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Showing posts with label raffles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label raffles. Show all posts
Friday, April 7, 2017
MIREIO: A Classic Take on French Cuisine.

There has been a decline in the number of French restaurants in the metro. In recent months, a couple of French establishments closed, giving patrons lesser options when it comes to something provencal. Thankfully, RAFFLES MAKATI introduced MIREIO. With bright interiors and a graceful set up, lunch at MIREIO is more fun than serious.
The menu in itself is versatile. It is perfect for a quick power lunch or a get together with long time friends. Starters are delicious and light. Simple yet sophisticated, the ingredients pour out to great you. Such is the case of the TOMATO TART. A generous serving of snails is placed on top of a crunchy flat bread that is mixed with tomato and parmesan cheese. With the basil dressing, everything jives together.
To wake up the senses, the PORK NECK and CHICKEN LIVER TERRINE is superb. Vivid flavors pop out with each bite. Having it with the pickled vegetables gives you a distinct profile that surprises the palette.
The CLASSIC BEEF TARTAR though must not be missed. Using only the freshest ingredients, a mixture of egg and high quality meat is presented with a battery of seasoning. This could definitely be French Cuisine's answer to sushi.
Speaking of seafood, non-meat eaters would enjoy the SALMON TARTAR. Topped with goat cheese and deep fried crisy skin, this has a more healthier flavor.
Moving on to a more serious note, this traditional puff pastry is filled with chicken and foie gras. One would immediately think that this dish would be dry and tough. Surprisingly, the chicken meat is moist and tremendously tender. The foie gras gave it a more smoother feel. The shell is also a bit crispy and held its form.
Something a bit similar to Filipino's sisig, this CRISPY PORK GALETTE has a savory note to it. The wrapping is something you could do without but it kept the chopped pork bits crispy. This is a dish that requires a cup of rice.
Even if MIREIO serves delicious cuts of meat that they cook into glorious steak, their seafood section is also a thing of beauty. With most of their ingredients flown in, one could expect that the quality and the flavors of each differs from your ordinary run of the mill supermarket.
As a substitute for rice, you might want to go for the PRAWNS RISOTTO. Each spoonful and you get to taste the sea. Salty but not overly so. Just right to compliment the prawns. Another over achiever would be the SEA BASS. An eye candy, this one is perfectly cooked. Each bite into the meat would provide a creamy texture. Underneath, the ratatouille stuffed canneloni are placed to support and work with the flavors. This one is light yet filling.
Furthermore, guests have the option of getting clams and mussels. Cooked in an unmistakable manner, the best tip one could get is to get a piece of bread and dip it in the sauces. The juices are filled with much gusto.
To end the meal, dessert is but the beginning. The flan tart is a bouncy way to get your fill. Another would be to go for the creme brulee. Each with their own characteristics.
It could be a quickie or a long engagement. For MIREIO, you're definitely getting your money's worth.

RELATED LINKS:

MIREIO TERRACE: SUNSETS and DRINKS
Rain or Shine at Long Bar in Raffles Makati
Mireio: More than just French Cuisine.
TAPAS at FAIRMONT LOUNGE
Raffles: Afternoon Tea
Raffles and Fairmont: Happy Hour and Oysters
Spectrum Sunday Seafood Brunch
Spectrum Sunday Brunch at The RanchMIREIO 
Raffles Hotel
Makati Ave, Makati City,
Metro Manila
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Thursday, March 2, 2017
SUSTAINABLE SEAFOOD WEEK: It's worth it.

More and more, people tend to be discerning with their food. Not just in terms of taste but also as to where it came from and how one gets them. Accor group of hotels has made it a point to support the SUSTAINABLE SEAFOOD WEEK.
One evening in SOFITEL MANILA, guests saw and interacted as to how different hotels in the ACCOR Philippines Group wanted to do with the blessings from the sea.
The spread was filled with different seafood delight. Harvested through the proper way, seafood could definitely sustain and help mankind's way of life.
Aside from the fresh sushi and sashimi, the highlights were the smoked fish done on the spot and also the freshly cooked shrimps on top of a squid ink risotto.
RAFFLES and FAIRMONT headed the group with their rendition of ceviche and Sauteed Squid chorizo.
The ceviche carried the flavors masterfully. There was a balance between the acidity and the freshness of the fish. The Squid dish tasted wonderfully as it was mixed chorizo oil and garlic cream. These dishes would be served in both RAFFLES and FAIRMONT HOTEL. One would purposefully march on over to MIREIO and SPECTRUM to try out these dishes.
Other hotels like NOVOTEL MANILA, and MERCURE produced different seafood inspired dishes that could cater to the hungry tummy. One of the most interesting piece though would be the ASIAN TUNA TACO. Using home made shells with a mixture of tuna and spices made it a joy to eat.
That night ended with amazing sweets and delicious beginnings. Hopefully, everything for the betterment of the environment.

Thank you very much for ACCOR GROUP of HOTELS for pursuing this great endeavor.

RELATED LINKS:


SOFITEL
CCP Complex Roxas Blvd Brgy. 76,
Pasay, 1300 Metro Manila, Philippines
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Tuesday, February 14, 2017
MIREIO TERRACE: SUNSET DRINKS and STORIES



I get it. The allure of MIREIO is impressive. The colors and the bright lights yet calculated tones are there. Everything was meticulously planned and executed. The food is delicious as it is simple (Mireio: More than just fine french dining.).
 
 Drinks are always never an issue at RAFLLES more so when in MIREIO. One particular spot that is a must go to though would be MIREIO TERRACES. Years in the making, it became into one of the hottest sunset bars in the metro.
 Located just one floor above the main dining area, the TERRACE is where your MAKATI SUNSET sessions should be begin. Come at a little past 5pm and wait for the sun to set. You get to see the golden hour. Lights turn and change from left to right. On one side, you feel how the sun says "see you in a few". Then, the clouds follow it as if begging it not to go.
While waiting for this to occur, one could enjoy some refreshing drinks. Spritz would definitely delight anyone that wants something refreshing and sparkling.
 A mixture of wine and some carbonated drinks, the added flavor from a particular mix would keep you hydrated and happy. Liquor has been known as a gift from above and could be an enjoyment on its own. At MIREIO, it's always fun to waste the time away with one hand holding a drink. It lets you feel as if there is no tomorrow worth living without the experience to enjoy.
Since MIREIO is of French origin, cocktails were created and named in relation to it. The 1947 was inspired when the PHILIPPINES and FRANCE agreed to start having a bilateral relationship. Something close to a agreement between brothers, you get a sense of patriotism from this drink. IT says blood compact with the way it is presented. Dip the container to release the flavors from the berries. Once done, enjoy it to your hearts content.
 Another must is the ABSINTHE. Known as a crazy drink, guests need not worry as it became illegal to have those original versions. This one is a more tamed drink. With a licorice flavor, one might compare it to a gum or a toothpaste. Needless to say, it's an acquired taste. Properly mixed with water and sugar, it gives off a different concoction that is mellow downed for the general public.
 Food is an integral part of any event. At MIREIO TERRACE, they serve some fine dishes that is easily some of the best in the area. From a Roast Duck Foie Gras on tosted country bread to some gazpacho and even some smoked salmon blinis, you won't go wrong with any of them.
 For big gorups, PLANCHES are in order. Some might go for a bread and a variety of dips that include some tapenade and even anchovies. Wine drinkers might want to go for the Cheese Platter. A selection of exquisite cheese from all over. For meat lovers though, the FRENCH COLD CUTS and TERRINE PLATTER is a must. Charcuteries et terrines as the the French calls it is something out of a dream. Freshly baked bread accompanies a sea of meat. Just pure orgasmic.

To end the night, always go for these scrumptious ball looking desserts. Plain looking as they are, there is a big difference in the taste however. The fillings are not your ordinary chocolate based cream. It is mixed with some sort of crunchy delight that would make you crave for more. Something oddly familiar but delicious none the less.
 Drinks are never overrated at MIREIO TERRACE. That's one of the reasons why people live, laugh and have fun. With friends and loved ones, MIREIO TERRACE is the place to relax and watch the sunset whenever in Makati.
 
You can never go wrong with RAFFLES. Congratulations Raffles on your 4th anniversary.



RELATED LINKS:

MIREIO TERRACE
Raffles Hotel
Makati Ave, Makati City,
Metro Manila
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Wednesday, February 8, 2017
RAIN or SHINE at LONG BAR in RAFFLES MAKATI

There's something about getting a decent drink and having fun at LONG BAR in RAFFLES MAKATI. For happy hour, one can't go wrong when you want to go all out.
LONG BAR has been a cornerstone of drinking and letting loose when you're at RAFFLES MAKATI. You can't go wrong with any drink and it's quite fun to actually sit at the bar and talk with friends and loved ones.
Other than having my usual favorite drink, the COPY KATH, it's always a must to ask ORMAN what he could make. You see, this guy is the award winning bartender that the LONG BAR has. He can mix and match and create a drink just for you.
For that rainy day, he made RAIN or SHINE. His creation and competition submission for the BACARDI LEGACY.
Something different yet very easy to drink. This refreshing take on bacardi and some other mixes is a sure fire hit with the ladies and gents alike.
Alongside the drinks, food is never a problem in the LONG BAR.
From seared TUNA to Fries and chorizo and even weird yet delicious combination pizza, you'll definitely have a gastronomic time.
 
Special mention must be given to the PIZZA. This salmon with balsamic glaze is just a masterful rendition. The crust is not too thin nor thick. The salmon is smokey and the cheese was amazing. Definitely a must get.
With a laid back atmosphere, LONG BAR equates to relaxation. The HAPPY HOUR isn't too bad as well.

RELATED LINKS:

Mireio: More than just French Cuisine.
TAPAS at FAIRMONT LOUNGE
Raffles: Afternoon Tea
Raffles and Fairmont: Happy Hour and Oysters
Spectrum Sunday Seafood Brunch
Spectrum Sunday Brunch at The Ranch

RAFFLES MAKATI
Ground Floor
Makati Ave, Makati City,
Metro Manila

Disclaimer:Wrote this based on my experience.
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