Art De Noel and New Year Shindig at Sofitel Manila

Christmas at Sofitel Manila certainly is an event to experience. With their upcoming Art De Noel 2023, the management, staff and guests of the hotel will be able to help once again the Virlanie Foundation. The organization helps disadvantaged children and families in the Philippines for years now and Sofitel Manila has been a constant partner in making sure their mission stays accomplished every year. The decor in the hotel has changed quite a lot over the years, and this year, they've got a few trains on display right at the entrance and floating right beside the huge Christmas Tree displayed at the center of Spiral, one of the world's best buffet. 

This year, they want to also put importance on reuniting families. Aside from that, they're yearly New Year celebrations will be held at the Sofitel Grand Ballroom and Harbor Garden Tent, with an event called SHINDIG, showcasing dance across eras, with some of the brightest stars of the 80's, 90's, 2000's and the present. Let's just say it involves Juan Miguel Salvador (who played the 80's hits so good that evening!), DJ Tom Taus, Joshua Zamora and Jon Supan, The InnerVoices, and your boy Darren Espanto headlining the show. Tickets will be available starting November 30 so if you've got plans to celebrate New Year's eve without the fuzz, this might be your best bet. They also have an early bird rate, so go call +632-85735557 for it. 

Here's a glimpse of what will happen at Sofitel Manila, I'm telling you, it's super fun! I had the urge of dancing even with strangers during the launch a few days ago.

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As you can see, Sofitel Manila's SPIRAL, LE BAR and Cocos will also be serving food during these dates. Reserve a table through their website, social channels or their number posted above. Take a bite of the Holiday Logs, Cheese, Foie Gras, seafood, pasta on the cheese wheel, and tons of desserts. They will also have a fireworks display, Art de Noel Light Show, good rates for stay, the Sofitel Bears (to help Virlanie Foundation too!), live music entertainment while you dine the best food at SPIRAL.

We got to experience part of that last week, and I'm sure the actual dates will be even bigger. You definitely shouldn't miss this, only at Sofitel Manila!

Spiral Re-Opens Doors this October

The pandemic has brought upon tremendous pressure in establishments especially the hospitality industry in Manila. Tourists have stopped coming in because of health restrictions which is understandable. At this time, even at limited capacity, all health protocols should be in place and I'm glad to hear Sofitel is opening the iconic Spiral again. 

Accor, the world leading hotel group which Sofital Manila belongs to has launched the ALLSAFE Cleanliness and Prevention Label. It is a signature set of global cleanliness and prevention criteria developed with and vetted by Bureau Veritas, a world leader in testing, inspections, and certification. This has also been integrated with national and local government guidelines, all in all to make you safe. 

Dining in on Spiral will be a little different. Seating capacity is currently limited and there will be one-meter spacing between guests. Transparent dividers are installed in reception desks and culinary ateliers. The private dining rooms are available for more exclusivity. Staff, chefs and  reception are equipped with safety gears, face shields and masks. Floors have signs for demarcation and a one way route. Each single plate will be served by the chefs from their respective ateliers putting in a one-dish-per-plate policy to prevent cross-contamination. 

For those with special orders or arrangements,  order numbers will be provided for guests to claim later on.  Beverage orders will be done via QR code on each table too. They currently have contactless payment in place including GCash, Alipay, WeChat Pay, and GrabPay too. This is in accordance with government protocols. Guests below the age of 21 years old and above 60 years old though are not permitted to dine in on any restaurant during General Community Quarantine (GCQ) which is still in place in Metro Manila. 

Spiral is starting this arrangement during the first three weekends of October. Please do reserve on Thursday dinner, Friday lunch and dinner, Saturday lunch and dinner, and Sunday brunch. Their rates are set at Php 2,850 for lunch, Php 3,500 for dinner and Php 4,350 for brunch. Call them at (+632) 8832-6988 or email H6308-FB12@sofitel.com.

Are you hungry? I am, but I'm glad to see Spiral is open with these protocols in place. 

That's reassuring!

Sofitel Wants You to Experience "Tout a la Français"

Just got off the afternoon press conference of Sofitel as they celebrate French Month with their theme "Tout a la Français" or "Everything French" this July. They have invited French Master Chef Patrick Terrien to hold classes of Traditional French Cuisine from July 17-23 including an experience of the Chef's Table and the firing up of the French Stove on the said dates. He will also be doing wine pairing sessions, so if you're interested contact Sofitel Manila via 551-5555 or email them at h6308-fb12@sofitel.com. You can also do it via www.sofitelmanila.com.

Multicolor Sea Bream, Fennel Panna Cotta and Beet Root.

They will also feature French wines on Sunday brunch like the Cotes du Rhone on July 23 and my favorite Burgundy on July 30. So don't hesitate to grab a bottle while you're there. 

Greek vegetable, Coriander and Lemon Confit. 

F&B Manager and Sommelier Tanguy Gras will also have wine pairing classes at 4PM on July 29 so if you haven't experienced that yet, go and book one because it's all worth it. Slots run out fast and only costs Php 2,000++ so get them early. The Bienvenue en Provence Barbecue Wine dinner on the other hand happens on the 28th so if you prefer it in the evening, that is better!

Salmon Paupiettes, Champagne Sauce and Oyster Mushrooms. 

Pork Fillet, Brocolli Puree, Glazed Carrots and Poivrade Sauce. 

Red Snapper Fillet Basquaise with Bordelaise Sauce.

Spring Lamb Shank Navarin. 

Oxtail Beef Parmentier.

Eggplants Duck Terrine, Mushroom Fooe Gras and Walnut Oil.

They've got tons of wines on display, you need not worry if you can't find a bottle because they almost have everything!

I loved all the things I ate in Spiral and the Wine Appreciation sessions I had in the past, I assure you they're some of the best people to talk to for "Everything French" because they are French with a Filipino touch. Come visit them today at Sofitel Manila and enjoy it like I did by calling 551-5555 so you could reserve a table, a private room for your friends and family. Nothing beats the Best Buffet in the Philippines.