The Cafe: Aunt's Birthday Dinner at Hyatt City of Dreams (Parañaque City)
Parañaque, Metro Manila, Philippines
For my dear aunt's 60th birthday, she invited the family to celebrate her birthday dinner at The Cafe at Hyatt City of Dreams.
Since it was out first time to try, we didn't know that it involves passing through the casino. But, if you're bringing food items like the cake we brought you have to take the longer route avoiding the casino area.
The dining area is divided into several sections. Each with a different setting. We enjoyed the exclusivity of having our two long tables in this exquisite area which for me is the best among the rest.
Food Stations
Bread Station
They have a lot of food stations. And, most of them are beautifully arranged.
Salad Station
Japanese Sushi Bar
Our favorite station is the Japanese Sushi Bar.
I think we ordered so much of the ♥ Aburri that the staffs got a bit overwhelmed.
Appetizer Station
My cousin Ton got this for me from the appetizer chiller because he thought it would be photogenic for my IG feed. Yes, that's how thoughtful and supportive my family is.
Dimsum Station
When the chefs saw my camera, everyone automatically made this pose so I just had to take this shot.
We were bursting in laughter because my cousin Ton almost got some of these display with his chopsticks and one of the chefs approached him to let him know that it was just a display.
Japanese Station
Unfortunately, we were so stuffed with the Aburri so we didn't have any belly space for these.
Chinese Roast Station
The Peking Duck was a bit dried and it lack oomph. I usually eat a lot of the Pecking Duck Wraps but this is one of the rare moments that I didn't.
Fried Station
The ♥ Ebi Tempura is delicious! They are freshly cooked and immediately refilled.
To our astonishment, they have ♥ Foie Gras but it is hardly noticed by the guests.
Save space for ♥ "The Beast" Mayura Wagyu Beef! I really loved it but some of my family members complained that it was tough. I guess I was lucky that the parts I had was pillow soft.
I regret trying all of these... Skip by all means!
Everyone was intrigued by the Roasted German Duck. Well, it isn't as tender and juicy as I wanted but it is certainly better than the Peking Duck.
Mom was lucky enough to spot the Baked Trevally with Chimichurri freshly cooked and placed on this serving platter. She said it was so good! But, by the time I got some, it was not as hot and juicy so I felt that it wasn't as good as my mom raved about it.
Italian Station
I had high hopes for their Risotto but it ended up in an utter disappointment because the rice isn't even cooked.
This is another reason why I ordered my Risotto.
Dessert Station
The longest part of the buffet is the dessert station. They have cakes, chocolate truffles, chocolate fountain and even Filipino delicacies.
There's also crepes with tons of toppings and fillings to choose from. And, they have mini doughnuts placed on paper bags ready for grab.
Rather than going for their soft served ice cream, do try their ♥ Milk Shakes.
When if comes to sweet ender, don't miss out on trying their Chocolate Fondant. This is rich glorious chocolate comfort food at its finest.
Fruit Station
I know this is difficult to believe but my uncles and aunts who are senior citizens was able to resist the Dessert Station and opted to go for the Fruit Station instead. Boo hoo!
Drinks
We're glad that aside from Iced Tea, there are other Infused Drinks included.
The service is superb as well. They even had a surprise cake for my aunt.
Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
The Cafe at Hyatt City of Dreams offers an expensive hotel buffet. Is it worth it? I think only if you would like to indulge yourself with Aburri, Foie Gras and "The Beast" Mayura Wagyu Beef. Service-wise, I'd give it a perfect score.
Since it was out first time to try, we didn't know that it involves passing through the casino. But, if you're bringing food items like the cake we brought you have to take the longer route avoiding the casino area.
The dining area is divided into several sections. Each with a different setting. We enjoyed the exclusivity of having our two long tables in this exquisite area which for me is the best among the rest.
Food Stations
Bread Station
They have a lot of food stations. And, most of them are beautifully arranged.
Salad Station
Japanese Sushi Bar
Our favorite station is the Japanese Sushi Bar.
Appetizer Station
My cousin Ton got this for me from the appetizer chiller because he thought it would be photogenic for my IG feed. Yes, that's how thoughtful and supportive my family is.
Dimsum Station
The Chefs Are So Coordinated Even With their Photo Stance |
We were bursting in laughter because my cousin Ton almost got some of these display with his chopsticks and one of the chefs approached him to let him know that it was just a display.
Japanese Station
Unfortunately, we were so stuffed with the Aburri so we didn't have any belly space for these.
Chinese Roast Station
The Peking Duck was a bit dried and it lack oomph. I usually eat a lot of the Pecking Duck Wraps but this is one of the rare moments that I didn't.
Fried Station
The ♥ Ebi Tempura is delicious! They are freshly cooked and immediately refilled.
To our astonishment, they have ♥ Foie Gras but it is hardly noticed by the guests.
But, you can't eat much of the ♥ Foie Gras because it comes with a slice of bread.
Chefs are really camera friendly! |
Save space for ♥ "The Beast" Mayura Wagyu Beef! I really loved it but some of my family members complained that it was tough. I guess I was lucky that the parts I had was pillow soft.
I regret trying all of these... Skip by all means!
♥ Roasted German Duck |
♥ Baked Trevally with Chimichurri |
Italian Station
♥ Baked Salmon is a must try! |
I had high hopes for their Risotto but it ended up in an utter disappointment because the rice isn't even cooked.
♥ Grana Padano |
This is another reason why I ordered my Risotto.
Dessert Station
The longest part of the buffet is the dessert station. They have cakes, chocolate truffles, chocolate fountain and even Filipino delicacies.
Crepe Station |
There's also crepes with tons of toppings and fillings to choose from. And, they have mini doughnuts placed on paper bags ready for grab.
Rather than going for their soft served ice cream, do try their ♥ Milk Shakes.
♥ Chocolate Fondant |
When if comes to sweet ender, don't miss out on trying their Chocolate Fondant. This is rich glorious chocolate comfort food at its finest.
Fruit Station
I know this is difficult to believe but my uncles and aunts who are senior citizens was able to resist the Dessert Station and opted to go for the Fruit Station instead. Boo hoo!
Drinks
Sweetened Pandan, Sweetened Lemongrass and Ginger / Cucumber |
The service is superb as well. They even had a surprise cake for my aunt.
Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
The Cafe at Hyatt City of Dreams offers an expensive hotel buffet. Is it worth it? I think only if you would like to indulge yourself with Aburri, Foie Gras and "The Beast" Mayura Wagyu Beef. Service-wise, I'd give it a perfect score.
Tsinoy Foodies Review Rating | The Cafe Rate | |
Ambiance | ★★★★★ | Weekend Dinner: 2,800 ++ |
Taste | ★★★ | |
Service | ★★★★★ | |
Price | ★★★ | |
♥=Favorites or Recommended |
The Cafe at Hyatt City of Dreams | |
Business Address | Belle Avenue, Hyatt City of Dreams Manila, Entertainment City, Parañaque City, Metro Manila, Philippines |
Business Hours | 6am-11:30pm |
Payment Options | |
Service Charge | 10% |
Budget/Person | 2,000-3,000 |
Free WiFi | Yes |
Contact | (02) 691-1234 |
Other | Website (they have online reservation but no rates) |
Rock & Seoul: New Year New Korean Eats (SM North Edsa The Block)
Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines
I'm a huge fan of bibimbap. I've come across Rock & Seoul for quite some time but never had the time to go until I was invited last week.
Having been to SM North several times, it has occurred to me that this is the first time I've been to the Upper Ground Level of SM North the Block. I had no idea that there are a lot of food places there. Rock & Seoul is just one of the many among them. And, it is located just in front of SM Hypermart.
There's no place as spacious, retro and yet casual like it.
I can't help but find myself amused at the displays.
And, this wall stood out as soon as I entered.
I can't figure what the shirts are for though.
Everything seems to be in theme even their cool menu.
Tasting Sampler
We were given a tasting sampler with their Big Boy La Ribs, Cheesy Fondue Chili Pepper Chicken and Ramyeon.
The Big Boy La Ribs can be ordered as a set with bibimbap (499 php) or plain rice (449 php) or as ala carte (399 php).
This is the Original Bibimbap you'll get if you choose this set.
The Big Boy La Ribs was so flavorful and tender! I wanted to swipe it clean to the bone.
I'm glad they have Unlimited Banchan because I'm used to eating bibimbap with them.
The Ramyeon is a satisfying meal by itself.
Upgrade your Chili Pepper (240 php) with the Cheesy Fondue (395 php) and enjoy both crispy and creamy cheese goodness in every bite.
For our thirst quencher, there's the Lychee Yakult.
What intrigued me the most was the Charcoal Waffle. Usually they have the vanilla or green tea ice cream as an option. I really liked this because it wasn't sweet at all.
So there you go! Lot's of new stuff to try at Rock & Seoul. I want to try more of their Bibimbaps on my next visit too.
Having been to SM North several times, it has occurred to me that this is the first time I've been to the Upper Ground Level of SM North the Block. I had no idea that there are a lot of food places there. Rock & Seoul is just one of the many among them. And, it is located just in front of SM Hypermart.
There's no place as spacious, retro and yet casual like it.
I can't help but find myself amused at the displays.
And, this wall stood out as soon as I entered.
I can't figure what the shirts are for though.
Everything seems to be in theme even their cool menu.
Tasting Sampler
We were given a tasting sampler with their Big Boy La Ribs, Cheesy Fondue Chili Pepper Chicken and Ramyeon.
Big Boy La Ribs |
Original Bibimbap |
Big Boy La Ribs Ala Carte |
The Big Boy La Ribs was so flavorful and tender! I wanted to swipe it clean to the bone.
Unlimited Banchan (99 php) |
Ramyeon (249 php) |
Cheesy Fondue Chili Pepper |
Lychee Yakult (70 php) |
Charcoal Waffle *sample size (185 php) |
So there you go! Lot's of new stuff to try at Rock & Seoul. I want to try more of their Bibimbaps on my next visit too.
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