Lotus Garden Hotel: Heritage Tour

A few weeks ago, I was invited to have a breakfast and a quick tour around Lotus Garden Hotel.

I've been passing by it for many years, this is the first time I actually stepped in.

The staffs are very polite and hospital.  I'm told that Manny Pacquaio used to stay there before he got famous.

There are lots of amenities.  There's a jacuzzi and a spa.

There's a meeting room and a function room that can house 100 persons for balls and proms.

Cilantro Resto Bar

 I love how clean the place is and still intact with its rich heritage.

There are many types of rooms.

Some are more traditional.

While others are more contemporary.

Their biggest room even has its own kitchenette which is perfect for families and those who have kids.

Lotus Garden Hotel
1227 A. Mabini cor. Padre Faura St.
Ermita Manila, Metro Manila
(02) 522-1515

Cowrie Grill by The Manila Hotel: Full Course Steak Meal

Embossed with golden letters Cowrie Grill by The Manila Hotel, exudes elegance inside and out.

Specials and course meal are posted by its door piquing the interest of passerby.

Wine bottles along with its opulent bar, imbibes wine aficionados to try their collection.

Polished seashell curtains, yellow lighting , mystic booths, marbled tables paired with soft-cushioned seats offers  a special experience to its guest.

Passionate chefs showcase their skills by preparing dishes on a tray.

Spectators all applauded as the chef flambed the lobster medallions.

The lobster medallion is the star of their signature Lobster Bisque.

It's a golden prize that awarded to every bowl.

The chef explains each ingredient of the Maitre D' Caesar Salad as he adds them into the big bowl.

Who wouldn't be enticed to see so much of the finest ingredients mixed in a bowl?

Tada! The final product... Maitre D' Caesar Salad.

Cool refreshing Watermelon Sherbet serves as an interlude to such a long engagement.

Eyes all widened as an enourmous platter of Angus Beef Rib US was served with three choice of sauces.  "Mmmm...." echoed as each piece of pillow-soft Angus Beef Rib US landed on each mouth.

To accompany such a big savory slab of meat is the classic baked potato.

The show goes on as the Chef performs his final act: Flambed Baked Alaska.

Many thought twice before laying their forks upon the beautiful Baked Alaska.

But, the surprise inside (strawberry and vanilla ice cream) made it difficult to hold back.

Finally, Coffee or Tea is served with Chocolate Crinkles to as the meal ender.

And, that is my short tale of the Full Course Steak Meal which you can enjoy at Cowrie Grill by The Manila Hotel.

Cowrie Grill by The Manila Hotel
G/F, Promenade, Greenhills, 
San Juan City, Metro Manila

Waterside Resto Bar Launch: Latin American and Mediterranean Dinner (Solaire Resorts and Casino Sky Tower)

Simultaneously launched with Oasis Garden Cafe is Waterside Restobar.  Waterside specializes in Latin American  and Mediterranean cuisine.

 It.has a modern interior that gives a semblance of luxury.

It has a bright, colorful and classy bar area. 

There are noticeably two types of dining areas, one with the usual table.and chair set up and the other with tall tables and stools.

There are different stations which are all equipped with baking and cooking kitchen. 

I liked that every station is open and visible to the diners so you can view every chef at work and how your food is meticulously prepared.

There are also dessert chillers.

Some are apparently not filled up yet.

Food

Complimentary Bread Basket

I love the rolls filled with green olives!

Tapas

Fish

Sardinillas

The Sardinillas is mackarel swimming in smooth and fruity olive oil with fragrant garlic bits.  It is served with crusty bread.  I loved this!

Boquorones Sharing (750 php)

I'm glad that Waterside introduced me to Boquorones.  It is a fish dish in vinegar with runny eggs drizzled with aoili sauce.  I found it interesting though I couldn't eat mush due to its tanginess.

Meat

Chorizo Sharing (680 php)

The Chorizo is topped with mini bits of melon topped with mint leaves.  There's an interesting affinity of fruity, meaty and minty essence within this dish.

Jabugo Sharing (900 php)

The Jabugo is thinly sliced ham topped with melon (supposed to be pineapple on the menu) and bleu cheese laid over bread.

Vegetables

Banderillas Sharing (690 php)

The Banderillas is sticks of olives wrapped in piquillo pepper and grated garlic.

Paella

Paella Valenciana *sample size

The Paella Valenciana is saffron-spiced bomba rice with chicken chunks, chorizo, hard-boiled egg, prawns and pimiento.  My friends loved this.  However, it was too wet for my preference.

La Parilla-The Grill

Beef Brisket, Jumbo Prawns, Crack Back Chicken and Inihaw na Liempo *sample size

The highlight of our meal is the wooden board filled with Beef Brisket, Jumbo Prawns, Crack Back Chicken and Inihaw na Liempo.  I loved the Beef Brisket which was twice cooked, poached and charred.  Next to that, I enjoyed the Crack Back Chicken which was brined, roasted and BBQ glazed.

Sauces and Dips

Chimichurri, Bordelaise and Red Pepper Spackles

Costar

Asparagus

The shredded Asparagus is paired with goat milk and lemon.  It's refreshing  but not too interesting for non-veggie lovers.

Humita

The Humita is so sweet and at the same time so spicy!

Crushed

The Crushed is scuffed carbonara potatoes.  It is so good that I don't mind loading up with those carbs.

Sweets

Pineapple Ravioli (260 php)

The Pineapple Ravioli is an unforgettable dessert.  It is a citrusy sorbet wrapped in thin cool sheets of pineapple topped with chili bits.  I'm amazed at the craftiness and creativity placed into this.  

Dark Chocolate (260 php)

If you're looking for a total chocolate indulgence, then I'm sure you'll be more than fulfilled with the dark, rich and heavy chocolate consistency of the Dark Chocolate.   It is served with sour raspberry jelly and cream which you'll need to sooth your palette from the over chocolate indulgence.

Overall, I loved the experience!  It has certainly broadened my flavor exploration for Latin American and Mediterranean Cuisine.  Congratulations Waterside for a great launch!

Waterside Resto Bar (Solaire Resorts and Casino Sky Tower)
1 Asean Avenue, Entertainment City, Tambo, 
Paranaque City, Metro Manila
(02) 888-8888
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