the furniture in our loft (except the chess & console tables ) are originally from other countries; and were bought from different collectors–antique, designer & auctioneers,” Chris adds.

Fully-furnished kitchen

The kitchen has its own range with rotisserie, a fridge, a coffeemaker, toaster, kettle and a microwave oven. There were plates, cups, glasses and utensils, too, so you can play Martha Stewart here. The dining room isn’t so cramped unlike in other condos or apartments. The good thing about it is that you won’t get tired of hotel food! This is more cost-efficient and convenient especially for families.

Dining Room

A beautiful painting welcomed us when we climbed the stairs to the second floor, where the bedroom and the bathroom is.

Staircase leading to the second floor of the loft

The bedroom has a nice view of Rockwell Center, and has a plush bed with fresh linens. There were also two extra mattresses that you can use (the loft can occupy a maximum of four guests).

The bedroom has a nice view of Rockwell Center

In the bedroom, this vintage luggage caught my attention. Very pretty! I wonder where did the owners get this from? Cute!

A vintage luggage serve as an accent in the bedroom

The bathroom is clean and has basic amenities. There’s hot and cold water, bidet and washing machine. This loft is really perfect even for long stays!

The bathroom

After we settled in, we left the loft and explored the other facilities at One Rockwell. Our first stop is the sky lounge and the lap pool at the 53rd floor. The breeze here was so refreshing! I almost forgot that I was in Manila because the air was so fresh and it wasn’t noisy with beeping cars. The lap pool was so inviting but the cool breeze made us decide to check out the other pool at the ground floor. Oh and by the way, there’s a Jacuzzi here, too!

The lap pool at the sky lounge on the 53rd floor

We went down at the ground floor to check out the other pool and the kid’s playground. From the pool, I had an amazing view of the modern exteriors of One Rockwell.

One Rockwell West Tower from the ground floor pool

My baby did enjoy the pool here. Water has the right temperature and the depth is kid-friendly. There were some lounge beds available for those who want to bask in the sun and just read a book. If you want some refreshments, the ground floor pool is just steps away from a row of good restaurants like Bizu, Kaya, Apartment 1B, UCC and a lot more. There’s even a Starbucks there.

Pool at the Ground Floor

At sunset, my husband was able to catch this stunning Rockwell Center view.

Rockwell Center at night

I must say I did the right decision in booking a loft via Roomorama instead of a hotel this time. The amenities were at par and the cozy feel beckons us to return. Indeed, Roomorama is serious when it says it’ll give you a home away from home. And for our Palawan and Siem Reap trips this year, booking through Roomorama is on top of my options. C’est la vie!

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https://roomorama.com/

Le Spa at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila

Due to our cancelled Calaguas trip, I had decided to have a “me” time at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila. Last week, I had just won a gift  certificate for a one-hour signature massage at Le Spa (yes, call me lucky!) and I thought this is the perfect time to use it.

I arrived at Le Spa thirty minutes before my appointment. Warm interiors with a modern feel welcomed me into the spacious lounge. I was then asked if I want to use the wet area, and of course, who am I to say no! The lady at the reception led me to the wet area, gave me a robe and taught me how to encode my pin number onto the high-tech locker.

Tip: Go to Le Spa an hour before your schedule if you want to make the most out of your stay at the wet area. This way, you can indulge in soothing Jacuzzi, or pampering steam/sauna.

I quickly changed into my robe, had a shower and drank a glass of cold water. Afterwards, I went straight to the steam bath.

Take your pick: steam or sauna?

I was the only one inside the steam room so I indulged in the relaxing warm room for about 10 minutes. I sniffed the warm steam, as if I am doing some kind of breathing exercises during a Bikram class. For me, this is the best steam bath I’ve ever had. Just the right steam. Not suffocating. The doors were easy to open. Just push it outwards! I remember there was a time whenI was in another spa and the steam was too intense that I couldn’t breathe anymore. And worst, when I was trying to open the door, it wouldn’t open! Only to find out that it’s a sliding door that needs a forceful sideward pull to open! Good thing I didn’t pass out!

Steam

After that soothing steam bath, I took a plunge into the warm Jacuzzi. It was so relaxing! I indulged for another 10 minutes. The water was warm, not hot. The pressure is enough to softly knead your aching muscles. Best of all, it can comfortably fit a group of five to seven people, perfect if you’re throwing a bridal shower, or a girl’s day out.

Jacuzzi

Afterwards, I had my last stop at the sauna. I brought a glass of water inside as I knew it can be dizzying sometimes due to the dry, hot air inside. While I was lying down in this inviting sauna, I couldn’t help but miss hot flow yoga. I wish I can get back to practice soon.

Sauna

At 4:00 pm, I was already in the lounge, waiting for my therapist to lead me to my room. But before I continue my story, let me share with you some photos of one of Le Spa’s breathtaking rooms, which I got the chance to see last week during the Spiral press launch.

The room at the second floor of Le Spa has its own bath tub and steam bath. If you are a couple and wants to spend some time together while watching the famed Manila sunset, then better book this treatment room at around 4:00  to 6:00 pm.

There’s also a private veranda where you can chill out before or after your treatment. In their spa menu, there’s what they call:

 “Duo” Couple’s Romantic Ritual

Indulge in a 3-hour use of a romantic couple’s suite with a choice of a 90-minute Marrakech Sweetness or Filipino Pride massage for two; includes a bottle sparkling wine, decadent pralines and a sensuous bath ritual.

Priced at Php 6,000 

Imagine watching the sunset while indulging in sparkling wine and pralines after your massage. Or, if you want to go the extra mile, then stay overnight with:

Jardin D’ Eden

A 3-hour World’s best or Local favorite Massage for couples and overnight accommodation at Sofitel with breakfast for two.

Price at Php 12,800

It would have been nice to share this romantic rejuvenating experience with your loved one. I want to do this on Valentine’s Day or our next anniversary! =)

Enough for daydreaming and let’s get back to reality. The therapist led me to my single room at the second floor. From its windows, I can see the large pool and the Manila Bay, of course. The minute we entered the room, she asked me what music do I prefer. Among the choices (classical, jazz, nature, ethnic), I chose nature, and I must say I love it. The music resembles the soothing waves of the sea and the refreshing air that envelopes the trees. It reminded me of my massage experience at the payag-payag in Bluewater Sumilon (click here), where I fell asleep to the natural sound of the breeze and waves.

Foot wash

The therapist gave me a foot wash, with some sea salt from the Dead Sea as sanitizer. This one alone was relaxing. The foot wash lasted for about 10 minutes. Afterwards, she started on my one-hour signature massage. When I asked what oil do they use, she said it’s sweet almond oil. The scent was very mild for my liking, as I am used to lemongrass, green tea or virgin coconut oils.

Single room

The massage was fantastic with the right pressure especially on my back. She put a  hot towel afterwards which I really like. Again, I fell asleep. And after awhile, I woke up when I heard the sound of a bamboo rainmaker, which she said they usually use to mark the end of the massage. Cool!

The rainmaker that they use to mark the end of the treatment

When the massage was over, she offered me some organic Da.u.de mango tea which I also like! It’s naturally sweet due to the natural flavors of mango, but I bet there’s no sweetener added on it. Yum!

I went out of the  room relaxed and recharged. How I wish I can go back  soon. It was really one of my best spa experiences in the Philippines!

Summer Palace at EDSA Shangri-La

Avocado salad roll, chilled assorted mushrooms with crabmeat, and barbecue taro roll

Last year, I was so privileged to be invited at the exclusive Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts media appreciation night. Dubbed as “Paris in1920’s”, the event was full of glamorous people, tremendous entertainment, delectable cuisine and overflowing wine and Champagne. Best of all, exciting prizes were raffled off, and I was so fortunate to win a chef’s birthday lunch at Summer Palace (EDSA Shangri-La). How cool is that!

So, a month later, I had a sumptuous Chinese lunch at Summer Palace, at the Peonyi private room to be exact.

The menu was simple and easy to understand. No hard-to-comprehend Chinese characters or terms, and by having a glance at the menu card, we’re pretty sure we would go home with tummies full to the brim!

Spinning off our lunch was a trio of appetizers comprised of avocado salad roll, chilled assorted mushrooms with crabmeat, and barbecue taro roll. The artful plating was interesting. Among the three, my favorite was the barbeque taro roll. It reminds me of Shang Palace’s (Makati Shangri-La) taro puff –which made me appreciate taro (or “gabi” in the vernacular) more — only without the crisp batter and my favorite Chinese hot sauce. For the record, I didn’t like taro that much until I had my first encouter with taro puff.

Next came the braised spinach soup with minced beef (and pumpkin soup for my aunt and mom who don’t eat beef). The poached quail egg on top of the shredded spinach and minced beef appeared so cute! The soup was ok, although, for some like me who doesn’t appreciate spinach except when it has any kind of cheese with it, you might find this too “leafy”.

Braised spinach soup with minced beef

The mains followed soon, beginning with fried spareribs in vinegar sauce. The meat was a bit tough since it was fried and not slow-roasted, but nevertheless tasted good with its sweet-tangy sauce. It could have been a perfect partner for seafood fried rice with XO sauce, which came in super late (read: the fried rice was served after we finished all the mains).

Fried spareribs in vinegar sauce

The second main dish, braised homemade beancurd with crab meat and crab roe, turned out to be my favorite. I couldn’t stop digging my fork into the soft beancurd. The sauce was a savoury light sauce with crab meat and roe, and two stalks of asparagus (again, for the record, I only eat less than 10 kinds of vegetables, and asparagus is part of that list).

Braised homemade beancurd with crab meat and crab roe

For dessert, we were served cream of pumpkin topped with vanilla ice cream and crispy roll. I always like the idea of mixing cold and hot, sweet and salty — a reason why I so love choco lava cake, turon ala mode, and salted caramel macarons de paris.This dessert is divine. The crisp vermicelli adds a nice texture to the pumpkin puree, and the vanilla ice cream balances the sweetness of the puree and the tinge of saltiness in the vermicelli roll.

Cream of pumpkin topped with vanilla ice cream and crispy roll

The private room, Peonyi, at the Summer Palace, EDSA Shangri-La

After the tummy-filling lunch, we had another round of jasmine tea while having a great conversation. Overall, our experience was good (except for the fried-rice-delay incident). Oh, and how I wish xiao long bao was part of the chef’s lunch!

Mabuhay Palace at The Manila Hotel

Singaporean Chili Crabs

As promised, I am giving a roundup of some of the Chinese restaurants in the country to welcome the year of the water snake.

The Manila Hotel remains the Grand Dame of hotels in the country. With rooms that envelopes you with nostalgic memories, to a spectacular view of the sunset by the bay, The Manila Hotel continues to delight its patrons over the decades. And its restaurants form part of this fame. As a matter of fact, Mabuhay Palace remains one of the favorite Chinese restaurants in Manila. Let me tell you why.

The interiors vibrate a melange of modern and traditional Oriental charm. Red, black and gold surround the entire dining area, with huge round tables perfect for a family get together.

Its wide array of authentic Cantonese fare will definitely please your palate. Start with a warm bowl of noodle soup that has a generous mix of seafood, pork and mushrooms. The hearty soup is a healthy meal in itself, so you might want to consider splitting it into two.

Braised Beancurd with Chinese Mushrooms and Vegetables

Vegetarians will love the delectable  braised beancurd with Chinese mushrooms and vegetables. The soft beancurd is a light, yet tummy-filling alternative to meat.

Long Life Prawn with Three Dips

The restaurants’ signature dish,  Long-Life Prawns, gives a different twist to the usual battered tempura, with crisp vermicelli wrapped around giant prawns. The three dips such as the fruity plum, wasabi mayonnaise and hoisin sauce give a nice interplay of flavors from sweet to tangy to zesty. The Singaporean Chili Crabs is so sinful and tempting with its right intensity of spiciness on fat humungous crabs. Cap your dining experience with their hot house tea.

The service is nevertheless impeccable, with its attentive and well-trained staff. This, perhaps, is what makes Mabuhay Palace alive and kicking for decades. Because good food and ambiance are irrelevant if not complemented with outstanding service…just my two cents.