Rest and Dine at Acacia Hotel Manila

A few days ago, my colleagues and I were invited by some friends from Acacia Hotel Manila for lunch and a quick tour of this uniquely Filipino hotel brand. The 5-star hotel, owned by Lucio Co of S&R and Puregold, is conveniently located in the corner of Commerce Avenue and Filinvest Corporate Center making everything (church, malls and hospitals) easy to reach.

Since they were fully booked, we got to see two room types only -- deluxe (34sqm.) and junior suite (43sqm.). All 261 guest rooms have customized orthopedic beds with memory foam tops, flat screen televisions with multimedia box, executive desks, coffee and tea making facilities, a fully stocked mini-bar and separate bathroom and tub.

Cotton, pillow or foam -- did I mention that you can select which pillow type you prefer?

Acacia has a decent-sized swimming pool open from 7am to 9pm located on the 3rd floor of the hotel with a view of Alabang. I'm thinking of sunset and cocktails just by looking at this photo.

After the quick tour, we were ushered to Acaci Restaurant for the lunch buffet. With its floor to ceiling glass windows, diners are treated with sumptuous Asian and International Cuisines with a view of the bustling city. The choices are not much but I love the Salad Section -- the Chicken and Grapes Salad is a must try!

The Tuna and Salmon Sashimi were not fresh, I got a few slices but taking into consideration the distance that we had to travel from Alabang back to our office, I figured it's not worth the risk should I get an upset stomach. The Sushi were not worth the calories either.

Remember to save some space for Acaci's Cheesecake and Carrot Walnut Cake, I got a few tiny slices that went well with Twining's English Breakfast Tea to end a perfect lunch.

I can't wait to finally take sometime off from work and school and get a much-needed staycation at Acacia Hotel. Must book soon!

~o~o~o~

Acacia Hotel

5400 East Asia Drive corner Commerce Avenue
Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang
Muntinlupa City, Philippines

Tel.: (632) 720 2000 / 588 5888

Website: http://www.acaciahotelsmanila.com/

Agate Get-Together at Uncle Cheffy

For our annual Christmas get-together, my high school friends and I drove to the Mall of Asia so our friend, who's on duty that day, can still join us for dinner. Since it was a weekend on a Christmas holiday, getting a parking space was a strenuous task and looking for a restaurant with minimal waiting time was even more challenging.

Then it hit me, why not bring them to Uncle Cheffy at Prism Plaza? So instead of waiting in line to get to the building parking, we turned around and parked near Prism, hassle-free. Uncle Cheffy was full that night but we were lucky to get a table right away.

What we ordered

Lovely Jenny Salad (Medium) - Php230.00

Uncle Cheffy's Lovely Jenny Salad was a combination of Green Apple and Arugula Salad with Marinated Salmon in French dressing. It was fresh and light -- the way appetizers should be.

Four Flavors Panizza - Php999.00

Since we were a group of 5 with 2 kids, Pizza on the table is a must. Instead of ordering ala carte, we got the Php999 Brick Oven BBQ and Panizza meal which comes with Four Flavors Panizza, Chicken Maurino and a pitcher of freshly-brewed Oolong Tea.

Chicken Maurino

Surf and Turf - Php880.00

A plateful of Roasted Chicken Leg, Lamb Breast, Beef and Pork Ribs, Creamy Dory, Salmon, Tuna Belly and Garoupa -- it was definitely a hit among the group!

Service was slow that night and the server confused some of our orders with the other customers that the pitcher of Oolong Iced Tea was served last. Nevertheless, we still had a great time because it was never about the food, it's always about the company!

~o~o~o~

Uncle Cheffy
4F Tower A, Two E-Com Center
Ocean Drive, Mall of Asia Complex
Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Tel.: (632) 478-0584

Sunday Treats No. 28

Santouka Spicy Miso Soup with the Goodness of Vegetables - Php350.00

~o~o~o~

Hokkaido Ramen Santouka
2/L Entertainment Mall
SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City
Metro Manila, Philippines

Katsu Cafe

With DB's busy schedule, I was surprised that he spared some time to go to Banawe to look for my mag wheels. *wink*  He sent me some designs to choose from and when I finally saw what I was looking for, I dragged him to go back and had the mags installed to baby E.

While waiting, we walked to the nearby Mandarin Sky for our late lunch only to find out that it was already closed. As we were on our way back to the shop, I saw a familiar logo and remembered all the great reviews I read about Katsu Cafe.

Anybody who steps foot in the cafe will instantly fell in love with its cozy interior and charming ambiance. We were lucky that they don't close during siesta time or we won't have no other choice but to eat in the nearby fast food restaurant.

What we ordered

Pork Katsu Set - Php195.00

DB had the Pork Katsu Set that surprisingly passed his standards! I bet it was really really good for him to give Katsu's version a two-thumbs up and finish everything down to the last piece. We rarely ever go to any Katsu place since we try so hard to avoid fried food with DB being a health buff and all, and I'm just happy that he approved of this one. My Salmon Katsu Set was equally delicious and perfectly cooked as the fish was still soft and not dry.

Salmon Katsu Set - Php345.00

I only have high praises with our dining experience in Katsu Cafe from the mouth-watering food, friendly service and value for money. I just wished they also offer unlimited cabbage salad ala Yabu style and I wouldn't mind driving all the way there whenever I'm craving for my Katsu fix!

~o~o~o~

Katsu Cafe

86-C Maria Clara St.
Bgy. Sto. Domingo, Quezon City
Metro Manila, Philippines

Tel.: (63939) 920-0000

Sung Sot Cave, Halong Bay VN

Situated in the center of Halong Bay's heritage zone, Sung Sot Cave was discovered in 1901 by the French and have been called as Grotte de Surprises or Cave of the Surprise since then. Sung Sot is probably the most spectacular cave DB and I have ever been to with its two chambers and high ceiling (30 meters max) with stalactites in various shapes. The first chamber has been described to be similar to that of a wide theater hall where a narrow passage leads to the second chamber. The deepest part of this chamber is where you can find the fascinating "royal garden" with a clear pond and a broad diversity of flora and fauna.

The grotto covers an estimated area of 10, 000 sqm. with about 500 meter paved passage intended for tourists wandering the famous cave. Light posts and spotlights with varied colors installed for illumination adds charm and enchanting feel once you step inside Sung Sot Cave.

The exit will lead you to the steps going to the deck with an amazing view overlooking the famous Halong Bay. Such a picturesque sight!

If you don't like too much crowd, I suggest visiting Sung Sot Cave early in the morning while most tourists are still having their breakfast. Remember to wear comfortable clothes and shoes as there are slippery and uneven paths you have to climb and walk to. And lastly, keep an open mind, bring a camera and be prepared to be surprised!

Fresh at Solaire Resort & Casino

After checking out the rooms at Solaire Resort and Casino (read it here), our good friend invited us for lunch at Fresh, the hotel's casual dining restaurant that is opened 24/7. Although it wasn't as grand as Sofitel's Spiral, I love that they have everything I wanted in one place!

Solaire's Exhibition Kitchen is divided into the following cuisines: Japanese, Korean, Filipino, Chinese and Continental. As the name suggests, the well-thought selection -- from the breads, appetizer and cooked dishes tasted fresh and delicious.

Breads, Cold Cuts and Cheese

Cocktail Shrimps, Crab Legs and other Shellfish

Smoked Fish

Salad Bar

Filipino Food Section

Asian Cuisine

Korean Cuisine

Continental Cuisine

Japanese Cuisine

The dessert section is also worth saving up your calories for! The homemade ice cream can definitely compete with other artisanal ice creams in the market so make sure you save some space in your tummy. I also love that their cakes are sweetened perfectly and they have desserts that are diabetes-friendly.

Another must-try buffet added to my list!

~o~o~o~

Fresh at Solaire Resort & Casino

1 Asean Avenue, Entertainment City

Tambo, Paranaque City

Metro Manila, Philippines

Tel.: (632) 888-8888

Website: http://www.solaireresort.com/