For the very first time, Tsinoy Foodies got invited to a Chinese New Year celebration so we were very excited!  Knowing that Manila Pavilion (formerly Waterfront Hotel Manila) has a lot of festivities in store to welcome the year of the Fire Rooster 2017, shobe and I  arrived there at around 6 pm last January 28, 2017.

At around 7 pm, it was announced that the Chinese New Year program is about to start.  Manila Pavilion Hotel's New General Manager, Mr. Franz V. Eichenauer, CHA, together with his family graced the event. 

And soon, the crowd gathered outside to...  



It was a fun experience watching the hearing the loud beat of the drums accompanied by the lion and dragon dance.  But, what made everyone so enthusiastic and alert in picking up the lucky coins and candies being tossed.  While, I was taking a photo, I got hit on the head by a coin... Is that lucky?

Salad Stations
While the Lion and Dragon proceeded to each facility of the hotel, shobe and I proceeded Season's Cafe for our Chinese New Year buffet.  While the usual rate for the buffet at Season's Cafe is usually at 1,200 php nett.  For this one night only, they reduced their rate to 888 php net and the spread is mainly Chinese selections.

Since this is our first time at Season's Cafe, we wanted to try as much of their offerings.

We skipped the salad stations and headed more on the dishes that involved more preparation and culinary skills.

Soup Station

Hot and Sour Soup

To warm up our tummy, we began with the Soup Station.  There were 2 selections: Hot and Sour Soup and Egg Drop Soup.  Shobe (who doesn't like spicy foods) loved the Hot and Sour Soup which was not spicy at all.  I personally, would have enjoyed it spicier though.

Bread Station
Shobe was very happy with their freshly baked pastries so we bought some Ube Ensaymada, Ensaymada and Cinnamon Roll for the family from the Patisserie before heading home.  They loved them!

Cheese and Cold Cuts Station

Being cheese and nut lovers, shobe and I were thrilled with their cheese and nuts selections.  They even have pistachios available which is not usually offered in other buffets because it is expensive.  Since we're used to the typical Chinese cold cuts, we didn't try those anymore.

Both the Soy Chicken and Hainanese Chicken (see IG photo here) is a must try because they are both so soft, moist and delivers an almost melt-in-your-mouth sensation.  I'm intrigued by their cooking technique!

Wanton Noodle Soup Station
As much as we wanted to try their Wanton Noodle Soup, we were so stuffed already...

Shabu-Shabu Station
And, they also have a Shabu-Shabu Station which we were also forced to skip...

Dimsum Station

Shobe was a bit disappointment because there was no Hakaw available.

I have to admit defeat... My popular Chinese Tikoy with Egg Recipe is no match for their version of Tikoy.   Shobe tried the Buchi and liked it.  We couldn't guess what the others were filled with though.

Deep Fried Station


Main Dishes Station
Although the selection is limited, everything was delicious.

Carving Station

The Peking Duck Wraps are so good! Just like the Soy Chicken and Hainanese Chicken, the Peking Duck meat is also tender and moist.  The Chinese Ham is worth a try too.  It was lean and meaty with least amount of fats.

Dessert Station
Better save room for dessert because they have a rather extensive Dessert Station.

Our Dessert Pastry Plate

Our favorites are the Chocolate Cake, Leche Flan and Mango Sago.

Ice Cream Station

Fresh Fruit and Chinese Dessert Station


Crepe Station

Cherry and Strawberry Crepe

The texture of their Cherry and Strawberry Crepe is perfect.  We managed to finish this despite being full.


Beverage Station
The buffet rate is inclusive of the beverages.  Shobe enjoyed their brewed coffee.  She had one before the main meal and as a dessert accompaniment.
 

As part of the festivities, the Lions also passed by Season's Cafe to wish good fortune to the diners.

Overall, we Tsinoy Foodies, enjoyed our Chinese New Year 2017 experience at Season's Cafe in Manila Pavilion.  Because of our overindulgence, it was one of the rare moments that we were in a good and delightful mood to take a stroll and walk home.  

There are only a few creperies in the Metro.   So when I heard of La Creperie, I invited the family to try it. 

La Creperie has many branches.  The one in Salcedo Village is one of their newest establishment and it's near to us so it was the wisest option based on convenience.
 

It has a modern and luxurious vibe.

There are huge chandeliers that keeps emanates a romantic yellow glow over the place. 

Kids loved to watch as their crepes were being prepared.


Food

Les Soups

♥ Soup of the Day (285 php)

The Soup of the Day is pumpkin soup with garlic bread.  I've always loved pumpkin soup so we're fortunate that this was made available.

♥ French Onion (295 php)

 The French Onion topped with loads of gruyere cheese is highly recommended.

Galettes de Sarrasin

Provencale (285 php)

Between crepes and galettes, I've always prefer the latter for being he healthier option so I ordered the Provencale.  The Provencale is filled with spicy tuna, ratatouille (eggplant, zucchini, tomato, red peppers and garlic) and egg.  The toppings were a great medley but I didn't like the dryness and flatness of the galettes itself.   I can't help but miss my favorite Cafe Breton because of my disappointment.
 

♥ Crevette (295 php)

The Crevette is one of the best crepes I have tried.  It is filled with shrimp, crab roe (aligue) and spinach in bechamel sauce.  This is a must try!

Hungarian (265 php)

The Hungarian from the sound and looks of it is a manly meal. It had Hungarian sausage, sauteed onions, mustard sauce, chopped tomato and green salad.  For me this was too common but brother said it was okay for him.


Les Pates

♥ Truffled Mushroom and Sausage (385 php)

My little sister enjoyed her Truffled Mushroom and Sausage pasta.  I'd personally prefer if this had more truffle.


Les Chocolat Chaud

♥ Angelina's (210 php)

 Based on the review of Our Awesome Planet, the Angelina's is highly recommended so we ordered it.  It is a Paris-style rich hot chocolate (60% cacao) served with large chocolate chips and whipped cream.

♥ Angelina's (210 php)

We all loved how thick, rich and creamy it was.  But, I personally found it too sweet that made it difficult to finish.
 
Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
La Creperie is a great place for crepes.  Price range is reasonable for the food quality.  The classy interior is another reason to drop by.