Cowrie Grill by The Manila Hotel: Full Course Steak Meal

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

cowrie grill manila hotel

cowrie grill manila hotel
Specials and course meal are posted by its door piquing the interest of passerby.

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

cowrie grill manila hotel


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

cowrie grill manila hotel
Passionate chefs showcase their skills by preparing dishes on a tray.

cowrie grill manila hotel
Spectators all applauded as the chef flambed the lobster medallions.

cowrie grill manila hotel
The lobster medallion is the star of their signature Lobster Bisque.

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

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

cowrie grill manila hotel


cowrie grill manila hotel


cowrie grill manila hotel

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

cowrie grill manila hotel
Tada! The final product... Maitre D' Caesar Salad.


cowrie grill manila hotel
Cool refreshing Watermelon Sherbet serves as an interlude to such a long engagement.

cowrie grill manila hotel
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.


cowrie grill manila hotel
To accompany such a big savory slab of meat is the classic baked potato.

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

cowrie grill manila hotel
Many thought twice before laying their forks upon the beautiful Baked Alaska.


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

cowrie grill manila hotel
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

Cafe Ilang-Ilang: Around the World Lunch Buffet (The Manila Hotel)

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Named after the fragrant local flower, you can expect to be enticed by The Manila Hotel's Cafe Ilang-Ilang.

cafe ilang ilang the manila hotel
Be enchanted by its amorous and elegant dining setting whether you prefer cozy lofts or long table dining sets ups. 

cafe ilang ilang the manila hotel
Begin your gastronomic journey at the Bread and Cheese Station where an assortment of gourmet breads (such as Maize, Garlic Bread, Cranberry Walnut, Multi-grain Bread and Pesto Foccacia) premium cheese (such as Roquiefort Cheese, Brie, Overia, Gruyere, Emmental and Goat Cheese) , toppings (such as Craisins, Dried Mangoes and Olives) and spreads are available to fill your belly. 

cafe ilang ilang the manila hotel
While the west may be far across the globe, you can devour Western cuisine at Cafe Ilang-Ilang's  Western Station were a selection of Salads (Do-It-Yourself: Selection of Greens, Parmesan Cheese, Bacon, Croutons and Julienned Cheese or Pre-made: Tofu and Tuna Salad, Seafood Salad, Coleslaw and Vietnamese Salad), Cold Canapes and Selection of Cold Cuts (such as Caulli-flower Panna Cotta, Smoked Salmon, Embotido, Chicken Pork Terrine, Duck Pate, Seafood Terrine, Pork Aspic Terrine and Pork Country Pate) which you can compliment with your choice of Mango Chutney, Cranberry Sauce, Vinaigrette and Dill Sauce.

cafe ilang ilang the manila hotel
Taste the fresh sweetness of the sea by dropping by on the Cold Seafood Display.

cafe ilang ilang the manila hotel
Chinese cuisine is one of the ancient cuisines with a long history of development.  Should you wish to try Chinese Cuisine, Cafe Ilang-Ilang's Chinese Station is extensive.  With Hot Pot or Shabu-Shabu, diners can warm up with their flavorful broth filled with their choice of toppings.  Piping hot Dimsum selections (such as Golden Forest Dumpling, Seafood Taro Puff, Pan Fried Vegetable Dumpling and Peking Duck Wrap) are sure impress as they were a leap of the ordinary.  Should you wish to move on to the main dishes, there's Patatim, Shrimp Orange Sauce, Birthday Noodles and Yang Chow Fried Rice

cafe ilang ilang the manila hotel
Should diners prefer to customize a Mongolian Bowl, there's the Mongolian Station.  Mix and match with Meat (such as: Beef, Cuttlefish, Shrimp, Fish, Chicken and Liver), Spices (Chili, Green Onions, Garlic and Beans), Toppings (Young Corn, Carrot, Shitake Mushrooms, Onions, Bell Peppers, Bean Sprouts, Glass Noodles and Egg Noodles) and Sauces (Soy Sauce, Fish Sauce, Sweet Chili Sauce, Sesame Oil, Oyster Sauce and Teriyaki Sauce).

Carnivores will be jumping for joy as there's a huge chunk of Roasted Sirloin by the Carving Station.

With a dedicated Italian chef and a spacious live cooking station, one cannot miss the Italian Station. Trust the chef by trying his specialty dishes (such as the Prawn Ravioli with Coconut Sauce and Lemon Grass and Escargot Risotto).  The freshly cooked brick oven-pizzas are equally delightful with its explosive flavor and superb flaky crisp.

The Japanese Station is always being sought for.  Seekers will find no less than satisfaction with the selection of fresh Sashimi (Salmon, Mackarel, Tuna, Octopus, Crabstick and Squid), Inari Sushi, Maki, Cold Soba, Tempura, Katsu and other Japanese dishes (Japanese Fried Rice, Chicken Teriyaki, Yakisoba and Kani Bacon).

As popular as its neighboring Asian brothers, Korean Cuisine boasts of savor and spice.  Tickle your taste buds with Kimchi Soup, Bulgogi, Spicy Squid and other Ban Chan.

The Thai Station is unparallelled when it comes with spices and herbs.  These essential elements are prevalent in Cafe Ilang-Ilang's spice-riched dishes such as Mango Salad, Shrimp Curry, Grilled Chicken and Triple-spiced Grouper.

Exquisite dishes (such as Crab in Coconut Milk, Pancit Malabon and Lapu-Lapu A La Badao) and exotic dishes (such as Kalderetang Hita ng Usa) at the Filipino Station are sure to win over both local and foreign guests.

More meat and seafood awaits at the Churrasco or Grill Station.  There's Prime Rib, Baby Back Ribs, Hungarian Sausage and Fresh Seafood (such as Salmon in Miso, Salmon and Squid).  Compliment you heavy option with your choice of sauce or sides (such as Gravy Sauce, Barbecue Sauce, Habanero Salsa, Chimichurri, Molho Campnha, Grilled Onions, Grilled Pineapple, Grilled Pineapple, Grilled Asparagus and Grilled Corn)

Halal foodies are fortunate as options are both filling and delicious.  The Halal collection includes Hommus Bi Tahini, Kachumber, Mixed Olive, Murg Salad, Acar Salad, Jicama Sambar Salad, Samosa, Naan, Chicken Tikka, Lamb Chop, Yellow Ghul, Matar Pulao Rice and Aloo Gobi.

Dining at Cafe Ilang-Ilang is set to leave a lasting impression with its colorful sweet desserts.  Everything a sweet tooth could crave for is here: Gelato (such as Raspberry, Ferrero, Biscottini, Yogurt, Ube, Pistachio, Tiramisu, Macchiato and Mango), Cakes (Ohaina Cake, Carrot Cake, Black Forest Cake, Pistachio Opera Cake, Orange Opera Cake, Cheese Cake, Creme Brulee and Mango Cheese Cake), Sugar-Free (Chocolate Mousse and Panna Cotta), Macarons (Ube, Pistachio, Blueberry, Lemon, Strawberry and Coffee), Petit Fours (Green  Tea and Chocolate), Halo-Halo, Bibingka, Puto Bumbong, Crepe, Chocolate Fondue, Cookies, Candies, Jellies and Fresh Fruits.


At Cafe Ilang-Ilang you can taste the flavors from around the world.  So why not start your foodie journey here?

Cafe Ilang-Ilang
The Manila Hotel, One Rizal Park,
Manila, Metro Manila

Azalea Residences Baguio: Summer Staycation in the City of Pines

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A few weeks ago, I was among the 20 bloggers who were invited to experience Baguio by Azalea Residences Baguio.

azalea residences baguio
Our stay was fantastic!  The service was superb.  Upon our every arrival at Azalea, we were greeted by the staffs with a full-blown smile.

azalea residences baguio
The hotel has great ventilation due to its spaciousness.  It has five floors but not all the area are utilized to allow the lobby to have high-ceiling.

Two Bedroom Apartment Suite
azalea residences baguio
We had a family room which had two bedrooms: a master bedroom with queen-sized bed and another was for a single bed. 

azalea residences baguio
Since we were five who stay in the room, the couch was converted into a bed.  That's were I slept. 

azalea residences baguio
The front view rooms are more expensive but you have the pleasure of having a view like this from the veranda.

azalea residences baguio
The master bedroom has its own cable TV, closet and bathroom.  Azalea's beds are so soft and heavenly so if you can stretch your budget, it's better to sleep here than on the couch.

The bathroom is very clean with clean towels, shampoo, lotion, conditioners and toothbrushes.

azalea residences baguio
There's a hallway with an open space center.

azalea residences baguio
We also got to check out the other rooms.

azalea residences baguio
The single rooms are typically like this.

Presidential Suite
azalea residences baguio
Of course, we were all mesmerized by the Presidential Suite which costs 30,000 a night.

azalea residences baguio
It feels like a house right?  It has two floors with its own living room, kitchen, bathroom and 3 bedrooms.

Each bedroom has its own bathroom, cable television and closet.

azalea residences baguio

azalea residences baguio
Now, who wouldn't want to stay in a room (or should I say a house-like-room) like this?

azalea residences baguio
If you're too lazy to go out, there's Tradisyon by Azalea downstairs where you could eat.

azalea residences baguio
Overall, we all had a great summer staycation in the City of Pines because we had Azalea Residences Baguio to go to at the end of the day. 

Azalea Residences Baguio
7 Leonard Wood Loop,  
Baguio City, Benguet, Philippines
(632) 435-3545