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Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Basix - Dusit Thani's International Buffet Restaurant

Last December 2011, finally, my husband and I decided to have time for ourselves only.  A romantic dinner for two if some of you might like to call it.  We chose to dine at Dusit Thani's international buffet restaurant - Basix.

Dusit Thani's Basix Restaurant

Having dined a few times already, we knew what to expect.  Basix has their international buffet where array of dishes are set before your eyes.  But not only is Basix famous for their buffet, it's most popular with its unlimited drinks of juices, sodas, beers and the best part of all - unlimited red wine or white wine.  We've dined a few times with family and friends during the early months of the year 2011; so we were surprised when we were informed that the unlimited drinks is not included anymore in the buffet.  You need to pay an additional fee of P500.00 per person on top of your buffet fee to avail of that unlimited drinks including wines.  No wonder there were so few people when we dined.  Nevertheless, determined not to ruin our dinner plans we continued our dinner with a positive heart and positive view.

Since this blog is already three (3) months late, I was curious as to what Basix offers right now since it was very obvious that loyal patron were not patronizing the restaurant during that time.  So I found out that as of this moment,  March 2012, they are offering Basix buffet at P1,650.00 net per person including unlimited drinks of juices, sodas and beers.  Red and white wine you have to order ala carte by the bottle or by the glass, not included in the unlimited drinks.  Well, at least this is much more better than paying an additional of P500.00 for the unlimited drinks, unless of course if you love wines.  Then you have no choice but to order ala carte.  Well, I really do hope diners will come back to Basix.  It's still a nice experience for me and my husband. =)

Inside Basix
Truthfully, I didn't really mind us being only one of the few diners here.  We really need that quiet time and space for ourselves, so it was quite refreshingly relaxing for once.

The feast of Basix's buffet that we have enjoyed:



Basix's Buffet


International Cheese Selection
International Cheese Selection
Devondale Cheddar
Brie
Chevre
Gruyere
Tilsit
Parmesan

Condiments
Fig-Balsamic Chutney
Rosemary-Honey
Nuts
Grapes
Crackers
Green Olives


Seafoods
Seafoods
Jumbo Shrimps
Mussels
Crabs
Oysters

Chef shucking our fresh oysters.  Yum!

Assorted Mezzeh
Assorted Mezzeh
Hoummus
Tabouleh
Baba Ganoush
Marinated Feta
Vine Leaves
Cucumber-Yogurt
Pita Bread
Green Sicilian Olives
Black Liguria Olives
Smoked and Cured Fish
Smoked and Cured Fish
Smoked Salmon
Smoked Tanguigue
Smoked Trout
Pickled Herring
Citrus-cured Salmon


Condiments
Dill Mustard Sauce
Tobiko Cream
Onion Ring
Capers
Melba Toast


Cold Meat Selection
Cold Meat Selection
Parfait of Chicken Liver
with Mango Coulis and Pink Pepper
Black Forest Ham
Coppa Ham
Air-dried Beef
Duck Terrine with Orange
Home-made Pork Rilette

Home-made Mixed Pickles
Sweet and Sour Peppers

Fresh Salad
Fresh Salad
4 Kinds of Leaf Salad
Sprouts
Cherry Tomato
Carrot Julienne
Cucumber
Corn Kernel
Beetroot
Green Beans
Broccoli Florets
Sliced Mushrooms
 
Condiments
Shaved Parmesan
Bacon Bits
Pumpkin Seeds
Croutons
Anchovies
Tapenade

Dressing
 Italian Dressing
French Dressing
Caesar Dressing
Tomato Dressing
Japanese Dressing
Egg Vinaigrette
Prime Beef Rib Station


Choices of International Dishes


Proteins - cook to order



Soups


Filipino Cuisine


Fresh Fruits and Crepes



Assorted Pastries

There's actually a lot more.  There's the Japanese and Indian Cuisine Section but I was not really able to take photos of them anymore.  I just wanted to enjoy the night while it's still young. =)

Here's our romantic dinner for two.  Well, as you've guessed it we just throw our worries to the wind for now and splurge the fee of P500.00 each for this unlimited drink specially the white wine.  No, we're not wine addicts; a sip or two with a good glass of wine along with the meal just somehow made it all the more surreal.


If you are like us who loves fresh oysters, you will definitely enjoy this.  The Olive Oil and Cilantro Soup, not really our cup of tea.  It's an acquired taste for us.



A small sample of each kind of dish, we don't want to easily fill our tummy with just one sitting.  The U.S. Prime Rib of beef was delicious!  Always ordered mine medium well.
 

The usual tempura.  Nothing fancy a taste of everything while enjoying each other's company.


Crabs!  This variety is always a must for us.  It is sort of our finger foods along with that little sip of white wine.


Even with a full tummy, this delicate chocolate treat was not able to pass by unnoticed.



My fruit-ending of the night.  Watermelon and melon-dunked into the chocolate fountain.  I think the chocolate fountain's chocolate was a bit runny.  I appreciated the chocolate syrup that I drizzled more than the other.


Still, I can't resist this delectable mango crepe made specially for me.  I even requested the chef to make it a little smaller.  Just simply yum!



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





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Monday, March 19, 2012

Casa Roces Malacañan's Deli and Bakeshop

A section of the Casa Roces Malacañan is occupied by their Deli and Bakeshop.  This is usually the highlight when the meal ends.  Something sweet to end a sumptuous meal always builds anticipation of what's to come.


Deli and Bakeshop Area

Whole cakes
Assorted Delis

I got their brochure for deli give aways.  Though it's last year's brochure, it will give us an idea this Christmas time what to give our friends and families.  Prices might not be the same coming yuletide season, nevertheless here's the brochure...

Brochure for Casa Roces Deli and Bakeshop

Deli
Dip & Spread
Salad Dressings
Pasta Sauces
Flavored Oils
 
Bakeshop
 Cakes 
Bars, Cookies and Bread 
Polvoron



Deli

Dip & Spread
Basil Pesto Dip                                   P255.00
Pineapple Jam w/ Chili                         P210.00
Box of 1 Dip/Spread w/ Crostini             P265.00
Box of 2 Dips/Spreads w/ Crostini           P460.00

Salad Dressings
Ceasar                                              P255.00
Italian Vinaigrette                                P275.00
Citrus Vinaigrette                                P255.00
Orange Vinaigrette                               P265.00
Balsamic Vinaigrette                             P275.00
Box of 2 Dressings                                P495.00

Pasta Sauces
Pomodoro                                          P255.00
Bolognese                                          P295.00
Puttanesca                                        P265.00

Flavored Oils
Thyme, Rosemary with Garlic                  P295.00
Rosemary, Sage with Garlic                    P295.00
Coconut Vinegar                                    P170.00
Pineapple Vinegar                                 P215.00
Premium Deli Basket                            P1,045.00
(with Basil Pesto Dip, Italian Dressing,
Pineapple Jam, Bolognese Pasta Sauce,
Pasta Noodle and Crostini)


Bakeshop

Cakes
Eggnog Cheesecake                              P925.00
White Choco Caramel Cake                    P980.00
Mars Fudge Cake                                 P990.00
M&M Mudslide Cake                              P975.00
Snickers Caramel Cake                         P980.00
Ultimate Carrot Cake                           P770.00
Classic Tiramisu Cake                           P790.00
French Apple Pie                                 P830.00
Fruitcake                                           P605.00

Bars, Cookies and Bread
Box of 12 Holiday Bars                          P425.00
Box of 12 Holiday Cookies                      P265.00
Monkey Bread                                     P295.00

Polvoron
Box of 10
Mango                                               P155.00
Chocnut                                            P135.00
Choco                                               P135.00
Brittle                                               P135.00
Cookies & Cream                               P155.00

Coffee Beans                                    P315.00
Casa Roces Gift Certificates
In P500.00 and P1,000.00 Denominations




Casa Roces Malacañan:
Address:  1153 J.P. Laurel corner Aguado Street, San Miguel, Manila
Tel:  +63 (2) 735-5896, 708-4020
Website:  www.casaroces.com
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/casarocesphils





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Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Our Breakfast Choices at "Casa Roces Malacañan"

We had a chance to try our eating adventure at Casa Roces Malacañan.  After finding a parking slot inside the compound which by the way has designated areas for parking - don't just park anywhere; we walked through the quietly peaceful streets of Malacañang.  If you plan to eat breakfast like us, the best time to do so is from 8:00 am to 10:00 am.  Otherwise the traffic from the private cars bringing in and picking up their kids to and from school will be quite a challenge for you specially in finding a parking space.  The time in between is the best time.

Longganisa Tuguegarao - Crispy pan-fried native pork sausages served with egg any style and toasted pan de sal or rice
"Longganisa" popularly called in Filipino, is made up of  pork meat stuffed in pig intestines  or to better name it, pork sausage.  It has different varieties depending on the province it is made.

Longganisa Tuguegarao is characterized by its saltiness and garlic flavor.  It is better eaten with fried rice and tomatoes to better enhance its flavor.  Truthfully,  I'm more on the sweeter version of the longganisa.  So this is not particularly my favorite longganisa dish.

Bacon and Eggs - Crispy bacon strips served with egg any style and pan de sal or rice
Bacon and Eggs; this dish doesn't really need any description.  Western countries has this as their normal breakfast meals with or without bread, which is also adapted by Filipinos but with their staple food which is rice.  This one is a classic.  It might be safe to say that it's almost everybody's favorite.

Beef Tapa - Fried marinated beef strips served with egg any style and plain or garlic rice
Beef Tapa are thin slices of beef cured in spices.  A dish adapted from Spanish cuisine and made uniquely our own.  This dish is commonly known to Filipinos as "tapsilog".  Tap-si-log; "tap" for tapa which is the cured beef, "si" for sinangag which is the fried rice and "log" for itlog which is the egg.  Combined into one full meal then you have the "tapsilog".

Tinapang Bangus - Smoked milk fish fried and served with egg any style and plain or garlic rice
Tinapang Bangus or to better describe it, smoked milkfish.  When all I got to usually eat are fried boneless bangus or fried boneless milkfish; a taste of the smoked milkfish is really an acquired taste for me. 

Leche Flan Brulee - Burnt sugar-topped rich flan
Leche Flan, an adapatation from Spanish cuisine is commonly known in other countries as creme caramel custard.  It is composed mainly of evaporated milk, condensed milk and a whole lot of egg yolks.  Leche Flan is usually served with caramel sauce on top.

Casa Roces' version of the Leche Flan is in form of a brulee.  Whereas, the usual Leche Flan is served with caramel sauce, they made it into a brulee or burnt cream thus the contrasting effect of rich creamy custard topped with a layer of hard caramel.

I love flans specially the rich, creamy and soft ones.  That goes for my sweet tooth.  This version of Casa Roces was really very sweet specially with the layer of hard caramel on top.  So my suggestion is to order this for sharing. =)

Our Leche Flan Brulee to go
I ordered my Leche Flan Brulee thinking that I will be able to finish it on my own.  Well, that's why I suggested it for sharing.



It was quiet a nice experience.  The ambience of the restaurant is conducive to that early morning breakfast with your friends at a certain leisure pace where you have chats with each other at your own time.  It gives me that calm and serene feeling that you know nobody is going to bother you while you enjoy a leisure breakfast.  I like that experience once in a while, it makes me feel human again after weeks of pressured living! =)





Casa Roces Malacañan:
Address:  1153 J.P. Laurel corner Aguado Street, San Miguel, Manila
Tel:  +63 (2) 735-5896, 708-4020
Website:  www.casaroces.com
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/casarocesphils





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Monday, March 5, 2012

Casa Roces Malacañan's Food Menu

Casa Roces Malacañan's food menu is all about Filipino food made luxurious! =)  Every meal that we usually take for granted and ordinarily cooked in our own homes are served in a way that is served in fine dine restaurants... pleasing to the eyes and to our taste.

As Philippines have been colonized by countries before, that goes to say that the food in itself is influenced by these countries; thus we made our own unique flavors through these.  Still, the hint of Spanish, Western and Chinese influences are seen and will always be a part of our Filipino cuisine.

Kape Chino
Casa Roces Malacañan's food menu under Kape Chino

Kape Chino Menu
Appetizers
Salad
Soup
Entrees
Pasta
Sandwiches
Savory
Merienda Fare
Breakfast Menu
Desserts
Beverages
Cakes
Hot Coffee
Cold Coffee


Appetizers, Salad and Soup


Appetizers

Bacalao Caviar Pate          P425.00
Warm creamy salt cod and potato pate topped with black caviar and served with warm baguette

Choritos En Balsamico          P295.00
Crispy fried Spanish pork sausages drizzled with balsamic syrup

Mussels Ala Roces              P355.00
Chilled lemon and olive oil-dressed mussel salad with chili and arugula


Salad

Crispy Lengua Caesar Salad          P145.00
Classic salad of romaine lettuce, garlic anchovy dressing topped with crunchy deep fried ox tongue croutons

Marinated Artichoke Salad             P160.00
Chilled salad of hearts of artichoke, pimientos, olives and cherry tomatoes with rustic balsamic-olive oil vinaigrette 

Warm Breaded Goat Cheese Salad            P195.00
Pan-fried goat cheese with rocket and salad mesclun

Soup

Sopa Molo Castiliana                     P185.00
A rich garlic soup with pork dumplings, poached egg and parsley

Onion Soup Gratin                         P125.00
Sweet onions in a flavorful broth topped with gruyere caramelized crouton

Truffle Mushroom Puree                  P190.00
A delicious thick mushroom soup from fresh mushrooms

Cafe Amapola Nostalgia                   P95.00
Creamy carrot and potato puree topped with crispy potato allumette


Entrees



Entrees

Lengua in Mushroom-Cognac Sauce          P330.00
Fork tender sliced braised ox tongue in a mushroom cream sauce

Callos Ala Abolita                       P260.00
Soft tripe stew with chorizos and chick peas

Ox Tail Kare-Kare                   P240.00 
Braised ox tail in peanut sauce with vegetables and sauteed shrimp paste

Bulalo Steak Ala Pobre             P285.00
Pan-seared tender beef shank topped with fried garlic

Visayan Chicken Inasal              P245.00
Grilled lemongrass-flavored chicken quarters with annatto oil

Grilled Pork Ribs                      P235.00 
Barbecued marinated pork belly

Pork Belly Humba                  P245.00
Softened pork belly stew with soy, peanuts and fermented black beans

Pork Stew Binagoongan            P265.00
Crunchy pork belly over sauteed shrimp paste

Pinakbet with Vigan Bagnet             P195.00
Stewed vegetables in a fermented fish-flavored broth topped with crunchy pork

Bouillabaise de la Casa Roces              P210.00
Seafood stew in a rich tomato broth

Pan-Fried Sole Ala Beure Noisette            P220.00
Pan-fried sole fillets with butter and capers

Oven-Baked Salmon Wellington               P380.00
Boursin cheese and salmon baked in a rich pastry crust with a spinach lemon cream sauce

Baked Vegetables Provencale               P340.00
Stewed provencale vegetables in a crisp phyllo crust with a mushroom soy milk reduction


Pasta, Sandwiches and Savory



Pasta

Fettuccine with Bleu Cheese and Roasted Mushrooms          P185.00
Bleu cheese and sliced mushrooms on top of creamy fettuccine

Fideos with Spanish Chorizo Ala Diablo                       P255.00
Spanish-inspired pasta dish of sliced chorizo and paprika

Spaghettini Gambas Ala Jillo                   P195.00 
Sauteed shrimps and garlic on top of angel hair pasta


Sandwiches

Casa Roces Club          P245.00
Double-decker ciabatta sandwich with layers of bacon, cheese, chicken inasal, tomatoes and cucumber

Ham and Cheese Sandwich          P240.00
Classic ham and cheese ciabatta sandwich with mushrooms

Gourmet Tapa Sandwich          P235.00
Beef tenderloin tapa with tomatoes and egg in ciabatta


Savory

Vigan Longganisa Empanada          P115.00
The Ilocano's staple Vigan Longganisa enclosed in a flaky crust

Tuna Mushroom Turnover          P75.00
Pastry filled with a rich and creamy tuna filling with bits of mushrooms

Ensaymada          P65.00
A classic Filipino favorite
Soft bread, mainly of Spanish influence, generously topped with cheese


Merienda Fare and Breakfast Menu


Merienda Fare

Pancit Palabok          P195.00
Rice noodles with savory shrimp sauce, smoked fish flakes and pork cracklings

Pancit Bam-I            P175.00
Sauteed fresh miki noodles with chicken, shrimps and Chinese chorizos

Guinataang Halo-Halo            P95.00 
Flavorful porridge of glutinous rice balls and fresh, sweetened fruits in coconut

Tokwa't Baboy          P165.00
Softened pork and crispy fried and tofu meets in a piquant sauce of soy and vinegar

Dinuguan at Puto            P145.00
Native pork stew served with warmed rice cakes

Arroz Caldo            P95.00 
Savory chicken and rice porridge served with garlic flakes, egg and spring onions

Pan de Sal with:          P220.00
Kesong puti, hamon and Spanish sardines

Turon Ala Mode            P125.00
Fried banana rolls filled with ube jam and served with a caramel langka sauce and ice cream

Fried Suman with Mango Sauce and Spanish Chocolate            P230.00 
Pan-fried rice cakes served with puree of mangoes and thick, hot chocolate



Longganisa Tuguegarao          P195.00
Crispy pan-fried native pork sausages served with egg any style and toasted pan de sal or rice

Tinapang Bangus            P195.00
Smoked milk fish fried and served with egg any style and plain or garlic rice

Chicken-Pork Adobo         P175.00
Soy stewed chicken and pork served with egg any style and toasted pan de sal or rice

Beef Tapa           P175.00
Fried marinated beef strips served with egg any style and plain or garlic rice

Bacon and Eggs         P165.00
Crispy bacon strips served with egg any style and pan de sal or rice

Champorado at Danggit           P110.00
Warm chocolate rice porridge served with fried salted smelt


Desserts, Beverages, Cakes, Hot Coffee and Cold Coffee


Desserts

Leche Flan Brulee          P95.00
Burnt sugar-topped rich flan

Basque Apple Tart           P185.00
A Spanish version of tart Tatin

Crepe Suzette Ala Mode          P265.00
Classic orange crepes served with vanilla ice cream
*Good for sharing

Malacanang Frozen Souffle           P380.00
Frozen lemon custard souffle with chocolate flakes, pistachio nuts and lemon lavender sauce
*Good for sharing



Beverages

Fresh Fruit Shake and Juices          P155.00
Seasonal fruit juice or shake

Buco Juice          P100.00
Fresh buco juice in the shell

Casa Sangria (Carafe or Glass)          P550.00/ P165.00
Casa Roces' blend of dry red wine with chopped fruits and lemon soda



Sangria Te (Carafe or Glass)          P190.00/ P70.00
Our house blend ice tea: red tea mixed with lemon soda and chopped fresh fruits

Sago't Gulaman          P80.00
Tapioca pearls and jelly cubes with brown syrup on crushed ice



Salabat Soda          P100.00
Fizzy lemon lime soda with gingery ice cubes

Hot Salabat          P45.00
Hot ginger and honey tea



Tsokolate Eh          P70.00
Hot chocolate thickened with rich peanut butter

Tsokolate Ah          P55.00
Thick, rich hot chocolate

Hot Tea          P60.00
 
Canned Soda          P65.00
 
Canned Beer          P75.00

Bottled Beer          P60.00
 
Bottled Water          P55.00

 
Cakes                                            whole/ junior

Chocolate Pastillas Cake                 P650.00/ P150.00

Laguna Cheesecake                        P990.00/ P150.00
 
Chocolate Caramel                         P850.00/ P150.00
 
Devil's Food Cake                          P610.00/ P130.00
 
Dulce de Leche                             P650.00/ P110.00
 
White Chocolate Sansrival               P710.00/ P135.00

Cherry Walnut Cheesecake              P975.00/ P190.00
 
Double Chocolate Cake                   P850.00/ P150.00
 
Chilled Blueberry Cheesecake           P850.00/ P150.00 


Hot Coffee

Brewed Coffee           P95.00
 
Espresso                P50.00
 
Cappuccino                 P130.00
 
Cafe Latte               P130.00
 
Cafe Mocha           P125.00
 
Bailey's Coffee           P125.00

 
Cold Coffee

Frosted Mocha             P130.00
 
Frosted Caramel            P150.00
 
Frosted Java-Java           P150.00
 
Black Forest                 P140.00
 
Rocky Road               P160.00
 
Bailey's Frappe           P150.00 


Paella & Cochinillo Weekends


Spanish Culinary Favorites to Share and to Savor

Paella Valenciana          P225.00
 
Pork Belly Lechon Asado          P350.00








Casa Roces Malacañan:
Address:  1153 J.P. Laurel corner Aguado Street, San Miguel, Manila
Tel:  +63 (2) 735-5896, 708-4020
Website:  www.casaroces.com
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/casarocesphils





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