City Garden Grand Hotel's Spice Cafe

Tuesday, March 31, 2015


View from the top most floor of City Garden Grand Hotel

A few days ago, we were fortunate enough to visit another hotel in the Makati. Along the busy district of Makati Avenue, a colossal structure stands out among the throng of room and board establishments in the city. They call it City Garden Grand Hotel. We didn't get to stay there yet but we had first dibs on their foremost restaurant named Spice Cafe. Unbeknownst to the general public, these chain of hotels with the "City Garden" monicker actually operate independently. This hotel is pretty new, the first two was built in Manila, the third one is in Makati. City Garden Grand Hotel is on their 9th month of operations (started July 14) and share the common vision, mission with the other franchise. 

The hotel's GM Lawrence Pena says "The hotel is fully operational, though the spa is still on its final touches. We can cater to them on individual rooms if they want to experience that already. We have the Spice Cafe on this floor, the infinity pool is on the 32nd floor, the gym is on the 9th together with the spa that's going to open real soon. We have a business center over there together with the meeting rooms. We have three function rooms also on the 8th floor and a Grand Ballroom on the 31st. We want the Filipino look and feel for this restaurant so we took time to put up capiz chandeliers, narra tree back drafts to almost all the walls, we had to redo some parts of it until here which caused some delays. We had to have consistency all the way up so the guests would feel homey. The contractors had certifications so they could source narra and use it all throughout. 

This is Spice Cafe. We want to have that Spice feel and it's really challenging because we have a specific way we want it done. There will be additions later on. Spice Cafe is fusion, we would like to stay and provide what the guest wants. It should be Asian, but at the end of the day we want the business segment and everybody else to be well taken cared of."  


The Interiors

Spice Cafe is casual dining. This serves as the same venue for breakfast courses of hotel guests but it's pretty much open for walk-ins and reservations. They do offer lunch and dinner too but they're not a whole day buffet. The place can seat around 80-100 people if I'm not mistaken. I particularly like the long table that can seat groups and the very intimate ones beside the window. I wanted to have breakfast, lunch and dinner there and look out over the Makati sky line. 


Spice Cafe
Spice CafeSpice Cafe


It was busy but I could tell service wasn't letting anything to get in the way. They won't be intrusive either and would only do simple things without the need to call attention. Coffee? They've got really good baristas who can whip up pretty fancy designs with just froth from milk and coffee, we watched them do it live too!

The Food


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This wasn't a one time thing, they made a couple for all of us on the table. Check out these designs! They were too cute that we almost didn't want to drink it.




Spice Cafe


Spice Cafe

Spice Cafe
They call this Hibiscus, probably from the flower pattern.
Spice Cafe
This one's a super duper cute 3D latte art Cat! It's even waving at me!

Then we went out and checked the buffet spread. They have an extensive menu, but I love the Asian stations the most. They can make your soups fresh, there's also dimsum, plus a separate salad, dessert, cheese and cold cuts on an island. Here's what they have on the bread stations.

Spice Cafe
Spice Cafe
There's Chocolate Chip Cookies and Scones!
Spice Cafe
These are Chocolate Cupcakes and Blueberry. It was pretty good and baked fresh just for this day!
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The buffet spread had Fish and Tofu, Mashed Potatoes, Vegetable Stir Fry, Fettuccine, Salmon Sushi, White Rice and Yang Chow Fried Rice. They had more but I only took photos of the ones I tasted that afternoon.

Spice CafeSpice Cafe


This was the noodle station. You can make your own soup with tons of things on it. I wanted something like Laksa and it was easy because everything was laid out on the buffet, you just have to tell them, or better yet, ask for their suggestions!

Spice Cafe
Salads, Cheeses, Fruits were on a separate table. Not far from all of it.
Spice Cafe
Dimsum entails lots of Siumai, Sharks Fin and other Asian favorites.
Then we headed on to have the things on the ala carte menu. As I mentioned earlier, they don't have the buffet opened all day. Although, they are gunning to have that happen real soon. They have the nicest things to offer guests from the hotel, or those that choose to walk in this place. It did not disappoint.

Spice CafeSpice Cafe


This is Spice Cafe's Beef Noodle Soup. It's part of the buffet which I showed you earlier. It's made fresh and since you choose what to have with it, the fish balls, veggies, chicken, beef slices would be something that you'll really love. Make sure you eat this hot, it's gonna be way better!

Spice CafeSpice Cafe


One of my favorite comfort foods, this is Spice Cafe's Congee. This is still part of their buffet.The hot congee is topped with chicken strips, fried tofu squares, slices of century egg and chicken egg. They also did put in golden brown garlic and chives. I super love this and if there's something I'd like to have when I get back, this will be on top of my list. It's simple, but it's everything I want in a bowl!

Spice CafeSpice Cafe


This is their Pizza Supremo. Isn't it colorful? Aside from the usual sauce and cheese layers, they went ahead and put in crunchy fried basil leaves, radicchio, and more crunchy strips of pumpkin on top. It was good, so good that I had 2 slices all by my self. It's not just pretty on pictures, it's really good. Oh and the sausage slices that are also on this pizza is made fresh by Spice Cafe's chefs. They made other things aside from that, all in house, which is quite impressive.


Spice Cafe


This one is Spice Cafe's Eggs Benedict. It's one of their best sellers and I'm not surprised. The poached egg, the bacon, the sauce, the asparagus, the cherry tomatoes, how can you not love that on your breakfast table? Sometimes, you deserve to have the best things in life, and this is one of it. Break the egg yolk, sit back and let it ooze out on your plate. Need I say more?

Spice Cafe

Spice CafeSpice Cafe


This is what they call the American Breakfast.It's got sausages which they make fresh, scrambled eggs, onion slices, tomatoes, toasted bread, and a croissant. This one is also served with fresh fruits so it is a complete meal. You've got your carbs, proteins and healthy stuff on a plate. If you want something for breakfast, lunch or dinner that'll still keep you fit, this might be it. Oh there's more!


Spice CafeSpice Cafe


This is a Filipino favorite. This is Spice Cafe's Filipino Breakfast. You may look at it like a modern take on the Tapsilog. It's one of the reasons why people come back to this place as the Tapa is pretty popular among the guests. The beef strips were quite tasty and I felt it was college all over again because this is one of my staples. It's fresh, hot and they can prepare it fast. Have a cup of coffee nearby and it'll be the perfect breakfast!

 
Spice CafeSpice Cafe


Their best seller is the Salmon Steak. The salmon itself is seared quite perfectly, it's also got great grill marks, then probably finished in the oven. It's soft, fresh tasting, flaky and hot. The mashed potatoes were a little chunky though and might be better if it was passed through a siv/mill. It's also got other veggies and fried basil leaves and arugula on top. Mix it with the cream, take a bit and enjoy it! Ahh it's all heavenly! I'll surely be back for more!

Spice CafeSpice Cafe


For those looking for something a little healthy and light, here is Spice Cafe's Sicilian Salad. With it's contents I thought it was a Waldorf salad but they say it's different. This one's got Arugula, Lollo Rosso, Romaine Lettuce, Iceberg Lettuce, Red Apples, Cherry Tomatoes, Mandarin Orange, candied walnuts in a light dressing. Ladies would love this!

Spice CafeSpice Cafe


Last but definitely not the least is this sinful dessert. This is SPICE Cafe's Signature Cheesecake. It's got shards of milk chocolate, fresh strawberries, strawberry jam, strawberry/raspberry coulis and roughly chopped pistachios. It's a battle waiting to happen, something sweet, salty, tangy and fruity, all in one plate. I wanted it all for me, but I had to share, like what every good man should do. 

City Garden Grand Hotel's SPICE CAFE is pretty new. Being in it's infancy, it has room to grow, to show how much flavors their chefs can whip up in this new restaurant. This can bring gustatory experience to new heights; to have zest, acidity, sweetness, aroma and essence of good food made in this massive structure right in the heart of Makati City. They've got great rooms, amenities, exquisite service that's got a Filipino touch. This short stint in City Garden Grand Hotel and their new restaurant Spice Cafe made me realize that it has so much promise, something which I hope could rival the best ones in the industry too. Remember, competition is healthy, which is way better for us so we could have wining and dining choices while they all show us their stuff. It's reassuring!

Spice Cafe


Call them now at (+632) 888 8181 so you can reserve a table or book a room or two. They are located at 8008 Makati Avenue corner Kalayaan Avenue in Makati City.
COW

For more information about their hotel:
CityGardenGrandHotel
City Garden Grand Hotel
Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://www.grand.citygardenhotels.com/

Figaro Delos Santos Now Open!

Monday, March 30, 2015




Ventured out in Delos Santos Medical Center, a hospital located at E. Rodriguez Sr. Boulevard in Quezon City. On it's Medical Arts Building, there's a new Figaro branch that opened just recently. This March 9, they opened up shop on the building's ground floor. I think I have a place to hang out now aside from the Figaro Tomas Morato branch I frequent to. This is officially their Figaro Delos Santos Branch, instead of hogging the place for myself, here I go again generously sharing this with you!

The Interiors

The place can sit around 30 people at a time and has got very few foot traffic. Current clientele consists only of Doctors, Nurses, Patients (yes I saw some of them walked in!) and their families.

Figaro Delos Santos Branch
Front of bar, small cake fridge for the usual pastries and small drinks.
Figaro Delos Santos Branch
It's in the small details. This matters.

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The place is very cozy, it's got very nice air conditioning that could shelter you from the hot afternoon sun. The place is secured because there are tons of security guards from the building. As for service, they would gladly welcome each customer to their establishment once they enter the door. Don't panic if they sound kinda repetitive because I think they have standardized the "Good Afternoon Sir/Ma'am, Welcome to Figaro!" line. I got myself ready for what's up next!

The Food

Figaro has tons of food to choose from. They've got cakes, pastries, pastas, but today I was opting for something light - so I asked them what's new from the counter and they had these awesome sandwiches ready to be taken out. They call em "TO GO Sandwiches" and I checked out this lot!

Figaro Delos Santos BranchFigaro Delos Santos BranchFigaro Delos Santos Branch


They designed these sandwiches so it'll be easier to carry out as it's prepared in advanced. You can ask them to heat it up, wrap it up again or maybe buy it off the shelf and take into your offices and heat it up in the pantry. I'm sure everyone has got microwave ovens or toasters these days!

Figaro Delos Santos BranchFigaro Delos Santos Branch


This is their Spam and Egg Sandwich. It's simple, like in Hawaii, it's good, like breakfast all day. It's not like those expensive sandwiches you purchase off that other popular coffee shop. At Php 70, it's not way overpriced. These are gourmet sandwiches and prepared quite nicely. I liked mine a little toasty and they've got griddles inside the store to make paninis in, I suggest you ask them to toast it there instead of the oven. You can thank me later.

Figaro Delos Santos BranchFigaro Delos Santos Branch

This one's their Barbecue Chicken Sandwich. It's like BLT but with chicken breast fillets (no bacon was harmed during this commercial) that are lightly grilled, then put on rye. This actually has a little mayo on it but it's not overpowering, so feel free to indulge. It's very filling and if you need protein in your diet, this would be something that I suggest you have. I think you can also have it cold because I don't think it would make sense if the veggies inside would be hot as its selling point is the crisp things it comes with.

Figaro Delos Santos BranchFigaro Delos Santos Branch


I super duper love the way they served my sandwiches to look like they're little hearts on a plate. If you want something more savory, then get this Creamy Cheese Chorizo Sandwich. The smoky slices of meat, chopped up and put on this bun with a little dressing plus a few leaves of iceberg lettuce is just divine. You get your tummies full in no time. If you're kinda avoiding rice and still want something that would feed your muscles, you get your protein fix from the meat in these healthy sandwiches. I must say, we meat lovers tend to have nicer skin than vegetarians, but don't quote me on that haha! (my honest observation)

Figaro Delos Santos BranchFigaro Delos Santos Branch


If you're a cheese monster like me, make sure you try Figaro's very own Triple Cheese Pimiento Sandwich. It's a mix of Cheddar, Mozzarella, and Pizza Cheese. It's quite tasty and judging from the looks of it, it would be something that kids would definitely like.

Figaro Delos Santos Branch
Mediterranean Strawberry Cheesecake

Figaro Delos Santos Branch
Figaroccino Cookie Crumble

Figaro Delos Santos Branch
Blueberry Muffin is love!


Figaro Delos Santos Branch
Chocolate Chip Muffin!


Figaro Delos Santos Branch
Figaro Frappe comes in Figarocinno Caramel Chips, White Chocolate Mocha and Figarocinno Cookie Crumble

Since it's summer, I think it's time you get to try Figaro's very own Figaro Frappe line. If it's hot outside and you feel you should extinguish that with something cold, never go out of the store without trying these!

Figaro Delos Santos Branch


This is Figaro's White Chocolate Mocha. I was surprised because when I tasted them, not one of them is too sweet. I felt safe and I don't think I'd be having diabetes the next day. You can still taste the light white chocolate flavor of the drink plus a hint of mocha as an aftertaste. I think this would be good for those who want to take things lightly as I didn't feel sugar high afterwards. I get crazy when I get to that state.

Figaro Delos Santos Branch


This is their Figaroccino Caramel Chips. I don't know what they put on top but I think it's like shaved graham crackers. Again, it's not too sweet. I think they got the hang of just putting the right amount of sugar in every beverage, which is a cool thing because you don't have to instruct them anymore on how you want your drink to be. If you wish to have something additional, they would gladly oblige and do it for you. The caramel I think is just in the background, it doesn't super impose on you in every sip. 

Figaro Delos Santos Branch

I guess this is their piece de resistance, they call it Figaroccino Cookie Crumble. As the name suggests, this is their drink with real deal cookies and cream. The cookie they use is also real deal (I must repeat) Oreo so you don't lack in the taste department. I have to say again, this is not too sweet. Whoever formulated these drinks must have gotten really serious about not making each one of them go overboard because they know they are gunning for a larger market. They're well researched I bet.

  Figaro Delos Santos Branch

Now there's more reason to visit Figaro. They've opened their Figaro Delos Santos branch so they could cater to people from Manila, Quezon City and nearby areas. I suggest you take advantage of their promo called "Celebrate With Us!" which is available solely for this branch. For every purchase Php 300 worth of coffee and other products, you can take Php 100.00 off it. You must purchase regular items though and it cannot be used in conjunction with any other promo or discount. It will only run from March 7 to April 6, 2015 (which is like next week!). So if you're craving for coffee, pastas, the best gourmet sandwiches that you can just grab and go, make sure you visit the new Fiagro Delos Santos in E. Rodriguez Sr. Avenue, Quezon City. It's right before the intersection of Araneta Avenue and right at the hospital grounds so you won't miss it. If you know coffee, you should know there's always a Figaro branch near you!

P.S.: They'll be also offering Lenten Meals that mostly comprise fish on their menu. If you're a little devout, that's the best thing they have inside the store starting tomorrow. Thank you so much to the good people at Figaro Delos Santos branch who made the few hours of my stay here quite nice. I'll be back of course!


COW

For more information about their products:
figarocoffeecompany
Figaro Coffee Company
Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://www.figarocoffee.com/