hotel review Archives - Between Bites - Bites of Food, Travel and Lifestyle

A Weekend Escape at Art-Enthused U Hotels

June 10, 2019 by Janey

My eyes flickered as I felt that the day was calling out to me. I had such a long, deep slumber that a quiet part of me didn’t want to move just yet but the adventurer in me wanted to explore more of the many hidden gems of Poblacion. My body started expanding as I stretched like a cat on the comfortable bed.

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It is how any other weekend is supposed to be. Except I’m billeted at the first art hotel in Poblacion, Makati – U Hotels. U Hotels Makati celebrates both culture and comfort as they bring together the luxuries of staying in a modern hotel, and the artistry of talented local artists, which mimics the vibrant street scene that Poblacion is known for.

Relaxed, peaceful and an escape from your usual day to day, U Hotels Manila stands fairly new in the hotel scene, but in the short span of time it has opened its doors to city dwellers looking for a respite and art-filled nest, it has brought in countless of reviews from satisfied clientele that keep rating them high on Tripadvisor.

The U Story

The U in U Hotels Makati also stands for the last names of the inspired minds behind this hotel destination. Alfredo Yu was a fixture in the hotel industry for several years. Together with his wife Elena, they ventured into purchasing real estate with the dream of building their own chain. Their children, Carter and Alex, shared the same aspirations and would later come up with a thriving budget hotel in the city of Manila. Fast forward to 2017, the siblings found themselves wanting to build another hotel, but this time they decided, it has to be something uncommon. Their objective was to draw travelers not just for the friendly accommodation rates, but more for the differentiator – which only U Hotels can offer.

The entrance to U Hotels, literally welcomes you with a greeting. The façade in the lobby shows the word “Welcome” in different languages – an idea suggested by one of the owners’ kids. Artist and calligrapher Avin Del Rosario, combined these greetings with illustrations of paper planes, as U Hotels welcomes varying clients, some local, but most are travelers from different parts of the world.

This same vibe reverberates in all corners of the lobby, with comfortable sofas, chairs, benches and tables that are available for guests to use for meetings or simply hanging out. Free flowing coffees and cookies accompany your fast internet connection provided by the hotel.

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The comforting vibe continues upon stepping into my room. The room is fully equipped with accommodation necessities like a mini-bar, safety lock, business table, LCD TV, and luggage rack. I took notice of the carefully added details in the room.

Don’t rush into the morning but instead wake up to a peaceful setting. I headed to the ground floor where U Hotels offers a hearty breakfast together with your stay. The selections are made up of both traditional Filipino favorites, as well as other cuisines. This spread can be found daily at the lobby lounge. For the rest of the day, you can order from a menu of heirloom dishes that the hotel carefully curated for you to enjoy.

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Henann Lagoon Resort in Boracay

June 1, 2015 by Janey

They say we travel not to escape life but for life not to escape us. Instead of being trapped in the confines of every day routine, we must look to travel as far as we can, as much as we can, and for as long as we can. Life is not meant to be lived in one place. And I definitely don’t want to live it in one place when I have a home away from home at Henann Lagoon Resort.

My sister and I welcomed March with open arms and we were welcomed with warmth as we stepped into the holding area in Caticlan port prior to boarding the private boat to Boracay Island.

Even if it was only a 45min to 1hour plane ride from Manila to Kalibo, Henann Group of Resorts made everything seamless as soon as we landed, providing the coaster service from Kalibo to Caticlan, and welcoming us with refreshments and a shell necklace at the port.

We’ve flown international a few times but first time together in Boracay.

Off the bat we felt we were on a vacation… far from any worries or burden.

The boat men and respectful staff of Henann Group of Resorts quickly and carefully loaded our things on the boat and 15 minutes later, I’m stepping on the soft pristine white sand of Boracay… ready to be checked in.

Henann Group of Resorts (formerly Boracay Regency Group) is committed to delivering world-class accommodation in their luxury resorts in premium locations, with personalized and quality customer service and high-value for money.

Henann Lagoon Resort in Boracay boasts of 120 rooms, a beautiful al fresco restaurant overlooking a picturesque and sprawling swimming pool, one of the biggest on the island measuring up to 1,200 sqm. The resort also offers numerous function rooms for corporate meetings or your banquet needs.

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If Boracay Regency Beach Reosrt and Spa is full (which it always is unless you book very early since this is usually most people’s first choice), Henann Lagoon Resort is the next best place to be quartered in when in Boracay Island. The resort provides a complimentary shuttle service to the beachfront of Boracay Regency and it’s a cinch to get to the beach, with no delay at all. It can feel like you’re already staying beachfront.

Summer Beach Party at Ibiza Beach Club Cebu

March 6, 2014 by Janey

Summerrrrrrrrrrrrrr is here! And Ibiza Beach Club is making things a little hotter.

DJ Daiki Wakabayashi and his friends of celebrity DJ’s from Japan returns to Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu to perform for a one-night beach party experience at the hotel’s ultimate party venue, The Ibiza Beach Club.

Organised by Cebu .20z, this luxurious event scheduled on March 8, 2014 is set to impress with exhilarating performances, creative cocktails and stunning ocean views. Think sand, surf, beautiful people and famous international DJs in one spectacular evening. Arrive early and take advantage of buy one, get one free cocktails and sunset beats from 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm. Back to back DJ performances will begin from 7.00 pm onwards.

A Home in Paradise at Moevenpick Hotel in Mactan Island Cebu

January 3, 2014 by Janey

I’m a Manila girl. I envy friends who go home to their provincial town and celebrate regional fiestas since I’ve only known the capital city for most of my life not having relatives to visit elsewhere in the Philippines. Evident of my countless short and long trips to this place, it is obvious that Cebu has become a hometown to me.

Bantayan Island, Cebu

More Memorable Bantayan Cebu

My Weekend Escape in European-Fresh Hotel Elizabeth

Malapascua Island, Cebu

Chibori, Cebu

URCC Cebu

I have had many returns enough to sing this song this way, “Cebu, Cebu, I keep coming back to Cebu. There’s no place like Cebu. Cebu, I’m coming home.” And home is exactly what it felt like checking in at Moevenpick Hotel in Mactan Island for four days. Well, my home in paradise that is.

I’ve been flying in and out the past two months but I was only able to find rest in the last leg of my 2013 travel chronicle. It was towards the final days of November and I was traveling with four gentle-but-not-so-gentle-men.

Our plane touched down in Cebu. Moevenpick Hotel Cebu offers airport to hotel to airport transfers in style, with a huge air-conditioned jeepney-looking mini-bus. Our chauffer assisted us with our luggage and 10 minutes after, we were welcomed by a beaming staff at Moevenpick Hotel.

Touchdown Moevenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu

Moevenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu is a five-star Mediterranean-inspired beachfront hotel located on the lush and tropical island of Mactan. Surrounded by culturally rich points of interests, the hotel boasts an exceptional location ideal for both business travelers and visitors set to explore the city or nearby islands.

Refreshments were offered and as fate would have it, we arrived during chocolate hour (3pm-4pm at the Lobby). A male staff with a tray of wonderful chocolate eclairs was going around offering these luscious treats in gratis.

My friend Richie of www.thepickiesteater.com teased the staff not to stray far away from him. We almost shadowed him but eventually headed to one of Moevenpick’s restaurants Sails for a late lunch.

Filling our tummy with an afternoon delight, we headed to our rooms to settle in and take a short siesta. Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu covers 245 contemporary guestrooms and suites.

I walked into my room and was glad to see where I’ll be camping in for the next few days. I love white as it feels clean and relaxing so I am happy to report that the guestroom’s interior is in white and shades of blue.

All the guestrooms come complete with LED television, wireless internet and a fully stocked mini-bar. Wireless internet is what makes it such a functional room. I could work, blog and keep in touch with my friends and get connected to my social networking sites in a jiffy at no cost.

I could receive Viber calls too. Moevenpick also offers high-speed internet at a nominal fee but I was pretty much content with their free Wi-Fi. It did remind me though of the exorbitant internet fee I paid for at the Four Seasons Hotel in Langkawi, Malaysia in late September so yeah, free-of-charge Internet is glee! Complimentary Wi-Fi is accessible in all guestrooms and throughout the public areas of the hotel.

My Weekend Escape at European-fresh The Hotel Elizabeth, Cebu

September 10, 2012 by Janey

My eyes flickered as I felt the sun’s warm kiss damping my face. I moved and stretched on the comfortable bed my body fell asleep in thus forgetting to close the drapes. After continuous massive raining in the past weeks, I didn’t mind the sunny day peeking in between the curtain sheets finally waking me up after a deep slumber.

That was two weekends ago during the first long weekend of August, that 4-day long holiday that many people wished, except for businessmen and proprietors, to extend until Christmas. I heard that 2013 will not have as many long holiday weekends, in fact from 8 to only 3. For someone like me who after a long day at work, goes home cleaning parts of the house, picking up after disarrayed females and checking if everyone is well, responsibilities only end when my mind starts to sleep. I need to savor the little breaks I get and that is exactly what Hotel Elizabeth allowed me to do after checking in their boutique hotel in Cebu one Saturday afternoon.

We had no huge plans for this Cebu trip. We have traveled to Cebu many times, and albeit its major areas are already an urban city similar to Manila, it still has a slower pace and closer to beautiful islands like Bantayan, Virgin and Malapascua.

READ MORE:

Bantayan Island, Cebu

More Memorable Bantayan Cebu

Malapascua Island, Cebu

Chibori, Cebu

Dancing Flavors of Guiseppe Italian Restaurant, Cebu

URCC Cebu

If we had the energy and time to plan, we could have aimed for Oslob and watch / swim with the younger whale sharks found there. It’s there whole year round compared to Donsol, Sorsogon.

READ MORE:

Donsol, Sorsogon

This time though it’s just how any other weekend is supposed to be. Relaxed, peaceful and an escape from your usual day to day… Hotel Elizabeth stands fairly new in Cebu, it has only been 2 years if I’m not mistaken when it opened its doors within the Ayala neighborhood. It’s following the success it has of Hotel Elizabeth Baguio from the same management under Fersal Hotel Group. Their Baguio counterpart has been awarded the City’s Hotel of the Year three times. They are replicating that distinct ambience and impeccable service they are known for in Cebu.

Hotel Elizabeth offers airport-hotel-airport transfers which made it convenient for us as soon as we got our luggage from the Mactan airport since we didn’t need to queue for a cab. I was greeted with a warm hello from a surprisingly well-uniformed chauffer when he alighted from the van. During the drive to the hotel, Bubba and I already discussed possible plans for the weekend with no pressure of trying to muster everything we can on this trip.

Cochinillo Asado, A New Discovery at 22 Prime, Discovery Suites

June 19, 2012 by Janey

22 PRIME always had a soft spot in my heart. Bubba and I find random refuge at the restaurant located at Discovery Suites’ 22^nd floor after a long day at work. Having occupied the Number 1 post on my Between Bites’ Best Date Places in 2010, it’s no secret that I like going here for dinners and even cocktails at Serendipity Lounge. Listed among the top five Philippine restaurants by the international Miele Guide on its 2011-2012 Edition, it confirms that my taste is not far from theirs.

Bubba and I in 2009

During Spot.Ph’s Goldspot Awards, 22 Prime was also awarded as the city’s best steak specialty restaurant.

READ THE STORY HERE:

World of Flavors at Discovery Suites’ Restaurant 5

In Crumbs: 22 Prime and Others

Between Bites Top 10 Best Date Places

Premium Night at 22 Prime

For regulars like me who go from time to time to enjoy the steaks, surf and turf, the bone marrow with apricots or simply Chef Rick’s Cheese Bread (mouth-wateringly my favorite!), you’re in for a new dish discovery.

22 Prime doesn’t only serve well-cooked steaks as diners are delighted anew with its latest culinary offering – Cochinillo Asado.

A Weekend Getaway at Summit Ridge, Tagaytay

August 4, 2010 by Janey

Bubba and I drove to Tagaytay last Saturday and checked in at Summit Ridge Hotel around 3pm. Right before we reached Summit Ridge, we noticed the low lying clouds from the other side of the hills and the road started to be really foggy. Not long before I got worried about road visibility, Summit Ridge was within sight.

(from Summit Ridge website)

Robinsons Land Corporation opened the doors of Summit Ridge Hotel in June 2009 and guests who visit Tagaytay for its picturesque view of Taal Volcano and its refreshing surroundings and want the modern convenience of a hotel have been welcomed since. It perfectly sits atop Tagaytay Ridge that’s actually 2,000 feet above sea level –the very incentive to take a short drive to Tagaytay, cool climate.

Right beside the hotel is the Summit Ridge Promenade, which is a commercial complex that has quite a number of interesting restaurants that include both the new and the familiar. The roster of dining venues includes Classic Cuisine (C2), Giligan’s restaurant, The Sizzling Pepper Steak, Ted’s Oldtimer La Paz Batchoy (perfect for cold weather) and The Coffee Beanery. I was wondering where Sanctuario restaurant was since it wasn’t in its location near the Rotonda. I’m glad to see that it has moved to a better location at the Summit Ridge Promenade.

They also have a few stores for shopping and Fun Time amusement center for the kids or kids at heart. What’s wonderful about this hotel and promenade being owned and managed by the Robinsons group is the fact that they also built a Robinsons Supermarket right next to it, which makes it so convenient to buy necessities that you may need while traveling.

Hotel staff welcomes you by the drop-off point at the car lobby. Step into the sprawling hotel lobby of Summit Ridge that swiftly spells hotel elegance. If only the personnel by the reception is as welcoming and friendly as the ones that greet you by the door, EVEN with a warm smile from ME and a quick pip about the weather outside, I would have definitely felt right at ease. But no. I’ve had friendlier and more accommodating reception from two different lodging places in Tagaytay. I’m happy to note though that that was the only hiccup from our wonderful and relaxed stay at Summit Ridge last weekend.

Our room reservation for that day was for a Twin Classic but since that room specifically offers two single beds, we asked to be upgraded to King Classic that has one King size bed –which is more ideal for vacationing couples.

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The difference in the rates between a Twin Classic and the King is only PHP 600. You can also get 64sqm suites at PHP 12,000 – PHP 14,000 a night with two balconies, kitchen implements, dinnerware set-up, microwave oven for your leftover food and reheating needs and a built-in kitchen hub –a complete set-up for those who travel and want to play cook or house whichever is the case.

Room Rates:

Twin Classic – P6, 550

King Classic – P7, 150

Twin/ King De Luxe Room – P7, 550

Two-Bedroom Suite – P12,000

Summit Suite – P14,000

The 32sqm King Classic room looked bigger than its actual size. The room is suitably equipped with 32-inch LCD TV with cable including a channel guide, in-room coffee and tea facilities, a safety box, a spacious shower, telephone, personal fridge, and split-type AC! Best of all, which is really a come-on for folks like me who want to be connected online or do some work on the side, Summit Ridge hotel has in-room Wi-Fi Internet access! And connection is gooooood. *nods*

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Bubba enjoying the Wi Fi and plurking

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Squeaky clean bathroom with no moldy smells! 😀

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I like that they provisioned for a bag rack

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As mentioned, every room has a balcony overlooking the beautiful and scenic Taal Lake, which is especially lovely in the morning. Bubba spent a good time by the balcony Saturday afternoon as well as Sunday morning.

Another thing that rocks about Summit Ridge is the 24-hour gym!!! I actually brought gym clothes including my iPod and work-out gloves but incidentally, I left my new running shoes! Bubba brought everything from head to toe for workout but guess what, the bed was too cozy that he slept in and ignored his alarm the following morning. Folks who are gym buffs or those who have incorporated working out in their everyday lifestyle need not worry even if they stay out too late exploring Tagaytay –the gym is open anytime if you want to break out a sweat.

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View of the pool deck from our floor

During that weekend, I think there was a wedding ceremony in Tagaytay (probably Chapel on the Hill) and they decided to do the wedding reception at Summit Ridge. Bubba and I saw the wedding car at the parking lot and guests that were dressed in the nines. Summit Ridge also offers ballrooms for your birthday, wedding and other celebrations, as well as training and functions rooms for business seminars, conferences and team building sessions. What better way to throw a party or an event than in the cool and breezy Tagaytay City, a natural escape from the city.

(from Summit Ridge website)

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That evening, we were tempted to go to Antonio’s like last time but we decided to try something new. Bubba and I headed out to dine at Taj of Tagaytay (more on this on a separate post) and had a wonderful dinner of Mutton Biryani Rice and Chicken Vindaloo. After stuffing ourselves silly, the comfort of our room was suddenly heavily missed that we decided to head back right after dinner.

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Summit Ridge Promenade offers live acoustic nights every Saturdays in its open-air lifestyle center from 7pm to 12mn. We caught a bit of the music on our way back to the hotel. The Sky Lounge on the roof deck is also worth a look.

Wine and Coco Bella Chocolates 🙂

That evening, Bubba and I mused whether to read our own books while drinking wine or watch a movie on his laptop. As usual, the latter won and we were immersed with the movie, Uncertainty, starring Joseph Gordon Levitt (who I think is as deep of an actor as Heath Ledger, with deep penetrating eyes and facial expression) until midnight. Movie somehow reminded me of Gwyneth Paltrow’s Sliding Doors.

After a long prayer for both our families, sleep beckoned us and we were off to dreamland. A long satisfying, uninterrupted and restful sleep followed and we stretched out our arms to a beautiful sunny morning around 9am.

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Breakfast that gorgeous Sunday was spent at Annie’s/C2 at the ground floor of Summit Ridge Hotel. There was a lean breakfast buffet set-up awaiting the morning people such as us.

Bubba had a plateful helping of longganisa (local pork sausage), garlic rice, 2 sunny side-up eggs, ham, danggit/tuyo (dried fish) and a bowl of milk and cereals. I wasn’t in a big mood to eat so I had something light –omelet and 1 slice of wheat bread. Bubba had mango juice and hot chocolate while I had pineapple juice.

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After breakfast, we went to check out the pool area and still spent some quality time lounging in our room before heading out for lunch. Lunch was spent at the enchantingly charming Marcia Adam’s Tuscany (more on this on a separate entry).

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Having been to Tagaytay countless of times, I thought that I’ve already combed Tagaytay to the grits but there is still so much to discover in the city on the hills –even lofty accommodations in a hotel category such as Summit Ridge Hotel as well as fantastic restaurants around the bend. Tagaytay still never fails to exude that harmony of natural beauty with a bit of urban style. The Summit Ridge Hotel and Promenade is one of the best Tagaytay bets for any weekend warrior. Room accommodation is quite sufficient.

Summit Ridge

Km. 58, Maharlika West

Gen. Aguinaldo Highway, Tagaytay City, Philippines

(632) 240 6888

(63) 922 852 6800

reservations@summitridgehotel.com

Summit Ridge Album

Marcia Adam’s Tuscany Album

How to get to Summit Ridge/Directions:

Via SLEX (South Luzon Expressway)

Take the Sta. Rosa exit and turn right after the tollgates. Keep following the path and you will see signposts along the road directing you to Summit Ridge.

Via Aguinaldo Highway

Go straight towards the Rotonda, then turn right towards the direction of PAGCOR Casino. The hotel is located in front of Josephine’s Restaurant beside Robinsons or Summit Ridge Promenade.

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Australian Tomahawk Chop of 22 Prime: A Definite Prime Mover

May 28, 2010 by Janey

Thursday, I made my way to Discovery Suites to partake in a hearty lunch made even more wonderful with the company at the table. Stepping into the elevator, I pressed the button with the number 22. As mentioned in my previous post, the 22^nd floor has a comfortable lounge setting as well as a relaxed dining area amidst the lavish surroundings of Discovery Suites shared by Serendipity Lounge and 22 Prime.

The last time Bubba and I were here, we had a lot to order –bisque, their bone marrow dish (served on the bone!), cheese bread and steak. It’s not surprising to order practically everything on the menu (almost all are favorably satisfying) since 22 Prime is one of our favorite restaurants in the Metro while Chef Rick’s cheese bread tops our list of comfort favorites. It is a gastronomic oasis found at the heart of Ortigas business district.

Interestingly, having a number of dinners here, I have never visited during broad daylight. Thursday was a good opportunity to view during daytime the familiar place accustomed to me in low lights. It has a warm and inviting atmosphere even with the sun’s brightness coming through their beautiful massive floor-length windows.

There’s always a sense of satisfaction whenever we dine here –from knowledgeable, adequate and genuinely friendly service to being served great tasting gourmet food.

22 Prime has always been known for its mouth-watering premium steak selections. A gargantuan guest will change the “food” landscape by introducing the largest prime steak that will definitely appeal to you and your meat-ravenous comrades. On June 1, 2010, Discovery Suites’ 22 Prime unveils the Australian Tomahawk Chop and “Verse 1” Specialty Menu.

Two of Australia’s best produce, beef and wine, take center stage at 22 Prime from June 1-15, 2010 for lunch and dinner. Gourmands with a taste for fine meats can now indulge in a large serving of Tomahawk Rib-Eye Chop, approximately weighing 1 kilogram, grilled to a gourmet’s delight and accompanied with a casserole of perfectly seasoned baby vegetables, a bowl of Caesar salad, and a bottle of Verse 1 Cabernet Sauvignon.

June is definitely a month where there’s more to discover at Discovery Suites as 22 Prime acquaints you with the Tomahawk Chop.

A Tomahawk Chop can be an intimidating piece of meat. When we came face to face with its raw greatness, the group collectively gasped, obviously wowed by the huge bone-in Australian beef.

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Chef David Pardo de Ayala, Corporate Chef of the Discovery group of hotels, explained that such a distinguished piece of meat deserves a flawless preparation from readying the meat in room temperature to the actual grilling of the meat and to its “resting” stage which is absolutely crucial. The whole ceremony done attentively ensures an evenly juicy, tender, succulent steak at the table.

For those who are less inclined, Chef David Pardo de Ayala was born in Bogota, Colombia and was the youngest winner of Colombia’s the Nestle “Toca de Oro” representing Colombia at gastronomic competitions of continental level. He traveled to New York to further expand his professional scope and attended the prestigious Culinary Institute of America. After a number of years as Executive Chef in several five star hotels in Colombia and restaurants in New York, he settled in the Philippines in 2007 and opened the prominent Soleil Restaurant in Makati.

Currently, Chef David functions as Corporate Chef for the Discovery hotel group where he sets the food and beverage directions of Discovery Suites in Pasig City (which houses Restaurant 5, 22 Prime and Serendipity Lounge), Discovery Country Suites in Tagaytay City (home of Café Verbena) and Discovery Shores Boracay (Indigo, Platitos and Sands). Anything that comes out of Chef David’s high-powered kitchen proves to be cooked with the freshest ingredients, care and creativity.

On the Table

Bread Sticks/Bread and Three Spreads

The perky staff brings to the long table several “tin baskets” of bread and breadsticks escorted with three different dips that are positively addicting.

1^st Dip: Skordalia

Potato puree, silky and smooth spread with a hint of lemon

2^nd Dip: Sofrito

Tomato with olive oil

3^rd Dip: Chicken Liver Pate

Very creamy with a hint of mushroom

Australian Tomahawk Chop and Verse 1 Specialty Menu PHP 4,800

Grilled Tomahawk Chop 1 kilogram, 6-Star Tenderplus Australian Beef Rib Eye Steak

Served to share with a Casserole of Baby Vegetables and a Bowl of Caesar Salad “22 Prime”

1 Bottle of Verse 1 Cabernet Sauvignon

*Allow 25 minutes cooking time

The Tomahawk Chop is one of the largest rib eye steaks in Australia and culled from Tenderplus 6-star grass fed beef. It takes its name from the 30-centimeter of rib bone that is left attached to the meat, which in turn increase the meat’s flavor and tucks in the moistness when grilled.

My Portion of the Tomahawk Chop

Quick-fire thoughts:

I love the ample size of fat that adds a buttery texture

and heightens flavor of the meat

Peppercorn sauce bursts a bouncy flavor that goes perfectly with the chop

The salad is a good pause in between bites of meat as a cleanser to the palate

Side of baby vegetables had the right crisp and seasoning

–the lone brussel sprout was my favorite! Quite tasty!!! 🙂

The Tomahawk Chop is a perfect order when dining with friends. Cast off inhibitions as you all dig in with immense hunger for the tender and flavorful Australian beef. There is an option to have it sliced proportionately in the kitchen. Share with a group the unadulterated pleasure of high-end beef and clink your glasses “cheers” to a vibrant wine served on your table. This is the moment that is best shared with good friends.

Accompanying this gastronomic indulgence is a bottle of Verse 1 Cabernet Sauvignon from Brookland Valley –cited Winery of the Year by the James Halliday 2009 Australia Wine Companion. Verse 1 wine has rich, vibrant garnet in color while it displays full blackcurrant aromas with hints of leafiness balanced out by fine French oak. The palate is fruit driven with a soft texture and oak flavors. Elegant richness balances well with the meat’s intensity.

Chef David, with years of experience cooking in Colombia, Manhattan and Long Island, prepares wonderful dishes both menu staples that have become favorites and upscale monthly specials that you’d certainly want to catch. 22 Prime becomes a more familiar place to you and friends for great food and conversation –a prime spot to share an enjoyable meal that first awes your dining group visually with its massive size, and once cooked, follows through with winsome taste.

22 Prime

22^nd Level, Discovery Suites

25 ADB Avenue

Ortigas Avenue, Ortigas Center

Pasig City, Metro Manila

(632) 719 8888/ (632) 719 6821

22 Prime Album

Related Entries:

Premium Night at 22 Prime

Café Verbena at Discovery Suites Tagaytay

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3 Comments Filed Under: Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: 22 nd level, 22 Prime, 22 Prime at Discovery Suites, 22 Prime restaurant, 22 Prime restaurant introduces Australian Tomahawk Chop, 22nd floor, attendant, Australian Beef, award, best, best customer service, best hotel, best service, best steak, best steak house, best suites, Boracay, Bread, bring a date, card accepted, cheese bread, Chef David Pardo De Ayala, Chef Rick Cheese Bread, Country Suites, Discovery, Discovery Shores, Discovery Suites, Discovery Suites group of hotels, Filipino, floor, food, food blog, food review, foodie, four cheese, Hotel, hotel concierge, hotel review, hotels, how much, how to get there, imports, interior, location, lunch and dinner, lunch specials, Makati, Manila, Map, meal, menu, metro, Metro Manila, Nestle gold spot award, new menu, Ortigas Center, parking, Philippine hotels, Philippines, Photo, photos, price, promotion, rate, rates, restaurant, Restaurants, romantic dinner, room rate, Serendipity Lounge, service review, staff, Steak, steak house, suite, Surf and Turf, Tagaytay, Tenderplus, Tomahawk Chop, Tomahawk steak, Verse 1 wine, Video, wait staff, where to eat, where to stay, Wine, Wine of the Year

Premium Night at 22 Prime

September 2, 2009 by Janey

It was Saturday, the cool and crisp evening air surrounds the city. The night was begging for a gratifying dinner and off we headed to Discovery Suites. Café Verbena of Discovery Country Suites in Tagaytay was a delightful experience when I gave Bubba his birthday treat in 2008. No need to travel far south as Discovery Suites in Ortigas can perhaps replicate that.

The 22^nd level of Discovery Suites leads to a modernly decorated lounge with plush interiors and expansive glass windows that provide a luminous visual of North Manila’s skyline. Live piano music fills the air. Candle lit lamp adds romance to each table. The elegance and sophisticated charm of Serendipity Lounge of Discovery Suites extends to the restaurant adjoining it, 22 Prime –the very destination of that evening’s dinner.

On the Table

Bread Sticks/Bread and Three Spreads -Free

1^st Dip: Skordalia

Potato puree, silky and smooth spread with a hint of lemon

2^nd Dip: Sofrito

Tomato with olive oil

3^rd Dip: Chicken Liver Pate

Very creamy with a hint of cheese pimiento

Chef Rick’s Cheese Bread PHP 140

Sun dried tomato bread, broiled four cheese topping with baby greens

Gooey warm cheese topped on three breads, soft and bursting with tantalizing flavors. Served with baby greens in a mild citrus dressing sparkled with pink peppercorn. Sun dried tomato and broiled four cheese together? It’s an exercise in indulgence.

Their Prime Rib nights (PHP1, 195) are every Friday, 350 grams Prime Rib with soup and salad. We opted to go for the Rib Eye instead since I’m not a big fan of meat sitting under the strobe of light for hours.

22 Prime Rib Eye Steak 400 grams PHP 1,295

USDA certified prime beef served with choice of two steak sauces from a selection of Forrest Mushrooms, Three Peppercorn, Teriyaki Barbeque, Three Mustard Cream and Horseradish Cream.

Horseradish is a staple in sauce option. Instinctively, the decision was to go with Three Peppercorn, which is an obvious choice for me since I love peppercorn. Option for the second sauce left a debate between Horseradish Cream and Forrest Mushroom. Irresolute faces prompted Dors, the friendly and knowledgeable table attendant, to pipe in and recommend Horseradish between the two. She was nice enough to throw in Forrest Mushroom as our third sauce though.

The accessories that came with the steak entrées to enhance the gourmet experience are Twice Baked Potatoes, Potato Gratin, Hand Cut French Fires, Potato Puree, Garlic Roasted Potatoes, Roasted Mushrooms, Spinach Gratin, Grilled Asparagus, Braised Baby Carrots and Grilled Zucchini. Potato Gratin was the prime choice.

The steak was already split into two on its arrival. A blob of mashed potato artfully needled by crackers and roasted tomato twigged by a clump of herbs accompanied the Prime highlight of the meal. I wanted the doneness to be medium while Bubba wanted medium well so I opted for the latter.

The first few bites were sheer beefy pleasure with fat that melts in your mouth. Halfway through my steak though, the meat tends to be dry, which is a complete puzzle because the first half was juicier. When Dors came to ask how was the steak, I told her that it was tad bit dry. She said that it must be the doneness, which is a good point. I’ve tried medium well so many times and it wasn’t usually as dry as the other half of the steak. A spade is a spade. It was really a bit dry. I call it as I taste it.

Bubba enjoyed his part of the steak very much and said it was moist and tender. The steak tasted luxurious and liked it better than the Wagyu we tried a month ago. I agree with him only midway *wink* and didn’t finish the drier half of the steak. He finished it for me.

Complimentary dessert –trio of dessert

Pandan cheesecake, mango panna cota, strawberry chocolate with whipped cream

The allure of Discovery Suites carries through its restaurant, 22 Prime. This refined place served palatably creative food and offers service that is professional and attentive. Service is top notch –Discovery is truly known for so many years.

Reasonably priced, enjoy an intimate dinner for two or celebrate with a group. At the elegant 22 Prime, experience a meal that throws off sparks in a dining room that radiates in both service and gourmet food.

22 Prime

22^nd Level, Discovery Suites

25 ADB Avenue

Ortigas Avenue, Ortigas Center

Pasig City, Metro Manila

(632) 683 8222 loc. 3722

22 Prime Album

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