Astoria Plaza's Cafe Astoria

One of the main dining restaurant in Astoria Plaza is the Cafe Astoria.  Located just at the lobby, it is readily accessible to diners willing to try their food spread.

Cafe Astoria

CAFE ASTORIA'S DRESS CODE

BUSINESS ATTIRE & SMART CASUAL

CLOTHES ARE APPROPRIATE

OUTFITS WHEN DINING AT

CAFE ASTORIA

SHORTS UNDERSHIRTS

TANK TOPS (SANDOS)

PAJAMAS & BEDROOM SLIPPERS

ARE NOT ALLOWED

INSIDE THE CAFE

MANAGEMENT RESERVE THE

RIGHT TO REFUSE ENTRY TO THOSE

WHO ARE NOT IN COMPLIANCE

THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR

COOPERATION

Cafe Astoria a cozy nook of a restaurant and bar.  With an intimate space for intimate people.  The food it serves, in my view, leans more on the Filipino cuisine buffet. 

Cafe Astoria Buffet

As a diner, if you compare Cafe Astoria's buffet to other five (5) star hotel's buffet; I would describe it as a mini buffet.  It serves six to seven (6 - 7) main dishes at the most aside from their soup, salads and desserts.  Though I do like Filipino cuisine on occasions but my palate leans more on a different angle, maybe that's why I didn't enjoy the food so much.

Cafe Astoria buffet's array of food

Below are the dishes offered on the buffet during our stay.  Food varies every time so it might not be the same if ever some of you might plan to dine here.

Yang Chow Fried Rice

Chami Lomi

Ginataang Langka (Braised Jackfruit in Coconut Milk)

Sinugbang Tiyan ng Tuna (Grilled Tuna Belly)

Deep Fried Shandong Chicken

Stir-fried Beef Short Plate with Broccoli

Left: Seaweed salad ; Right: Young Corn and Shrimp Salad

Wasn't really able to take photos of the dessert section.  But I did took some photos of what we ate.

Made my own salad from the variety of vegetables

If I remembered it correctly,  I drizzle my collection of vegetables with vinaigrette dressing and spread it with parmesan cheese.  Usually I'm really not a very picky eater and I always, always see the best in every food.  Thus, I'm having a hard time giving my opinion about this since I had a fun stay at this hotel.  But nevertheless I need to be truthful, the vinaigrette doesn't really taste the usual vinaigrette I had.  It lacks the mild acidity I usually look for in a vinaigrette, I had much better.

Hot and sour soup, and ice tea

The hot and sour soup lack flavor and taste, and the soup itself was too thick for me to enjoy.  Ice tea is not included in the buffet, you have to pay for the drink of your choice.

Counter clockwise from top: Lechon (Roast Pork), Seaweed Salad, Chami Lomi and Atchara (pickled salad)

I think the lechon was alright, nothing really special that made me remember it with a "wow".  If you might wonder, I wasn't able to take a photo of the "lechon" section.  The seaweed salad, usually this is my favorite when I was young, I love the popping feeling and taste of this seaweed even with just a dash of vinegar.  This one,  I'm not up to it.  The Chami Lomi, was so so and the atchara was ok.


I guess I wasn't really able to enjoy the food as much as I should.  Maybe my taste is a bit off, I really don't know.  But if it might not be at par with my palate, it might be with yours.  Maybe some of you might tell me otherwise so I might not feel so awful.


I hope if any of you decide to stay and dine here, I do hope you have a much fruitful and yummy experience with the food as compared to me.

Astoria Plaza:

Address:  15 J. Escriva Drive, Ortigas Business District Pasig City, Philippines
Tel:  +63 (2) 687-1111
Fax:  +63 (2) 910-0370
Email:  sales@astoriaplaza.com
Website:  www.astoriaplaza.com





Check out my other posts:

• Astoria Plaza - Room Accommodation 
• Astoria Plaza - Outdoor Swimming Pool and Basement Parking

Astoria Plaza - Outdoor Swimming Pool and Basement Parking

Every time we have this special stay at a hotel, my child would always get ready for that awaited dip at the pool.  So of course we tried the swimming pool at Astoria Plaza.


Outdoor Swimming Pool and Children's Pool

Adult Pool

Slightly visible farther down is the children's pool

chairs for that lazy lounging under the sun

And you know what guys?  Another facility that I love is their six (6) levels of basement parking.

Basement Parking

Although I'm a fairly good driver (this is in my opinion only) for a lady, I always have this skepticism every time I'm going to enter a parking area. Parking areas are like extraordinary driveways for cars.  Why? sometimes they surprise you with steep inclines going up or going down.  If not that, they make you work your talent in maneuvering a narrow turn.  Not to mention a narrow parking space when you reach the parking level.  But if your lucky enough, all goes smoothly with that spacious way for your car and that perfect turn where you don't need to think anymore. 

What can I say? It's like that "box of chocolate" in that "Forrest Gump" movie.  Parking areas are like a box of chocolate, you'll never know what you're gonna get!


Amazingly, Astoria Plaza's parking is one of those parking that won't let you think how to smoothly glide your car without a hitch.  They provide you with wide two-way space for cars coming in and going out.  And what I love most is the very slight elevation of pathways on every level.  No need to bring your car to a hard push for that steep incline but just glide smoothly along each levels.  Just fell in love with it!  Even if the parking spaces were uneven, some spacious some a bit narrow that didn't deter me from liking their parking.  If all parking areas were like this! =)

Parking area

Can't hardly notice the slight elevation on the driveway.

Parking level's elevators

This part of my experience was well worth it.  My kid loved the pool and I loved the parking area.  Quite a nice exchange don't you think? =)

Astoria Plaza:

Address:  15 J. Escriva Drive, Ortigas Business District Pasig City, Philippines
Tel:  +63 (2) 687-1111
Fax:  +63 (2) 910-0370
Email:  sales@astoriaplaza.com
Website:  www.astoriaplaza.com





Check out my other posts:

• Astoria Plaza - Room Accommodation
• Astoria Plaza's Cafe Astoria

Astoria Plaza - Room Accommodation

Astoria Plaza's front desk and lobby

Astoria Plaza, dubbed themselves as a "full service residential suites".  Situated in the heart of Ortigas Business District, it is a new standard in urban living with all the space and comfort of home combined with the convenience of a hotel.

Truly,  I find this description apt with this hotel.  Whereas, hotels whether 5-star or not only offers you a bed, bathroom, the usual room amenities like the television and refrigerator, and of course the view of the place where you're staying;  Astoria Plaza gives you the comfort of a condominium home with of course the service of a hotel.  Amazing right?  Never knew we have a hotel like this in the city! =)

LOCATION

Astoria Plaza is located within the commercial and business district of Ortigas Center, it is less than 7 kilometers drive from the Makati Central Business District and less than 15 kilometers from both domestic and international airports.  The hotel is centrally located within short distance to top corporations, academic institutions, shopping malls, entertainment and sport facilities.

Astoria Plaza's lobby elevators

Our stay here was an invitation by a relative to stay with them at this hotel.  So, we didn't really fuss about checking-in at the front desk because it was all taken cared of.  So excitedly, we ride the elevator.

The elevator floor buttons

Thirty fifth (35th) floors huh?  We were assigned on the twenty fourth (24th) floor.  On the 24th floor, the elevator opens to a well-lit hallway with modern photographs of simple things in life. 

The hallway's gallery of photos

The well-lit hallway

ROOM ACCOMMODATION

Room accommodations are from a minimum of 60 sq. meters to a maximum of 130 sq. meters.  Astoria has 122 spacious de luxe rooms, one and two-bedroom suites to give the guests the freedom to enjoy the living space separate from the workspace.  The suites boasts of German-technology electronic door lock system, audio video entry phone, cable television, electronic safe and in-suite dining.  Other amenities includes IDD/NDD facilities, complimentary data port and WiFi access, also CCTV security cameras in all floors. 

I didn't really know the exact size of our room but we got the one bedroom suite.  Though I'm sorry to say, I wasn't able to try the WiFi access.  I think the lot of us were too pre-occupied on what to do on such a short stay at the hotel.  Since the lot of us are going to leave the hotel early the next morning.  Wasn't really able to fully enjoy our stay but nevertheless my kid enjoyed it.  It's more of a condotel to be exact, I think we could have maximized our stay if we stayed two to three days longer.  But alas, our daily responsibilities prevent us from doing so.

The room consists of a dining area, living area, kitchen and a bedroom.  More of a condominium unit for couples starting their life together.

Below are the photos of our room accommodation.

Our room's door

The first thing that you will encounter after opening the door is the dining area.  A glass dining table with four (4) chairs.  The huge mirror accentuates the size of the room making it look bigger than it should be.

Dining area

Just adjacent the dining area is the living area.  Complete with a table, television set, telephone and air conditioner.  The green sofa is a makeshift sofa and bed. 

Living area

Beside the dining area is the kitchen area.  The kitchen area is complete with cupboards including pots and pans to accommodate your cooking needs.  The kitchen also has a refrigerator for your frozen goods.  This is really ideal when you plan to stay longer and plan to cook your meals.  The kitchen comes with a complimentary dish washing liquid and sponge; also four (4) complimentary bottled drinking water.

kitchen area

On the other side, a door is located in between the dining and living area; this door leads to the master bedroom or the only bedroom in the unit.  The bedroom is what any couple would ever dream of in an ideal home.  Clean, uncluttered and perfectly furnished.  To sum it up, picture perfect!  Which is of course a far cry in real life specially when you have a kid or kids for that matter.  So it's a big welcome to stay in such a nice place like this if you know what I mean. =)

The bedroom - we chose the twin beds instead of one single bed to accommodate the lot of us.

Facing the beds are the television, drawers, dressing table and mirror

Bedroom's bathroom

Bathroom's lavatory which includes a built-in hairdryer

Bathroom's bathtub and shower

Cabinet just beside the bathroom

We asked for an extra bed to accommodate some of us because we were quiet a bunch for a group.  Of course there's an extra charge for the bed.

The extra bed which occupies a part of the dining area

The main door to our unit.  On the right is a glimpse of the kitchen and on the left a glimpse of the dining area chair.

The art inside out unit

The floor plan from 4th - 24th floor

Other services and facilities we've tried out are the Cafe Astoria Restaurant and bar, outdoor swimming pool with separate children's pool and six (6) levels of basement parking (valet).  Please watch out for my next blogs on these. =)  See you there guys!

Astoria Plaza:

Address:  15 J. Escriva Drive, Ortigas Business District Pasig City, Philippines
Tel:  +63 (2) 687-1111
Fax:  +63 (2) 910-0370
Email:  sales@astoriaplaza.com
Website:  www.astoriaplaza.com




Check out my other posts:

• Astoria Plaza - Outdoor Swimming Pool and Basement Parking
• Astoria Plaza's Cafe Astoria

Coin Collections

During my high school years, I used to collect lots of stuffs including stamps and currencies.  I'm not an expert collector,  I collect for fun and for the satisfaction I get from them.  So I really don't know the value or how to carefully select a collection each time I came across one.  I understand there are some rules in collecting  like for example in a stamp, you have to look for the perfection of a stamp perforations and all to really be able to preserve the value of that particular piece.  Well, I was young then.  What do I know about these things anyway. =)

So somehow, I recently came across my coin collection.  Maybe some of you can suggest or tell me something about it.  Don't know if it really has a value but these pieces have particulars memories attached to it.

One Peso Filipinas Coins  (1907, 1909)

These two (2) pieces, One Peso Filipinas coins which has the year 1907 and 1909 under the United States of America; was given to me by a great uncle if my memory serves me right, because he was impressed by my vivaciousness when I was young.  These coins were kept by my mom and was turned over to me just recently.  Truthfully,  I could not remember what I did then but just the history of why this coin was given to me sends warmth in my heart that I will always hold these dear to me.  Not to mention that these coins are way older than me.

Anybody can tell me what particular time these coins are?  My only guess is that these Philippine coins are under the American Regime.  But that's about it.  Maybe some of you can enlighten me some more.

One Peso Filipinas coins (year 1907 & 1909) - front of coin

One Peso Filipinas coins (year 1907 & 1909) under the United States of America - back of coin

United States of America One Dollar Liberty Coin  (1776-1976)

This particular piece of United States of America One Dollar Liberty coin, was given to me by an uncle who was very close and dear to me.  I remember him giving this to me, him knowing that I collect coins.  He told me to keep this because this has great value already.  And it's already rare at that time.  Up to now I don't really know the extend of the rarity of this piece nor its value.  But the memory itself is very valuable to me.

What do you think about this particular piece?

United States of America One Dollar Liberty Coin (1776-1976) - front of coin

United States of America One Dollar Liberty Coin (1776-1976) - back of coin

1975 Five Peso Commemorative Philippine Coin

These two (2) pieces, 1975 five peso commemorative Philippine coins with the President Ferdinand E. Marcos engrave on it are precious to me because I acquired this commemorative coins when I was already working.  

This might not be of great value but to me it still has a special place in my heart.  Can anybody tell me more of the value of this coins?

1975 Five Peso Commemorative Philippine Coin with President Ferdinand Marcos engraving - front of coin

1975 Five Peso Commemorative Philippine Coin with President Ferdinand Marcos engraving - back of coin

Somehow reminishing old times and how I spend those extra time sends smiles through my lips.  I was a very content teenager with all my collections.  Well, I should be!  I had great memories of them. =)

Vikings Luxury-Buffet (My Food Choices)

Our food choices varies diversely from each other.  That's why while some are satisfied with a particular dish others are not.  Well, my gastronomic food adventure at Vikings was quiet satisfactory.

Here's what pleased my appetite. ;)

Steamed Shrimps and Garlic Butter Crab

Seafood!  What I really went to get first was the steamed shrimps and garlic butter crab at the Chinese cuisine section.  Mostly the garlic butter crab; went to get seconds really.  They ran out pretty fast.  You have to get dirty with your hands to really taste the yumminess of the crab, in my opinion.

Chinese Herbal Soup

Chinese Herbal Soup, I always make it a point to have one.  Chinese herbs are good for the body and it's not an ordinary soup you have daily in your household not unless you always make them.  That's why I grab it when I saw it.

Cream of Brocolli

Wanting to sample another kind of soup, I got my cream of brocolli from the salad and soup station.  This one is really good.  I love the taste.

Dimsums

Dimsums are not really advisable to get when you're preparing you're tummy for a huge variety of meal.  Somehow, you'll not realize that you're already full without tasting other dishes.  Still, can't resist.  Got a few to share, that's the trick!

Counter clockwise from top:  Ginger, Tamago Sashimi (egg), Tako Sashimi (orange octopus), Ika Sashimi (squid), Maki (one variety of which is the California Maki)

Like the dimsums, Japanese maki are also not advisable to get in buffets.  They make you full fast because it is made up of rice.  But what the heck! =)  Just can't resist to try it.  The Tamago Sashimi and the maki didn't really caught my tastebuds by surprise, what did was the Tako Sashimi and Ika Sashimi.  Which are the octopus and squid sashimi repectively.


Truthfully, I like sashimi but stayed away from it for a long time but after trying the Tako and the Ika Sashimi, nobody can stop me from going back for seconds.  My husband and I loved the chewy and clean flavors of the sashimi.  They're both really good.  We loved the ginger too.  =)

From top to bottom:  Seaweed with century egg, Steamed white egg in white sauce and Specialty of the day - Peking Duck

I don't know why but I love seaweeds with century egg, most specially the seaweeds along with black vinegar and hoisin sauce dip.  That's why can't resist to have some of this.  Steamed white egg in white sauce; nothing really fancy just something light to the palate.  And the specialty of the day, Peking duck!  If you would order this in a fine dine restaurant, it would cost you quite an amount of money, to have it offered in a buffet... then why not get it. =)  Although don't really expect too much about the quantity and quality, but it's still quite ok. =)

Spareribs, fried rice, steamed white egg in white sauce and Chinese adobo tokwa with egg

This is my kid's meal if you might wonder.  As you know, buffets are not really advisable for kids because they don't eat that much so I got a meal that'll at least make him full. =)

Angus roast beef and tenderloin with mashed potatoes and truffle sauce

I always liked my steaks medium well because they are soft and juicy at that stage.  I always request "medium well without blood".  I really don't know if that's possible but it came out ok.  I think it's all about the chef cooking it!

Hot pot beef

This is my husband's order to share.  He loves hot pots that's why we have this.  For hot pot lovers, pre-order it; to give them lead time to cook.  Really good if only we were not so full already.

Desserts

Desserts, a perfect ending to a sumptuously tasty meal.  I'm more of a fruit salad gal, love the sweetness after a full meal.  The cakes and chocolate mousse are nice.  But what I love is their yogurt, though you have to eat it immediately because it melts fast.  Where else can you get umlimited yogurt with your choice of toppings?  Pretty cool huh! =)

Coffee and coffee condiments: creamer, white sugar and muscovado sugar

Lastly, a cup of coffee for that moment of chit chat with your companion after a full meal.  As they say, give the food a chance to digest, but really it's just an excuse to linger a little while longer. ;)

Have your own eating adventure.  Make it fun and worth your while.

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:

• Vikings Luxury-Buffet: A Buffet for Adventurous Eaters (Area Design)
• Vikings Luxury-Buffet: Food Feast blog