Sunday, June 16, 2013

7 Corners, Crowne Plaza Galleria

Crowne Plaza Galleria's 7 Corners remains to be one of our favorite buffet places. 

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When we first ate there, we were blown away by the star of the buffet spread, the prime rib steak.  It is so good that Em-J, not a steak lover, went back for seconds.  He would also start his meal with the steak every time we visit.
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Right by the entrance would be their dessert spread and directly in front of it, the bread, cheese and pizza station.  I like that they designed it that way so I can pick up something sweet to start of my meal.
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There would also be little changes to the menu depending on which month you visit, Micah and I lucked out one time when we saw a cheese fondue which we both loved!
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There are wonderfully prepared appetizers and a salad bar.
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They also have cold seafood.
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A chinese noodle station which you shouldn't skip.  I ordered this one time and absolutely loved the fresh prawns that were dunked in hot broth as it was juicy and delicious. 
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There's also an Italian, Japanese and Indian stations along with a few hot dishes. 
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Their spread is not as overwhelming as other hotel buffets, just enough to keep us satisfied and keep us coming back for more. 
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They also often tie up with with Deal Grocer so keep checking the site to get good deals. 



7 Corners
Crowne Plaza Galleria Manila
Ortigas Ave corner ABD Ave
Ortigas Center, Pasig City

Sunday, May 19, 2013

F1 Hotel, Manila

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F1 Hotel is the first hotel to open in Bonifacio Global City which puts them in a prime position.  I initially thought that it's part of the Best Western chain of hotels but I didn't see any branding when we stayed there.

Check-In:

Check in was smooth but take note that the hotel lobby is at the fifth floor.  The ground floor lobby serves as a reception area for the residential side of the hotel.  The lobby looked very modern and neat.
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Everything actually looks modern and appealing, the only thing that I didn't like is the elevator buttons as they confused me.
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Room:

We booked a City Suite room and liked it.  It is not designed like your usual one bedroom suite where the living room is separate but it worked.
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There's a workspace, an ironing board, a safe, an iPhone alarm clock dock, and two TVs.  The two TVs weirded me out a bit as you won't be able to use both TVs without distracting yourself. 
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Toilet: 

The toilet is simple and clean.  Water pressure is not as strong though and their heater is a bit wonky.  It takes a bit of time to get the temp that you want and even then, it doesn't stay that way.  The provided toiletry is also too simple.
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Breakfast: 

The restaurant where they serve breakfast is a bit small.  Good thing the hotel was not fully booked so there was no fuss but my friend had to wait half an hour before being seated when she was there. 
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The food is okay, good enough to fill you up.
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We have had no problems with the hotel staff except during breakfast.  We requested to be seated at a small square table like the one below but we were denied given an excuse that it's for four people.  I reckon they have tables half the size of that with only two chairs.  We were then seated at the very back of the restaurant and when we stood up to get our food, we noticed that they sat two foreigners on the very same table that we requested. 
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Other Amenities: 

They have an interesting looking lap pool and a couple other pools.  There is also a gym, quite small, but should serve you fine if you're just looking to exercise a little.  There is also a steam room and a jacuzzi which were still under maintenance.  Do note also that not all elevators serve the floor to which the gym is located.  I had to wait for one particular elevator just to get to it as I wasn't sure if it was fine to use the stairs.
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Location:

Located at 32nd street, it is right in front of S & R and one of the more nicely designed Starbucks store, there are a few restaurants for your late night cravings and High Street is just a few strides away.  I find it a little odd though that the hotel entrance is not along the main road but is at the back in front of the parking lot.  
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Transportation:

Transportation is not that easy as it is not really as accessible.  Cabs pass by the main road instead of the entrance which would pose a problem if you are heading to the airport with all your luggages as you have to walk around the hotel.

Overall, I would stay back at the hotel.  I love a leisurely stroll at night and the area is perfect for that.  The hotel and the rooms still smell new and the staff are generally very friendly.




F1 Hotel Manila
32nd Street
Bonifacio Global City
Taguig, Metro Manila


Sunday, May 12, 2013

Grace Park

I'm quite settled in but the first few months back home have been hectic. I'm glad that I've finally found the time to write an entry and check out blogs.  Anyway, last Sunday, we decided to see what all the hype is with Grace Park.

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Many have praised the restaurant's interiors which surprised me.  I really don't know much about design but I feel that the industrial look have been around for quite some time.  Don't get me wrong, it is interesting, but from some of the write ups I've read, it would seem as if it's the first of its kind.

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We went there at around lunch time and the place was packed, cramped and noisy.  Our tables actually don't have plates.  I desperately wanted to like Grace Park as I normally don't go against what's popular but so far, it's been a let down.

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I had the chicken scaloppine (525 PHP), I enjoyed the salad but the chicken was tasteless.  I had to scrape my sister's leftover pasta sauce for flavor.

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My sister ordered the Truffle Cream Fettuccine (550 PHP) which had a generous serving of truffles which excited me but the pasta was very soggy.  I don't mind a slightly undercooked pasta, but an overcooked one, I hate.

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Their bestseller, the Muscovado Beef Belly (510 PHP) was quite good but the flavors were too subtle.

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We decided to pass on their desserts and get them somewhere else with our disappointing experience.

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Grace Park
Ground Level, One Rockwell, Rockwell Drive, Rockwell Center Makati

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