When Novotel Manila Araneta Center's Sunday Funday Was Launched

I don't know about you, but for us, Sunday is a definite family day.  As much as possible we give all our available times to our kids.  If we can only make everyday a Sunday... 

Bhogs and I grew up looking forward to Sundays, and even when we met and became friends, Sunday became more special.  Hence, when we became parents, that day, stands on top of all days and we give priority of honoring it, as God's day, by spending the whole day with the complete family. 

Apparently, two of our kids (we have four kids, btw), who are now slowly becoming adults themselves have never realized yet its importance.  Though this make, Bhogs and I, tad heartbroken, we just make the most of our Sunday spent going to Sunday Christian services and of course savoring hefty servings of good food, with our two girls.

Do not let Sunday be taken from you.

If your soul has no Sunday, it becomes an orphan.

as quoted by Albert Schweitzer

August Shower of Discounts at Century Park Hotel

Century Park Hotel begins the countdown to its anniversary with the abundance of discounted indulgences sure to be enjoyed by everyone.

First on the list of discounted treats is definitely a perfect match with the bed weather. Warm up the cozy season as we give you a big rate drop on our staycation package. Book a superior room for only P3,800 net/room/night and deluxe room/studio/one-bedroom park tower suite/junior superior suite for P4,800 net/room/night. Packages include buffet breakfast for two at the Café in the Park. Promo is until August 31, 2015.

An exclusive treat awaits all young at heart at the Café in the Park as we present our Senior Citizen special promotion. Enjoy 50% off on total buffet charges every Wednesday dinner, Saturday lunch and Sunday breakfast, lunch and dinner. Promo is until August 29, 2015. Likewise, savor a delectable buffet feast with your family and colleagues with our Big Group special promotion. Enjoy up to 25% off on total buffet charges every Monday and Tuesday evenings. The promo requires minimum of 15 persons and maximum of 25 diners and will run until August 31, 2015.

Century Tsukiji joins the party with its irresistible Japanese flavor as it offers an exclusive Buy 3, Get 1 Free Set Lunch promotion for only P488 net per person to all employees of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. Start your dining adventure with a choice from garden green salad with crispy chicken or crispy dumplings or spinach and fried bean curd or mixed vegetable salad. Continue with our selection of main course from pan fried red snapper with mint butter sauce or pan fried chicken bacon roll with teriyaki sauce or deep fried breaded pork or steamed rice or mixed fried rice wrapped in omelette.  Finish your meal with dessert of trio of seasonal fruits, glutinous rice with sweet red beans or choco-vanilla ice cream.  A complimentary green tea completes your meal. The promo is valid until August 31, 2015.

PAL Mabuhay Miles members can enjoy a sumptuous dining experience everytime they convert their Mabuhay miles to dining vouchers. Members can choose from deep-fried minced chicken on a skewer or deep-fried ground pork or pan-fried beef tenderloin all with a choice of fresh vegetable salad or vegetable roll. The menu includes rice, soya bean paste soup and pickles. End a satisfying meal with sweet and fresh desserts from mango ice cream, trio of fresh fruits and Japanese green tea.

Your sweet-tooth should grab this discounted treat at the Deli Snack while it’s still up! Enjoy an hour of mouth-watering delights from 7pm to 8pm daily and take 50% off on selected pastries and breads. Have a perfect take home surprise from a wide array of our chefs’ delicate works of art. More of your favorite delicatessen items are available at the Deli Snack from 8am to 8pm.

Century Park Hotel is also one with Philippine National Bank’s countdown to its centennial celebration. Enjoy rain of discounts exclusively offered to all PNB credit card holders. Take 45% off on rooms except suite rooms based on best available rates and a 39% off on lunch or dinner buffet at the Café in the Park.

For more information, contact us at telephone no. 528-8888 or email us at information@centurypark.com.ph.


The Century Park Hotel is owned and managed by Maranaw Hotels & Resort Corporation

Neo-classical Romanticism at Vikings SM Jazz Mall

Milan, Italy is my parents and siblings' second home, thus it is mine too and I can't wait to come back.  Though only in my dreams, I would definitely barter for any tour, for me and my family to go back and see again the grandeur that is Italy.  In order for me to ease my yearning to coming to Italy is basking in Italian cuisine at home and when I'm called to indulge to dine out.

What made  me so in love in that romantic country is its renaissance art depicted in their architectural preeminence.  Bucolic monuments, neo-classical buildings to gothic palaces and everywhere you look seems to transport you in the era you only have read on novels.

Once you've been there, you will never leave without leaving aprt of your heart there.  So there, I really, really miss Italy, well also my relatives, hehe.

That being out in the open, I'm glad to tell you that I found a decent dose to cure my ailing heart, I found it in Vikings' newest branch, SM Jazz Mall.  Let my photos tell you why.

Eat like a Viking with the 4th of July Theme

Independence Day in America means fireworks, BBQs, beaches, picnics, home parties and other events that make a summer holiday perfect. Now, we may be in the midst of rains here and we may not be able to make one heck of an apple pie but I know where we can have plenty of other ways to pay homage to our American friends this 4th of July.

The celebration usually spans from three days on a weekend to a long five days, however, Vikings will celebrate it every weekend for the whole month of July, which will kick off on Friday July 4, 2014.  Now you can #eatlikeaviking with a special menu so meticulously researched and prepared, quintessential to iconic American food.   

Each of Viking's branch will be featuring different dishes highlighting Americans' love for their food.  The dishes featured are American fave and at times sold on fair grounds on public venues or typical traditional dishes cooked every July 4, but wait, given some twists by Viking's chefs.

Yesterday, Vikings North Edsa hosted a sit down luncheon to select bloggers introducing the menu for the 4th of July theme.

We were dearly welcomed by the marketing representative and chefs, who took time to get things rolling with their inventive take on each dishes.

To give you a glimpse of what to expect at Vikings, North Edsa's menu, I came undaunted and faced an explicit meal at one of the best and largest buffet restaurant in the country, not minding how bloated I'll be after the juncture.

So began our fete with a plate of one of the appetizer.

Tortilla + Clubhouse Sandwich = Tortilla Club Sandwich...

That's like having a new spin on American classic 70's fave sandwich -Clubhouse.   What supposed to be typical triple-decked sandwich with bacon, turkey ham, lettuce and tomato were rolled with tortilla.  The tomatoes were replaced with chopped black olives and made tangy with a mayo-mustard sauce.

Our second plate was composed of Niagara Falls on the left, Maguro Haru Maki on the middle and Maryland Maki at the bottom.  

You will definitely feel the American spirit with how they have coined the sampling appetizers.  Apparently Amricans love sushi.  Sushi to them is the ultimate sexy health food. The combination of sticky rice, raw or cooked fish along with fresh vegetables, pickled ginger and the fiery taste of wasabi are not only appealing to the palate, but pleasing to the eye.  

Niagara Falls is a sushi with mango, avocado, and sashimi wrapped and rolled so neatly. The addition of cooked white noodles and a vinegar, citrus based sauce gave it the oomph factor.  

Another type of sushi, the Maryland Maki, has crab sticks, carrots, asparagus and chicken teriyaki drizzled with a comixture of strawberry sauce, all purpose cream and mango purée.

The Maguro Haru Maki was the one that won me over.  I was swooned to the simplicity of a thin spring roll wrapping layers of perfectly seasoned tuna and mango.

What's a feast without salad?  Thus we had Chicago Summer Corn Salad.  A plate of summer harvest right there for our sampling.  Lighty vinaigretted jumbled corn kernels, cucumber, and tomatoes on a bed of fresh greens.

An assortment of refreshments also awaits you.  My choice was the Minty Lemonade.

Soup up next with Boston Clam Chowder Soup.  A hot and think composite with the heavy flavor of clams is a pride on every household, probably every house in the Southern part have heirloom recipes for this.  Do not leave this cheesy bread sticks untouched, you'll regret it.

On our way to getting serious in the business of stuffing oneself, we moved to the first main course-  

Angel hair pasta in Agli Olio and roasted bell pepper bunched up with California Grilled Fish sitting on top.  I don't know with you, but I have practically developed an acquired taste to fruity flavors on meat dishes.  I love the interplay of the meaty or gamey flavors with the sauce bursting with fruity flavors from the orange marmalade coulis and poached oranges.  

The slices of Gindara were marinated for 24 hours in orange marmalade, red cooking wine, salt and pepper

To slightly break our meal in preparation for three other courses, we were served with Lemon Sorbet.  Try to squish the piece of lemon and mint leaf on to the crushed sour ice.

Don't be in awe when the server place this lovely plate on your table.  A rendition of Jambalaya Louisiana Rice is served with Indiana’s Pork Loin with Cranberry Sauce, Mississippi’s Turkey Sweet Potato and Shepherd’s Pie.  Another fruited meat, this time the pork was given a Cajun treatment, being enveloped with a sweet and tangy cranberry sauce.  If you are a fan of meat and pork, for this matter, you will love this, in any case, I'm not.

With regard to the pie, well, their inventive take on combining two pie recipes in one can be lauded, but I found the middle part, the mashed sweet potato, too mushy and I'm a bit discontented on the puff pastry.  But on a good note, I loved the Jambalaya rice, which was not over-powering even though it was seasoned with 8 different kinds of spices.   

To fully gratify your meat craving, how about some Tenderloin, cooked the way you want it.  I was served with a little underdone slices, but what really fascinated me was the Yorkshire Pudding and the thinly sliced crisp fried onion rings.  Sorry, and not, it was my first time to have one.  It somehow disguised as a muffin hidden beneath the tender loins.  Said to be the perfect accompaniment for roasts.  

Another thing I love about the plating and the profoundness of its taste as a whole is the minuscule molecular gastronomy applied on the white sauce over the tender loin.  Can you it see bubbling?  Yep, that's a delish foamy Horse Radish Sauce right there!

What's a feast without a sweet ending?  Have you seen Viking's dessert spread?

You will either be caught breathless or shouting OMG!

And  yes, we were caught by surprise as these heavenly slices were brought to our table.

From the top, Boston Cream Pie, New York Cheese Cake

Cherry Cashew Parfait. 

Before I tell you how these pastries fared, let me first share you an info. A Boston Cream Pie a cake that is filled with a custard or cream filling and frosted with chocolate. Although it is called a Boston cream pie, it is in fact a cake, and not a pie (Wikipedia). 

They got me there!  Nonetheless, above the intrigues I loved it, loved, loved it!

This cake made Boston famous but as per Martha Stewart, this luscious cake is the official state dessert of Massachusetts.  But lo, this isn't the original one, again the pastry chefs and sous chefs crafted a decadent layer cake and it was indeed a pièce de résistance.  The bottom, slightly gelatinous is layered with dark and white chocolate mousse then mantled with a sheer sheet of chocolate glaze.

Next to it, on the middle, are New York Cheesecake Triangles.  A total must-have in 4th of July gatherings. Lastly, is the Cherry Cashew Parfait, a stash of roasted cashews and cherry-spiked cream.

Vikings Luxury Buffet
Address:         4/F The Block, SM City North EDSA, Quezon City
Contact Numbers:  02 3763888, 02 3764888
FACEBOOK:  https://www.facebook.com/VIKINGSSMNORTH?ref=br_tf

Another Buffet Experience at Flavors Restaurant at P 1

 I was once caught up on a conversation  about how taste differs from flavor.  I never really paused that much and gave a hard thinking.  Taste, as we all know from grade-school, is a part of the five senses, were the tongue is the major player.  Sweet, salty, sour, bitter another one, which you might not know-umami.  As I paused on that very moment, the same  person who popped the question gave me a briefer.  As told by Earl Palma, the gourmand who owns Sauceria, "flavor is technically defines as the  combined sensations of taste (from taste buds), odor, and texture." The experience span from the time you see your food, until the odor signals something to your brain, till the food reaches your sense of taste up to the point of masticating and feeling something right after you've swallowed it.  Yes, that's flavor alright.

In a nutshell, flavor is all about the experience of the food, minding the food as a whole, it's color, texture, the aroma, the whole censorial feel and probably some memories attached to it making the food a flavorful dish.

Just in time for a flavorful meal, set amidst the hustle and bustle of Makati shopping arena,  Bhogs and I were able to check out Flavors Rsstaurant, at Holiday Inn & Suites Makati.  Let see how we can truly define flavor against taste here.

It was so fitting that I saw Animetrics' blog about her gastronomic experience at Flavors and I was glad I read it, that's what really prompted me to visit the restaurant finally, I have been putting the plan of trying  it out since I'm loyal to my favorite hotel buffet, which is in close proximity to Holiday Inn - Spectrum Restaurant.  I knew they just turned one year since they opened their doors  last April 1 and they have been celebrating since then.
I have a secret!  There had been a promo that's going on till April 30 which coincides with their 1 year anniversary celebration.  After finding out about this, we went straight to Holiday Inn at Glorietta, Makati to verify the deal and it was confirmed.  Will tell you about it at the end of this post.  In the mean while  just indulge in the photos I have collated during our buffet session.

We were so blessed to have come early, we were the first diner to come for yesterday's buffet dinner actually.  We came a few minutes after 6 pm, though they open at 6:30 pm.

Aside from being seated near the buffet area, this has been my view for the rest of the dinner time.  I love the simplicity yet intricacy of this artwork, however I didn't go further to study the piece for I was more eager to see their offerings.  So let me now give you a food tour at Flavor's buffet area.

 First stop is the one closest to the dessert station, good thing I was not tempted to start there.
Starting with the salad station.  
On a bed of crushed ice are bowls of pre-prepared salad mixes and some other mix-ins on the other side, and all over the table, while on the middle is a bunch of fresh lettuce.

 On the other side are the different types of vinaigrette with a bottle of olive oil to drizzle over your salad if you don't like fatty dressings.

Smitten by the Spectrum

   I have always marveled at  how a melange of gustatory delight is spread out in such a fashionable manner and how hotels can bring this to light some more.
   Everyone knows that Makati is a melting pot for forging success.  Still stands out undisputed as the economic heart of the Philippines as well as one of several key financial, professional and commercial centers within all the Asian countries.  For this reason, and for the fact that it also houses influential intercontinental matters.  Having this in mind, food and beverage businesses still shine more fervently, as we see new restaurants, including hotels popping up like mushrooms here and there.
  However the case is, Raffles and Fairmont Makati, two neoretics in the Manila's hospitality hub makes a stunning appearance and were warmly embraced by both the local and international market in the vicinity.
  I have not had the luxury yet of checking their sought after accommodations, including state of the art suites, and having heard from a friend that the units of the Raffles Residences are sold out.   But I was able to reacquaint myself with their buffet offerings from The Spectrum.

   Even before I entered Fairmont Hotel,  I knew what I'll be dealing with - myself (lol),  and how I can manage to enjoy ALL of the items on the buffet, which I'm sure I couldn't.  Good thing I went there with my friend and Bhogs.  That way, if there would be something I could have missed out, they can tell me how good it would be.
   Aside from the cheerful wait staff, the food station to greet you first is the heavenly dessert station.  Then I remembered, on the right of the restaurant's entrance is a glass wall where you can see some chefs doing their thing with the bread doughs.  Quite noticibly on the other side of the glass is a display of jars of fine fruit jams from Pierre Marmonier, the French creator of The Fruit Garden.

   We were seated under a glass-ceiling atrium that bathes the corner dining area in sunlight.  The best place to take your  food photos on daylight.  Also at a table near the dessert station and a section for honey with a mini apiary.

This section is one of it's kind, only The Spectrum have this, together with a splendid play of infused honey.

  I got all frantic seeing it and tried smelling each jar of honey with choiced herbs and spices even nuts.  One jar actually has figs and apricots in it, and oh how I love apricots.  Just a thought though, how do you pronounce apricot? I heard Chef Stephanie Zubiri once say it with a long /a/.  

   On the same display are small bowls with a spoon of Mascarpone Cheese swimming in honey and dashed with chopped Macadamia.

   Facing it is the bread station.  Go crazy with an assortment of freshly baked breads to go with your soup, pasta and salad.

  You know what, it took me a long time to pay a dear friend of mine a visit at his work-place, but finally the long wait was over!  Teehee!
  So here begins, to delight my insatiable appetite with Spectrum buffet's delectable edibles.

   Merna and I were tempted to begin our much-awaited lunch with sweets but we were able to arrest ourselves from the temptation and began with their soups.  They had two options that time, Tom Yum and Tomato Soup.  I opted to have the first one, Tom Yum.  The starter was able to warm me up with a slightly spicy and seafood-rich taste.  And because I planned for this occasion and didn't have breakfast, something hot needs to fill my tummy first, and this was perfect.

      My second plate, three salad choices and a bread stick.
     After which I began my tour down the alley of sublime and novel fare.

   You can ask the chefs to make kebabs for you and discern Middle Eastern cuisines like the Moussaka and Stuffed Wine Leaves.

 How about some Calamata olives, Babba Ghanoush, Hummus and Biryani Rice?

   While Bhogs had his second and third helpings of all sorts of Sashimi and seafood, I had myself a plate of saffron-flavored pasta, which was freshly-made with cream sauce.  I was asked if I want bacon and ham slices or some other ingredients to go with it.  But I opted not to add anything else to it, for I saw Bhogs on the meat carving station getting a chunky slice of steak.

   The premium grade US Roast Beef is the crowd favorite, Bhogs was always reminding me to get my slice before it rans out.

   The idea of an open kitchen is ace, where sanitation is always a priority. The passion of every chefs and staff is so fascinating, giving the diners the satisfaction that their sumptuous demands are always met.

  Just some of the meat and fish dishes in rich sauces.

   A bountiful catch of the day...

   Nicely sliced raw Norwegian Pink Salmon...(drools).

   An assortment of cheeses and cold cuts of sorts.

  The salad station with different bottles of vinaigrette and dressing.

   Sushi section.

Roasted duck and other meat choices, including bagnet.
Thus, my indulgence began.

   Guess what I have here on my Entree plate...

   My Creamy Saffron Pasta.

  Roast duck.

   Nicely done slices of Roast beef with grilled veggies and sprinkles of chilli-flavored salts.  Too bad I never got to take a photo of the different flavored salt.

  Yes, they do have an ample sampling of dim sums, in steamed baskets, and what I had was seafood wrapped in lettuce.

   Till, I gave in.
   Just before I get to finish my last plate, I have to dig my dessert spoon into these lovelies- Strawberry Panna Cota and chunky, nutty Smores.  If you think I ended there, let me give you a glimpse of their heavenly dessert buffet.

   Can you here them singing to you in an ensemble of sweet harmony and for sure some helpings will then rock your world with the perfect combination of ingredients including chocolate.

    With awe, eyes wide open, slight smile, gentle bite on the lip and with a quiet "mmmmmm..." I caught myself, suddenly at a hard time to verbalize anything coherent, as always when in the presence of all these

Isn't that the perfect personalized touch! Thanks for allowing us give in to our sweet tooth cravings.  And just so you guys know (addressed to The Spectrum) the three of us did help ourselves with these.  

Those oddly shaped chocolate cookies by the way are to die for.  I guess for bakers like me, there is that something really wonderful when you enjoy a baked good without you making them,

   " Everyone has a price - mine is chocolate."  ~Author Unknown
   I just love claiming that expression for myself.  don't you think you ought to reward yourself with these.

    If you aren't into cakes and pastries, next to it is the gelato and sorbet station.

   The impressive crepe station for that unique sweet ending, where you can have a crepe done the French way.

An array of flavor in one visit, from fruit, coffee to vanilla Crème brûlée and lots more.

    Please do not hesitate to ask for a cup of tea or coffee, it goes with the buffet fee.  Here are what I had with my mint green tea.

   A Madeline, a honey comb chunk inside the dark chocolate cup, all drizzled with honey infused with fig and apricot.

 Pichi-pichi with Parmesan cheese please.

Cold Mango Sago.  See even touches of the Filipino cuisine is splattered around.

   Now, this isn't my mine, this is my friend's crepe, topped with poached mix of berries and vanilla ice cream and lavished with love.   Well, the one who made it for her is her husband,  no one else than the Executive Pastry Chef of Fairmont, Chef Didier Derouet.

  Now here is mine and Chef Didier  made it himself.  

 Well, 37 years of perfecting culinary skills, especially in the line of desserts and pastries is really something.

    I can thoroughly describe my "dolce finale" or final dessert as "sex on a fork".  The vibrant colors, different mouth-feel of soft, crunchy, cold and warm, tarty berry sorbet, the spiked peach slices weaved into the buttery soft warm crepe.
   Doesn't the photo really captured the moment, it doesn't get any better.

   The buffet lunch is more or less P1600 per head.  I know you might say it's pricey.  Well compared to having buffet somewhere else, I would still prefer them over the cheaper ones, considering the five-star quality of every food and ambiance is amazing.  I'm frugal and most of the time, a cheapskate, but when comes to food it's a different matter.  I can also say  that every cent spent is well worth it. 

Fairmont Makati's Spectrum is an all-day buffet open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner:

Breakfast:     6:00am to 10:00am, Mondays to Fridays

                    6:00am to 11:00am, Weekdays and Holidays

                    PHP 1,336 net (inclusive of service charge and applicable taxes)

Lunch:        11:30am to 2:30 pm daily

                   PHP  1,596 net (inclusive of service charge and applicable taxes)

Dinner:       6:00pm to 10:00pm daily

                  PHP 1,842 net (inclusive of service charge and applicable taxes)

**Buffet is inclusive of coffee and tea.

Fairmont Makati is located at 1 Raffles Drive, Makati Avenue, Makati City or call 555-9888 for inquiries. Check out the Facebook Pages at www.facebook.com/FairmontMakati and www.facebook.com/RafflesMakati for more details.