Art De Noel and New Year Shindig at Sofitel Manila

Christmas at Sofitel Manila certainly is an event to experience. With their upcoming Art De Noel 2023, the management, staff and guests of the hotel will be able to help once again the Virlanie Foundation. The organization helps disadvantaged children and families in the Philippines for years now and Sofitel Manila has been a constant partner in making sure their mission stays accomplished every year. The decor in the hotel has changed quite a lot over the years, and this year, they've got a few trains on display right at the entrance and floating right beside the huge Christmas Tree displayed at the center of Spiral, one of the world's best buffet. 

This year, they want to also put importance on reuniting families. Aside from that, they're yearly New Year celebrations will be held at the Sofitel Grand Ballroom and Harbor Garden Tent, with an event called SHINDIG, showcasing dance across eras, with some of the brightest stars of the 80's, 90's, 2000's and the present. Let's just say it involves Juan Miguel Salvador (who played the 80's hits so good that evening!), DJ Tom Taus, Joshua Zamora and Jon Supan, The InnerVoices, and your boy Darren Espanto headlining the show. Tickets will be available starting November 30 so if you've got plans to celebrate New Year's eve without the fuzz, this might be your best bet. They also have an early bird rate, so go call +632-85735557 for it. 

Here's a glimpse of what will happen at Sofitel Manila, I'm telling you, it's super fun! I had the urge of dancing even with strangers during the launch a few days ago.

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As you can see, Sofitel Manila's SPIRAL, LE BAR and Cocos will also be serving food during these dates. Reserve a table through their website, social channels or their number posted above. Take a bite of the Holiday Logs, Cheese, Foie Gras, seafood, pasta on the cheese wheel, and tons of desserts. They will also have a fireworks display, Art de Noel Light Show, good rates for stay, the Sofitel Bears (to help Virlanie Foundation too!), live music entertainment while you dine the best food at SPIRAL.

We got to experience part of that last week, and I'm sure the actual dates will be even bigger. You definitely shouldn't miss this, only at Sofitel Manila!

Spiral Re-Opens Doors this October

The pandemic has brought upon tremendous pressure in establishments especially the hospitality industry in Manila. Tourists have stopped coming in because of health restrictions which is understandable. At this time, even at limited capacity, all health protocols should be in place and I'm glad to hear Sofitel is opening the iconic Spiral again. 

Accor, the world leading hotel group which Sofital Manila belongs to has launched the ALLSAFE Cleanliness and Prevention Label. It is a signature set of global cleanliness and prevention criteria developed with and vetted by Bureau Veritas, a world leader in testing, inspections, and certification. This has also been integrated with national and local government guidelines, all in all to make you safe. 

Dining in on Spiral will be a little different. Seating capacity is currently limited and there will be one-meter spacing between guests. Transparent dividers are installed in reception desks and culinary ateliers. The private dining rooms are available for more exclusivity. Staff, chefs and  reception are equipped with safety gears, face shields and masks. Floors have signs for demarcation and a one way route. Each single plate will be served by the chefs from their respective ateliers putting in a one-dish-per-plate policy to prevent cross-contamination. 

For those with special orders or arrangements,  order numbers will be provided for guests to claim later on.  Beverage orders will be done via QR code on each table too. They currently have contactless payment in place including GCash, Alipay, WeChat Pay, and GrabPay too. This is in accordance with government protocols. Guests below the age of 21 years old and above 60 years old though are not permitted to dine in on any restaurant during General Community Quarantine (GCQ) which is still in place in Metro Manila. 

Spiral is starting this arrangement during the first three weekends of October. Please do reserve on Thursday dinner, Friday lunch and dinner, Saturday lunch and dinner, and Sunday brunch. Their rates are set at Php 2,850 for lunch, Php 3,500 for dinner and Php 4,350 for brunch. Call them at (+632) 8832-6988 or email H6308-FB12@sofitel.com.

Are you hungry? I am, but I'm glad to see Spiral is open with these protocols in place. 

That's reassuring!

Sofitel on Father’s Day and French Week

If you haven’t had plans yet this Father’s day, then Sofitel is taking your weekend brunch to another level this June 15-17.

Their Chef’s favorite recipes showcasing times with their Dads, telling their stories on a plate like Japanese Master Chef Masaaki and his Dad’s Chicken Karaage, Thai Master Chef Dennis Macaranas and his Bangkok Style Beef Tenderloin, Indian Master Chef Halim Ali Khan and their favorite Sikandari Raan, Chinese Master Chef Michael Tai and his Dragon Ball Lettuce, French Chef Julien Cossé and his Steak a Cheval, Korean Chef Lorvic Gesite’s Bossam pork dish, Filipino Master Chef Bryan Ortigosa’s very own recipe of Sinuglaw and Kinilaw, Pastry Chef Rolando Macatangay’s Choco Mudslide Cake infused with Bourbon just because it’s good for your Dad. You may call 832 69 88 for reservations.

France in 5 Plates by Chef Julien Cossé

For French week, they are taking you to 5 different regions in France to make your French week complete. The gastronomy starts with Bienvenue Au Terroir, while they treat you with a wide selection of wines and more French cocktails.

The journey will take you to dishes with origins from Northwest France (Normandy), Northeast France, The Burgogne and French Comte region, the French Mediterranean and Southwest France. This will run from July 9-15, with side events on the same dates featuring wine classes, Bastille Day, and you can call 551 55 55 for French Week lunch or dinners.

Bonjour and Mabuhay!

KUMAGCOW

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OKTOBERFEST Happening This Weekend at Sofitel Manila

When I got to Sofitel a few weeks ago, I knew I was in for a FUN afternoon because the preparations have already started for the 79th OKTOBERFEST here in Manila. Set at the majestic Sofitel Manila, Germans from all over the Philippines, Filipinos and other nationalities will converge at the Sofitel Garden Tent for a night of merrymaking, tons of men in tights, women in pigtails, and just about all the BEER, Sauerkraut, Sausages, Pretzels and sweets you can devour all in three nights. The main event though will happen on October 7, 2017 and tickets are sold through the German Club so get them via their email address reservations@germanclub.ph. October 6 will be for German corporations and entities, and the main celebration will be on October 7. During last year, I could still see a few people buying tickets in front of the venue, aside from that, there were a couple more raffles that they hold via a ticket they sell separately. If you purchase that, you could win tons of prizes including a trip which some of the German companies actually give away.

Just like this cute cow on the tower, you'll never ever run out of beer because they have tons of it to consume.

Plus the sausages, the saurkraut and other German dishes that they have are prepared exquisitely by the Chefs of Sofitel Manila, and by the German standards, they do it the LEGIT way.

So what are you waiting for? Go and email them or head over to Sofitel Manila and enjoy it like the Germans would do. Ein Prosit!

Flavors of the World: Incredible India

When you hear about India, what do you think makes it special? Is it the monuments made of love? Is it the wildlife? Is it the people? I'm sure most of you would agree it's the food! India is one of the most unique destinations to go to because their understanding of how to use spice is just unbelievable. This is why Sofitel Manila is featuring Flavors of the World: Incredible India. Now your love for spices will go to a whole new level as they feature different dishes at the best buffet spot in the Philippines (which is their restaurant) called SPIRAL. 

Starting from September 11 - 17 Chef Halim Ali Khan will prepare a full blown Indian feast at the Indian atelier featuring the best of Northern Indian cuisine. 

A representarive from the Indian Embassy spoke in front and said "India would like to congatulate Sofitel for being part of the 70th year of independence of India. I wish you all the very best!"

Chef Halim adds "Indian food is popular amomg Filipinos and tourists as well, I hope you will like the Indian food we prepared at Sofitel's atelier's. You will get to know more about our country, all our 27 provinces and how dishes differ in every region. We hope you come back this week as we celebrate our independence."

After that we had a showcase of Indian fashion courtesy of the Indian Embassy:

Now aside from the gorgeous outfits, they also have turned Spiral into an Indian inspired dining area. You'll feel, smell and eat like Kings and Queens in Manila's best buffet, so call 8326988or email them at h6308-fb12@sofitel.com if you want to reserve.

Thank you Sofitel Manila! 

Sofitel Wants You to Experience "Tout a la Français"

Just got off the afternoon press conference of Sofitel as they celebrate French Month with their theme "Tout a la Français" or "Everything French" this July. They have invited French Master Chef Patrick Terrien to hold classes of Traditional French Cuisine from July 17-23 including an experience of the Chef's Table and the firing up of the French Stove on the said dates. He will also be doing wine pairing sessions, so if you're interested contact Sofitel Manila via 551-5555 or email them at h6308-fb12@sofitel.com. You can also do it via www.sofitelmanila.com.

Multicolor Sea Bream, Fennel Panna Cotta and Beet Root.

They will also feature French wines on Sunday brunch like the Cotes du Rhone on July 23 and my favorite Burgundy on July 30. So don't hesitate to grab a bottle while you're there. 

Greek vegetable, Coriander and Lemon Confit. 

F&B Manager and Sommelier Tanguy Gras will also have wine pairing classes at 4PM on July 29 so if you haven't experienced that yet, go and book one because it's all worth it. Slots run out fast and only costs Php 2,000++ so get them early. The Bienvenue en Provence Barbecue Wine dinner on the other hand happens on the 28th so if you prefer it in the evening, that is better!

Salmon Paupiettes, Champagne Sauce and Oyster Mushrooms. 

Pork Fillet, Brocolli Puree, Glazed Carrots and Poivrade Sauce. 

Red Snapper Fillet Basquaise with Bordelaise Sauce.

Spring Lamb Shank Navarin. 

Oxtail Beef Parmentier.

Eggplants Duck Terrine, Mushroom Fooe Gras and Walnut Oil.

They've got tons of wines on display, you need not worry if you can't find a bottle because they almost have everything!

I loved all the things I ate in Spiral and the Wine Appreciation sessions I had in the past, I assure you they're some of the best people to talk to for "Everything French" because they are French with a Filipino touch. Come visit them today at Sofitel Manila and enjoy it like I did by calling 551-5555 so you could reserve a table, a private room for your friends and family. Nothing beats the Best Buffet in the Philippines.  

A Spiced Valentines Day at Sofitel Manila

Nobody can match SPIRAL when it comes to food, that has been established. How about romance? Well Valentines Day seems apt to show off several dishes that would spark love, perhaps get you a little naughty too... but still totally ROMANTIC. The secret is, 21 spices. They'll make you believe that love can be achieved by food all over again. By all means, feed your boys, feed your men! 

It's super cute, super perfect for the occasion, it's chocolate made into a Teddy Bear. Probably made of chocolate compound but they actually are infusing the spices into these cute creations. The bag, the shoes, yes they are all edible. I'm sure your lady would love you if you gave her this bear, then a bear hug after.

These are no ordinary chocolate pieces, these are infused with cardamom, chili and others. Totally different, and will make you hotter than hot.

My favorite of all the things I saw that day are these Brown Chocolate Bears. Those lips look good though.

Now imagine how spicy your evening will be with these lovely spices in your desserts, that's just the start.

Aphrodisiacs will be there, especially some really good shrimps, tuna, and tons of other mollusks and even nuts. The goal is to make you frisky even if you haven't started yet.

My favorite cheese dressed up in a heart shape form plus some fruit preserves in the middle. I like this a lot.

Now there's something mysterious here, shrimps in a broth made of ginseng, mushrooms, and spices, I think the only thing left to do is perhaps chant a spell. This seems like a love potion waiting to happen.

Ahh this feels Japanese all of a sudden. This is Unagi roasted perfectly over low fired coal. It's smoky and savory, something good to pair with roasted tomatoes, peppers and onions.

Another one on the menu, this is an aphrodisiac too. This is sea cucumber with ginseng, mushrooms and spices. Pretty nice to have to start the meal. Really exotic.

You can use a lot of spices in these dishes. They don't hold back and I think that is innovative to do especially on special occasions.

This si rice/sushi with fish eggs, caviar and a salmon rose. Pretty romantic no?

You can now reserve at Spiral and Sofitel Manila through their microsite http://www.spiralmanila.com or their main website www.sofitel.com/Manila. You can also call them at +63 2 8326988 or email them at H6308-FB12@sofitel.com for reservations. You can also inquire on the same channels if you feel like it. 

I think this is the opportune time to get your family something good, something great, you deserve the time with them in a great restaurant. Take your lovely lady to dinner, propose to her at the helipad overlooking manila, or perhaps just lounge around and make her feel special while looking at the Manila Bay sunset. You know you can never trade that for anything in the world!

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http://www.spiralmanila.com