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Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Vikings Luxury-Buffet: Food Feast blog

When the feeling of "hotel-ambiance" subsided, we settled ourselves in our designated seats and try to ponder where to start our food adventure.  Usually the first thing we go to is what our eyes first saw when we entered.  So it's no wonder  that our first impulse was to go to the two long tables in the middle of the restaurant.


Appetizers, salads and European dishes
The two long tables let you choose from assortments of dishes.  The table with the viking's metal helmet are for those who want to start off their meal with salad appetizers.  You can make your own or just sample salads they offer, from their Waldorf salad to their pomelo or mango salad and alot more.  All palate teasers.  Pick your choice.

The table with the ship's bow or front of the ship design offers a mixture of European and Chinese dishes and maybe others that I wasn't really able to take noticed of.  From appetizers of crackers with different kinds of cheese to the chinese cold cuts of jelly fish and century eggs.  You can also choose from their wide array of dishes.  From their different kinds of rice to their dishes of lengua and pastas.  All for you to decide.

You might wonder why I only mentioned a few dishes to start with,  truthfully they were all that I can remember on this side of arrayment.  Which means I only sampled a few dishes here.  But there are alot more for those who lean more into the European dishes.  This is only giving you a birds eyeview of what's more to discover.

Japanese and Chinese cuisine
On one corner, there's a section for Japanese and Chinese cuisine.  I have to really apologize for the lack of pictures because this is where I mostly indulged myself.  I think in the process I neglected to take some photos.  Japanese cuisine includes sushi, sashimi and maki.  For those temaki lovers like me, nope, unfortunately like most buffet they don't offer temaki.  But I always ask the chef if they do make one, just in case.  But as always they have the same answer, they don't make temaki.  Shucks!

Different kind of Japanese maki
Just further on the left are the hot pots (need to pre-order to give them lead time to prepare this dish for you),  Hongkong style street foods (my own term), steamed shrimps and garlic butter crabs.  This is also the section where you order your oysters be it fresh or baked.


Hot pots: hot pot beef, seafood hot pot and hot pot pork
Hongkong style street food like squid balls, fish balls and others
Just facing this side of the counter is the Chinese cuisine.  Ranging from dimsums, Chinese herbal soups and Chinese dishes.  If you're lucky and they are serving Peking duck, then grab the chance!


European, Italian and Filipino cuisine 
On the other far corner, a mixture of European, Italian and Filipino cuisine enticed every diners.  This section have the most line of people specially the counter that offers tenderloin steak, lamb and lechon commonly known as suckling pig or roasted pig. 


Lechon, Tenderloin and Roast leg of lamb
For those who have preference on how their steaks are done; all your fears are resolved for there's a chef who cooked them to the way you like it.  All you need to do is request for it.  For me, I like my steak medium well.

Chef cooking your steaks to perfection
A wide selection of sauces for your steaks are available for you to choose from.  My personal favorite is the truffle sauce.

Sauce selection includes: Red Wine Gravy, Mint Sauce, Apricot Sauce, Onion Sauce, Liver Sauce, Creamy Mushroom Sauce and Truffle Sauce
My personal favorite - Truffle Sauce

Also on this station, there's a wide variety of grilled items for you to choose from.  They also have fresh seafoods available for grilling.  Not really my favorite in a buffet so I always skipped this section.  But if I'm craving for grilled food,  I always go for grilled squid. =)

Grilled dishes
Fresh seafoods available for grilling among others are Lumot Squid, Squid Tentacle and Salmon Belly

On one side of this station are the fish and chips, and if I'm not mistaken; pizzas and pastas too.  My palate while dining in a buffet mostly lean towards the seafood and steaks, only when my tummy has room for more that's the only time I go to this section.

Fish and Chips, Calamari and Onion Rings

Dessert Section
One of the most awaited endings in any meals are the desserts.  And boy, they do have a wide variety of delicacies, pastries, cakes, ice cream, fruits and other sweets to end the meal perfectly.  You can just imagine how sweet lovers love this section. 

Filipino Delicacies
Cakes and pastries
Unlimited ice cream
Unlimited frozen yogurt on the yogurt machine

Unlimited Drinks
Where else can you have unlimited drinks of juices not to mention unlimited drinks of San Miguel Beer Pale Pilsen?  Sounds amazing right?  You bet its true. Then after you can have cups of coffee if you still need your caffaine fix for the day.  Still unlimited. =)  Don't think we can get this in any hotel buffet, so grab the chance and enjoy this unlimited offer!

Unlimited Variety of Juices
Coffee machine and Draft beer dispenser for your unlimited coffee and draft beer
Beer dispenser -  check how you tilt your beer mugs so that beer foam won't overflow!
Viking's buffet price / rate as of November of 2011


Such gastronomic delights would not only appeal to our sense of sight but to our sense of taste also.  Happy eating everyone.




Viking's
Address:  Building B, San Miguel by the Bay, Seaside Blvd., SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City
Tel:  (02) 846-3888, 846-4888, 846-5888
Cel:  (63)917-565-3888, (63)923-730-3888
website:  www.vikings.ph







Check out my other posts:




Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Vikings Luxury-Buffet: A Buffet for Adventurous Eaters (Area Design)

Vikings Luxury-Buffet: A Buffet for Adventurous Eaters.  "A Buffet for Adventurous Eaters", I came up with this title because my husband and I are adventurous eaters even before we got married.  We love to sample something new specially when we hear fave reviews or praises from words of mouth.  Although having a family, trimmed our adventures from 100% to just 10% (I know... so sad right?), but with family responsibilities it gets harder to just think about ourselves only.  So when a good friend told us about Vikings, we decided to set time and find out what's the "talk" all about.  We decided to eat on November of 2011.

It was a fulfilling eating adventure that we had.  So I thought, I will start my blog by saying that not all palates are the same.  I prefer to call myself a "happy eater".  I try to see the positive side of the food first before taking in the bad.  So if most of my blogs are about good reviews please forgive my blog for this is a blog of a non-expert person about food who just want to enjoy life and love life with the food that goes with it. =)


Viking's logo
The Viking's logo welcoming food adventurers may they be connoisseur on the field or just normal people who want to enjoy good food and good ambiance.


Viking's philosophy is derived from the long and elaborate Scandinavian feasts of big and burly Norsemen of centuries past that is enjoyed in the medieval era.  Basically, for us laymen, it tells us to "eat like a king". =)  Enjoying sumptuous and abundant meal to your hearts desire.


Viking's did first opened its doors during the first half of 2011.  So, it's  just beginning to acquire it's customers through words of mouth and through the internet.  But even for a fairly new restaurant, the bevy of eaters that go through their doors are mind blowing.  It's understood that during the weekends it's packed but even on weekdays?  That's really mind blogging.


Let's enjoy Viking's interior before we venture to their sumptuous array of food.


Salad and soup station

Chinese and European dishes and cold cuts

End view of both long tables

Viking seats


Seats viewing Manila Bay


Above ceiling lights amidst all the diners

Beyond, a partitioned room seats; also for diners to occupy.

Lamp-like lights ceiling decor

Viking's paper placemat
The first time I did enter the restaurant, I really like the hotel-ambiance it offers.  The well airconditioned area, decor, chairs, furnitures and well-placed dishes all transport you to that luxurious feeling you have everytime you enter a classy hotel.  It's a warm feeling knowing that you get the hotel-ambiance in just a buffet restaurant.


Truthfully, of course not all food will satisfy our taste.  When eating we do have our preferences of what to eat and what not to eat.  Some go for salads first, or cold cuts or pastas or soups.  Whatever you choose first, the satisfaction differs.  Maybe the food we chose somewhat satisfied us so I really have no complains.  But no matter what, always eat with an open heart and a happy view; the food taste way much better that way. =)


I decided to do separate blogs on the food itself and our own choices if any of you are wondering.  I think they deserve their own blogs.  See you there. =)






Viking's
Address:  Building B, San Miguel by the Bay, Seaside Blvd., SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City
Tel:  (02) 846-3888, 846-4888, 846-5888
Cel:  (63)917-565-3888, (63)923-730-3888
website:  www.vikings.ph







Check out my other posts:




Friday, December 16, 2011

Little Asia - A Fusion of Asian Cuisine (Philippines)

Stopping by the Venice Piazza Mckinley Hill at Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City; we went in search for a restaurant.  We decided to dine at "Little Asia".
Little Asia Restaurant
Little Asia, a symphony of flavors.  Definitely a fusion of Asian cuisine.  Constantly recognized by their outstanding food, this is one place to dine with your family and friends.

Before we ate at this restaurant, truthfully, I never heard of it until then.  On the contrary, when our companions decided to dine at this restaurant,  I thought I will be vastly disappointed.  Having tried various Chinese restaurants,  and having presumed at the same time that this is a Chinese restaurant; sometimes, your taste gets accustomed to the flavors that a mere difference in the taste can give you satisfaction or dissatisfaction.

So, as we entered the restaurant, I was preparing for an ordinary meal I would never really talk about.  But guess what, Little Asia did prove me wrong.

Little Asia's ceiling
Upon entering the restaurant, this ceiling caught our attention.  These ceiling lights cast soft glow of lights that give you that warm oriental feeling as you dine.  They look like Japanese paper covered lanterns but they're not.  I think they are sheer colored cloths covering the lights.  But you and I can definitely agree, they worked their magic.  Right?

Little Asia's counter and mini bar
Little Asia's interior
Tables outside the restaurant, for guests who wants to dine outside.

Little Asia at Venice Piazza Mckinley Hill at Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City doesn't have a big space but the food deserves a huge applause.  I'm not an expert in designs nor food taste so my descriptions are not of an expert but as of an ordinary person observing a place or taste of food.  In my view,  Little Asia's interior designs are mixture of different Asian cultures like Chinese, Japanese, Singaporean, and others... that the food in itself is an oriental fusion of different cultures.

So it's a real misconception on my part when I assumed that we will be eating Chinese cuisine.  I'm glad though that it's Asian cuisine we had.

But before we decided on the menu, Little Asia's placemat enumerating it's awards through the years caught my interest.

Little Asia's paper placemat

Little Asia's paper placemat enumerate their awards as follows:
  • No. 1  Asian Fusion Cuisine in the Philippines
    • 2005 National Shoppers' Choice Annual Awards
  • Best Asian Food-Inspired Restaurant
    • 2005 National Product Quality Excellence Awards and the Seal of Product Quality
  • 2005 Most Outstanding Asian Fusion Cuisine
    • 2005 Annual National Consumers Quality and People's Choice Awards
  • Top Asian Restaurant
    • 2005 Brand Champions Award
  • Most Outstanding Asian Restaurant
    • 2005 Philippine Marketing Excellence Awards
  • Entrepreneur 10
    • The 10 Most Outstanding Filipino Entrepreneurs of 2005 - Charlemagne Lim
  • Most Outstanding Asian-Inspired Restaurant
    • 2006 Most Admired Companies and Brands in the Philippines
  • Most Outstanding Asian-Cuisine Restaurant
    • 2006 Global Quality Awards for Consumer Excellence
  • Best Asian Cuisine Restaurant
    • 2006 Philippine Brilliance Awards for Products and Services
  • Most Outstanding Authentic All Asian Cuisine
    • 2006 Philippine Quality Awards for Business Excellence
  • Most Favorite Restaurant of the Year
    • Yehey.com
  • Most Outstanding Asian-Inspired Restaurant
    • 2007 International Quality Awards for Business Performance Excellence
  • Most Outstanding Asian Restaurant
    • 2007 Dangal ng Bayan Awards
  • Most Outstanding Asian-Inspired Restaurant
    • 2006-2007 Asian Star Brand Council
  • Best Asian Restaurant
    • 2007 Pillar Awards for Marketing Excellence
  • Best Managed Asian Food-Inspired Restaurant
    • 2007 International Management Excellence Award
  • Most Outstanding Asian Fusion Restaurant
    • 2008 Pride of the Nation Awards
  • Most Outstanding Asian Specialty Restaurant
    • 2008 Year-Ender Excellence & People's Choice Awards
  • Best Asian Cuisine
    • 2008 Global Awards for Marketing Excellence (Symbol of Agora Excellence)
  • Outstanding Entrepreneur - Charlemagne Lim
    • 2009 Dangal ng Bayan Awards
  • Best Asian Fusion Restaurant
    • 2010 People's Choice Awards
  • Mother Goose Nursery
    • 2004 Best Restaurant (Charlemagne Lim - Top 10 Most Outstanding Alumni)
  • 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 Philippines' Best Restaurants Awards
    • Philippines Tatler

Little Asia's Set Menu

With whetted appetites we glanced through the list of set menus.  Though they do have ala carte menu, we decided on the set menus since we were a big group.  Since it's all our first time to try this restaurant, none of us were too adventurous to venture on the upper menu with a much higher price.  All of us decided to settle on "Set D".

Little Asia's Set D Menu
It was already quiet late when we ordered our food so most of us were quiet hungry.  So when the food arrived we delved into them with gusto.  Below are the the photos of the food we ate.  Please pardon my photos,  I think we were too hungry that I only remembered to take some photos after we have eaten them. ;)

Little Asia's Crispy Chicken
The Crispy Chicken which looks like any ordinary chicken you order in any restaurant was very soft and juicy.  The gravy complemented the chicken very well.

Boneless Tilapia w/ Honey-Mayo Sauce
Boneless Tilapia w/ Honey-Mayo Sauce;  sounds kind of puzzling.  The only tilapia I know how to eat is with vinegar dip.  But the honey-mayo sauce works well with the fried tilapia together with its crunchy fried garlic.  The fried garlic really enhanced the taste of the dish.
Squid in Creamy Butter-Milk Sauce
Squid in Creamy Butter-Milk Sauce;  the tender squid combined with the creamy butter-milk sauce gives a melt in your mouth sensation that you want to just continually go on eating.

Spareribs with Thyme in Garlic Sauce
The spareribs with Thyme in Garlic Sauce, is not the usual grilled spareribs we are accustomed to eating.  The thyme combined with the garlic sauce brings out the yummy goodness of the spareribs.  It somehow complemented the taste of the dish.

Surprisingly, the food was very delicious.  You might say, the menu was quiet "sauce" filled, because that was what my first impression of the dishes were.  That it might be too tasty for me.  But in the end,  I ate every drop of morsel that landed on my plate.

Now, don't you wonder?  If this Set D is delicious, what more would the Emperor Set taste like?  We wouldn't know would we, until we taste it. =)  May your experience, if you decide to try, be as enjoyable and fulfilling as ours were! =)





Little Asia (Taguig City)
Address:  The Venice Piazza Mckinley Hill, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City
Telefax:  (02) 798-0354

Other branches:
Little Asia (Quezon City)
Address:  195-B Tomas Morato Avenue, Cor. Sct. Fuentebella St., Quezon City
Tel# :  (02) 373-0609
Telefax:  (02) 410-4937

Little Asia (Greenhills)
Address:  2nd Level Promenade Greenhills, San Juan City
Tel# :  (02) 727-5265
Telefax:  (02) 727-5785












Friday, December 9, 2011

Dusit Thani Manila - Recreation (DFit Fitness Centre & Outdoor Swimming Pool)

As it is stated in Dusit Thani Manila's international book magazine; DFit is one of the two of Asia's best recreational facilities.  It offers one of the best appointed centres of fitness within the Philippines. 

DFit fitness centre





































DFit information:
Phone# +63 (2) 238-8888 ext. 8857
E-mail: dfitmanila@dusit.com


DFit, located at the second floor is a 973 square metres of state-of-the-art studio areas including sauna to meet every particular fitness goals of its members and guests.  It is a haven for fitness buffs, members or guests staying at the hotel.  

For those who want to pamper themselves amidst these fitness machines; it comes with a price. =)  But if you can afford it, why not?  Right?  Well, I for one am content to just gaze through the clear glass just to have a glimpse of this exclusive facility. ;)




Dusit Thani Manila's outdoor swimming pool
Another recreation that's well used at any hotel is the swimming pool.  Dusit Thani Manila's swimming pool is lovely in the morning but it's even more fabulous at night.  It boast of two swimming pools.  The adult pool and the kiddie pool.  Adults can indulge themselves with morning lap swimming through its rectangular pool.  While the kids can have fun in the shallow square shaped pool.


At night, the Thailand theme of the hotel is much more illuminated through its romantically lit lamps beside the pool.  Couples can enjoy a quiet time by strolling together and just taking in the ambiance the pool offers.  A relaxing way to enjoy togetherness with your family.



Dusit Thani's other information:

Address:  Ayala Centre, 1223 Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Tel:  +63 (2) 238-8888
Fax:  +63 (2) 238-8800
Email:  dtmn@dusit.com
Website:  dusitthanimanila.dusit.com





Check out my other posts:


 Related links:




Dusit Thani Manila - Recreation (Devarana Spa)

Dusit Thani Manila offers two of Asia's best recreational facilities, they are Devarana Spa and DFit Fitness Centre.  Devarana Spa, a "heaven for spa lovers"; offers a peaceful tranquil sanctuary of anti-stress and relaxation.


"Leave the world behind and take a journey
to discover the beauty of taking time
to nourish your body, relax your mind
and renew your spirit."
 a quote from Dusit Thani Manila's book magazine

Devarana Spa Logo

Entrance to Devarana Spa
It was this elegance that piqued my curiosity.  We really have no intention to even take a peek inside this spa.  But while lounging on the sofas just outside the spa; the purity, tranquility, peace and relaxing aura of the place exudes upon us, that I just said why not go inside and take a look. =)


It was a pity that I cannot take a shot of the place inside, but the pristine walls and the quietness of the place makes one feel that you will not be disappointed by what's to happen if you avail of their packages.  That the money you spend will be well worth it. ;)


No, I did not avail of any packages but I would really love to if I can.  But maybe I hope next time.  So, to all you spa lovers and those willing to spend some, for that heavenly spa, try this one out.  See my blog on Devarana Spa's packages prices.


To have a more clearer view of the features of Devarana Spa.  I made it a point to include the brochure of Devarana Spa.




Below, is the Devarana Spa's brochure.


Devarana Spa Philippines Brochure - "Heaven for Spa Lovers"




Welcome to Devarana Spa... Heaven for Spa Lovers


Devarana, Garden in heaven
Devarana is a Sanskrit word meaning "garden in heaven" that was inspired by the Thai ancient literature, "Traibhumikatha," and written by Phraya Lithai of Sukhothai Dynasty in 1345 AD.  Devarana Spa follows this timeless concept, opening doors into a whole new world of tranquility.  Our staff, trained in the ancient art of massage, will ensure your experience is nothing less than what this Garden in Heaven seeks to be - heavenly.


Pure relaxation
Devarana Spa was created to offer outstanding spa services within an atmosphere of ultimate relaxation in its very own healing garden of heaven, emphasizing pampering and wellness, "East meets West," Thai health and beauty practices sourced from age-old therapies and updated with modern knowledge to pamper and revitalize guests.



Balance of body, mind and spirit
Taking inspiration from the concept of Garden in Heaven, the environment at Devarana is one of pure relaxation.  The interior features contemporary Thai design framed by 14th Century Thai arches, exotic opium beds and a gently flowing water pond to create an oasis of calm.  Classical Thai music and atmosphere lighting accompanies you to a more serene world.

 

Devarana is refreshingly different with emphasis on simplicity and elegance.  The unique soothing ambiance of our spa produces a balance of body, mind and spirit designed to create a whole new you.  It's a time to forget the stresses of everyday living and discover a world at one with your needs.


Private sanctuary
Devarana's sumptuous treatment rooms take you to the joyous inner sanctum.  Each suite is ever so gently soothed by shaded natural light and warm color scheme that's sheer heaven as you ease onto the comfortable bed.  Or soak in the rich and aromatic bath of milk and roses and enjoy the sublime, sensual experience.  En suite bathrooms provide that added touch of convenience and privacy.


Treatments and Programs
Devarana Spa features a superb variety of pampering treatments, including massages, facials, body treatments, water treatments, beauty treatments as well as exclusive packages, using high-quality natural products to polish, nourish and rejuvenate.  Wonderful spa experiences can last from just 30 minutes to a few hours for a more complete rejuvenation experience.
Heaven recipe
Devarana's own proprietary made products are constantly renewed to offer an extensive and updated selection.  All products are designed to inspire relaxation and beauty as well as practicality.  Among our inspirational range of spa products are spa baths, spa apparel, heaven scents, unique essential oil blends and Devarana Thai Classical music collection, exclusively arranged and recorded for Devarana Spa.


Devarana Spa website
www.devaranaspa.com


Devarana Spa locations all over the world:

Devarana Spa, Bangkok
Tel:  +66 (0) 2636-3596
email: bangkok@devaranaspa.com

Devarana Spa, Pattaya
Tel:  +66 (0) 3837-1044
email: pattaya@devaranaspa.com

Devarana Spa, Hua Hin
Tel:  +66 (0) 3244-2494
email: huahin@devaranaspa.com
Devarana Spa, Chiang Mai
Tel:  +66 (0) 5325-2511
email: chiangmai@devaranaspa.com
Devarana Spa, Manila
Tel:  +63 (2) 818-7081
email: manila@devaranaspa.com
 
There's one thing I really can say, if you have the means to enjoy this luxurious pampering of yourself then why not?  Of course it comes with a price. ;)  But if I would have the chance to try this; of course if I can afford it,  I really would.  But to those who can I think it's really worth a try.
See me next blog on the prices of their spa packages. 
Please take note that all information are copied on the Devarana Spa's brochure and I (blogger's best) claims no credit for it.  Changes on information and feature are up to Devarana Spa.  This blog is solely for information and for readers to enjoy. =)


Dusit Thani's other information:

Address:  Ayala Centre, 1223 Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Tel:  +63 (2) 238-8888
Fax:  +63 (2) 238-8800
Email:  dtmn@dusit.com
Website:  dusitthanimanila.dusit.com