Showing posts with label peking duck. Show all posts
Showing posts with label peking duck. Show all posts
The family especially the elders are wary of going too far just for a dinner. Thus, this is one of the few peculiar moments where we have decided to venture further North to try a new Chinese restaurant. We were probably enchanted by Sha Tin Courtyard Chinese Bistro's facade.
Though there was barely any good review online about this place, as you can see, it seemed very inviting. 
Upon stepping in, we were more enamored by Sha Tin's interiors. The harmonious combination of red seats, lanterns and artificial greens reminded us of the lantern festival scenes from Chinese shows. Even the busy sound of the restaurant exudes a festive ambiance.
For our large group, we were ushered towards the second floor. On the way, we passed by these aquarium filled with live sea creatures. This is a typical display for a Chinese seafood restaurant. 
Now, these big red linen covered round tables were the much familiar set up for a Chinese restaurant.
While waiting, we were served some complimentary hot tea and peanuts. This is also customary for Chinese restaurants of this type.
Food
As expected, the menu offers both ala carte and set menu. For Chinese restaurants that we regularly visit, we usually take the set menu and the adjust a few dishes therein based on the advisement of the manager. However, since this is our first time to try Sha Tin, we opted to go for the ala carte so we can try the dishes that interested us.
Dimsum Articles
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| Kuchai Scallop Dumpling (110 php) |
Because Sha Tin is not near our area of residence, the time of arrival of my relatives varied so those who were early opted to order some dimsum first before . It offered a lot of dimsum selections. But most of them were quite heavy. We just wanted something to start our meal so we ordered the Kuchai Scallop Dumpling first. We loved this so we ordered around three of these per table.
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| Century Egg Siomai (85 php) |
While waiting for our repeat order of Kuchai Scallop Dumpling, we also ordered the Century Egg Siomai. We enjoyed this as much as the Kuchai Scallop Dumpling so we also ordered three of this per table.
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| Prawn Hakao (130 php) |
Of course, the Prawn Hakao is our classic dimum order which never failed to satisfy us just us in this instance.
Soup
Healthy Vegetarian
Soup
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| Shark's Fin Soup with Shredded Chicken and Bamboo Fungus L (2,250 php) |
Perhaps, 99% of our lauriat dinners begins with a hot bowl of shark's fin soup. There's just something about it's warm, thick and gelatinous texture that makes it so comfortable to drink. We loved this because the shredded chicken and bamboo fungus was harmonious with the base texture of the soup. To be honest, we don't mind much about the taste as we always enjoy this with our preferred amount of vinegar.
Healthy Vegetarian
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| Sizzling Stuffed Pan Fried Tofu (450 php) |
Unexpectedly, our favorite dish for the night was the Sizzling Stuffed Pan Fried Tofu. Yes, there is really something delicious and healthy at the same time and this dish proves it.
Claypot Dishes
Fried/Salt & Pepper
Nutrient Steamed Dishes
The most common way of cooking steamed fish is with beans. What we loved about the Steamed East Star with Bean Paste is that it was garlicky too.
The Peking Duck was prepared just beside our table and was served in two ways: Peking Duck Pancakes and Diced Peking Duck.
Of course, Peking Duck is peking duck. Either way is great.
We ordered one for each table but didn't finish it and even brought home left overs.
Noodles and Rice
Last but not the least... in the order of serving... is always the Birthday Noodles. This is one of the very few encounters of this dish where we were delighted to eat it not just for a mere tradition.
Claypot Dishes
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| Beef Short Ribs in Black Pepper Stew L (1,100 php) |
The Beef Short Ribs in Black Pepper Stew was rather pricey and yet it failed top make a lasting impression to make us want to order it again. It was lacked tenderness and juciness to make it pleasurable to eat with its rich pepperish sauce.
Fried/Salt & Pepper
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| Salt and Pepper Chicken L (720 php) |
Nutrient Steamed Dishes
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| Steamed East Star with Bean Paste |
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| Peking Duck (2,280 php/whole) |
Because it was a birthday celebration with the clan, we ordered the Peking Duck to mark the occassion.
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| Peking Duck Pancakes |
The Peking Duck was prepared just beside our table and was served in two ways: Peking Duck Pancakes and Diced Peking Duck.
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| Diced Peking Duck |
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| Diced Peking Duck in Lettuce Wraps |
Noodles and Rice
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| Birthday Noodles L (700 php) |
Season's Cafe: Chinese New Year 2017 Experience at Manila Pavilion Hotel
Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines
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
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 favorites are the Chocolate Cake, Leche Flan and Mango Sago.
Ice Cream Station
Fresh Fruit and Chinese Dessert Station
Crepe Station
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.
watch the traditional Lion and Dragon Dance performances by Choy Li Fut Hong Sheng Koon Dragon and Lion Dancers.
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
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
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.
Wanton Noodle Soup Station
Shabu-Shabu Station
Dimsum Station
Shobe was a bit disappointment because there was no Hakaw available.
Deep Fried Station
Main Dishes 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
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| Our Dessert Pastry Plate |
Ice Cream Station
Fresh Fruit and Chinese Dessert Station
Crepe Station
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| Cherry and Strawberry Crepe |
The texture of their Cherry and Strawberry Crepe is perfect. We managed to finish this despite being full.
Beverage Station
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.
| Season's Cafe at Manila Pavilion | |
| Business Address | United Nations Avenue,Corner Ma.Orosa Street, Ermita, Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines |
| Business Hours | 6am-11pm |
| Payment Options |  Cash |
| Service Charge | 10% |
| Budget/Person | 1,200-1,500 |
| Free WiFi | Yes |
| Contact | (02) 526-1212 |
| Other | |
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.
Food Stations
Bread Station
Salad Station
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
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| The Chefs Are So Coordinated Even With their Photo Stance |
Japanese Station
Chinese Roast Station
Fried Station
But, you can't eat much of the ♥ Foie Gras because it comes with a slice of bread.
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| 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.
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| ♥ Roasted German Duck |
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| ♥ Baked Trevally with Chimichurri |
Italian Station
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| ♥ 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
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| Sweetened Pandan, Sweetened Lemongrass and Ginger / Cucumber |
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 | Cash |
| 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) |
/
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