A Spiced Valentines Day at Sofitel Manila

Nobody can match SPIRAL when it comes to food, that has been established. How about romance? Well Valentines Day seems apt to show off several dishes that would spark love, perhaps get you a little naughty too... but still totally ROMANTIC. The secret is, 21 spices. They'll make you believe that love can be achieved by food all over again. By all means, feed your boys, feed your men! 

It's super cute, super perfect for the occasion, it's chocolate made into a Teddy Bear. Probably made of chocolate compound but they actually are infusing the spices into these cute creations. The bag, the shoes, yes they are all edible. I'm sure your lady would love you if you gave her this bear, then a bear hug after.

These are no ordinary chocolate pieces, these are infused with cardamom, chili and others. Totally different, and will make you hotter than hot.

My favorite of all the things I saw that day are these Brown Chocolate Bears. Those lips look good though.

Now imagine how spicy your evening will be with these lovely spices in your desserts, that's just the start.

Aphrodisiacs will be there, especially some really good shrimps, tuna, and tons of other mollusks and even nuts. The goal is to make you frisky even if you haven't started yet.

My favorite cheese dressed up in a heart shape form plus some fruit preserves in the middle. I like this a lot.

Now there's something mysterious here, shrimps in a broth made of ginseng, mushrooms, and spices, I think the only thing left to do is perhaps chant a spell. This seems like a love potion waiting to happen.

Ahh this feels Japanese all of a sudden. This is Unagi roasted perfectly over low fired coal. It's smoky and savory, something good to pair with roasted tomatoes, peppers and onions.

Another one on the menu, this is an aphrodisiac too. This is sea cucumber with ginseng, mushrooms and spices. Pretty nice to have to start the meal. Really exotic.

You can use a lot of spices in these dishes. They don't hold back and I think that is innovative to do especially on special occasions.

This si rice/sushi with fish eggs, caviar and a salmon rose. Pretty romantic no?

You can now reserve at Spiral and Sofitel Manila through their microsite http://www.spiralmanila.com or their main website www.sofitel.com/Manila. You can also call them at +63 2 8326988 or email them at H6308-FB12@sofitel.com for reservations. You can also inquire on the same channels if you feel like it. 

I think this is the opportune time to get your family something good, something great, you deserve the time with them in a great restaurant. Take your lovely lady to dinner, propose to her at the helipad overlooking manila, or perhaps just lounge around and make her feel special while looking at the Manila Bay sunset. You know you can never trade that for anything in the world!

For more information about their hotel and food:

Sofitel Manila

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Visit their official website

http://www.spiralmanila.com

ABUNDANCE: Chinese Lunar New Year + Albert Andrada Show at Sofitel Manila

We can't forget our Filipino-Chinese brothers and sisters. They go the mile and go back to the country expecting the best food to be served as they celebrate the Year of the Rooster. Well, you don't have to cook anymore when in Spiral. You just have to spend time and enjoy your time with family. Spiral is going all out with their Chinese food offerings plus a full blown fashion show. Here's some of the dishes you'll enjoy if you celebrate Year of the Rooster with them.

This spread is fit for a Chinese Emperor, all pointing to ABUNDANCE for this year!

Chicken that's Baked in a bed full of salt, it keeps the moisture in and makes the meat so juicy.

Crabs that are huge, cooked in Chili and Pepper sauce. You know this is good.

Abalone lightly cooked and drenched perhaps in XO sauce. Fit for a king!

They also have Sea Cucumber, fresh and chewy in chili sauce.

Like treasures, this is a harvest of Roasted Pig, scrumptious Shrimp, Roast Duck, Scallops, Sea Cucumber, Abalone and Broccoli. Can't go wrong with any of that!

This is perhaps... 5 Cups Chicken. Savory and worth all the small calories. This heals too. Now imagine it with hot white rice. See what I mean?

Yusheng is the Chinese way of doing the Prosperity Toss! Take your chopsticks and begin tossing the noodles for long life, the veggies for prosperity and happiness all throughout the year. Who doesn't want that right?

That afternoon was the time they were claiming the Chinese also invented the hamburger, case in point this Chinese Hamburger. I think this is the same concept as the Cua Pao right?

Seafood, Cashew Nuts, set in a nest of noodles. Drizzled with a soy based sauce, amazing!

A must for every occasion, they also have these Coy rice cake or what we fondly locally call Tikoy. Reason being, it signifies families sticking together. 

For the piece de resistance, it's pig trotters. The pata as we call it here, is simmered for hours in Anis seeds, and tons of spices. That and mushrooms, chopped carrots, bok choi, which will all be good to your skin.

The designer that dressed Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach Albert Andrada will be putting on an exclusive show with hand picked pieces from his new collection. We had Miss Earth here as his muse and it was super nice, very detailed and unbelievable. They will be using SPIRAL's grounds as venue for this show so imagine dining at the 21 ateliers and having a great runway, drama and all!

We had part of the event and the show on video. Check out our coverage here!

The spread that you will be witnessing during January 25 to 29 is made of Chinese regions that has origins that made Cantonese, Hakka and Sze Chuan dishes. It's a great way to start the Year of the Rooster with hopes of prosperity, happiness and opportunities.

Albert Andrada's show will be slated on the 25th of January. It will be aptly called La Abondance which celebrates abundance in life. Fashion lovers, shouldn't miss it!

For more information about their hotel and food:

Sofitel Manila

Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://www.spiralmanila.com

OBANZAI: The Flavors of Kyoto at Sofitel Manila

It's been a while since I've been back at Sofitel Manila. The first quarter of 2017 seems mighty busy for this 5 star hotel as they make your holiday celebrations even BIGGER. Their signature restaurant SPIRAL is rated best in the Philippines and they're definitely held the BEST Buffet Restaurant title for years now. They're full of ideas and they can definitely make it into reality. This quarter, they've come up with the best themes for the holidays and they say, it's time to celebrate it with your friends and family. 

OBANZAI: The Flavors of Kyoto

Bringing in the flavors of one of my dream destinations in Japan, Sofitel starts this year with OBANZAI the flavors of Kyoto. 

Kyoto has some really good food that's still waiting to be discovered. They will be doing it through a food festival designed by their house Japanese Chef Hiromi Yonekwa who hails from the region. His menu consists of old favorites which has been passed down from generations, some of which were cooked and served by his Mom, in his own home. I was at awe!

The Japanese spread, simple but classy. Clean as those made by Japanese Iron Chefs on TV!

They even made Sushi Rice made to look like oh so cute Hello Kitty!

Every Sashimi lovers dream is this spread of white fish, Toro (Tuna) and Salmon. Now where's that plate of soy sauce?

Oh yes they have several plates of these Okonomiyaki, Japanese pancakes is just lovely!

My personal favorite is the Takoyaki which is a lay man's term for Octopus laden balls.

Different types of Tempura is also available. This one actually goes very fast!

Your family dinner won't be complete without lovely, hot, hearty Sukiyaki. Swish in a couple of slices of Beef and it's a perfect day!

For those who love Sushi, they' have it in different shapes sizes and flavors. Don't be afraid to dig in!

You can now reserve for the Japanese Sake Dinner slated January 17, 2017 7PM at Sofitel's La Veranda. The rate set at Php3,500 nett per person. You can also participate with a special Japanese Cooking Class by Chef Hiromi Yonekawa which will happen on January 18, 2017. You will test your skills over at the Hot Japanese Atelier (station in front of the Cheese Room) at 4pm onwards. It will cost Php 1,500 nett per person. If it's something special, you may reserve the Chef’s Table with Chef Hiromi Yonekawa. This will include a 6-course dinner prepared every a la minute in the Davao and Boracay Kitchens on January 19, 2017 at 7pm. The rate set at Php 4,500 nett. I strongly suggest you do the Spiral Sunday Brunch though because they'll include sake and canapé pairing in this class which will be held on January 22, 2017 at 12PM to 3PM. The brunch is Php 4,215 nett per person.

For more information about their hotel and food:

Sofitel Manila

Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://www.spiralmanila.com

Tony Award Winning Fun Home Goes On Repeat Run

It has been able to captivate audiences in Broadway and other places in the US. Add to that the successful Manila run with cast that includes Lea Salonga, Eric Kunze, Cris Villonco and Laurence Mossman. The Tony Award winning musical will begin a second showing starting March 10 - 19 at the same venue for only 12 performances. Now you will still get the chance to see why they've won a total of 5 Tony Awards including Best Musical.

Fun Home isn't just a coming out story, but more of a tell all tale of family relationships and how they react on issues with gender, work, in an unfamiliar setting because it's actually done mostly in a funeral home. Best of all, this is based on a true story and people, whether straight or not would be able to relate to the characters in the story because ultimately this is about the family. This is also topbilled by world class Filipino stage actors and actresses plus several foreign/broadway based cast members. You're surely not shortchanged in any way, shape or form. A word of warning though, this isn't really for kids as Ms. Lea Salonga told us there will be some profanity involved. It would be better for teens and up with parental supervision.

Fun Home will be shown at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditiorium, RCBC Plaza in Makati City. You may call Ticketworld at 8919999 or by online at www.ticketworld.com.ph if you would like to watch the show. 

This is going to be good!

KUMAGCOW

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