Stargaze and Feast with Spices Under The Stars at The Peninsula Manila

The sweeping transformation caused by the quarantine experience continues to change our daily routine due to the lingering pandemic, but the allure of dining al fresco in a secluded garden under star-filled skies remains one option made for this new normal. Indulge in vibrant Southeast Asian flavors with savory courses from the grill paired with endless rounds of handcrafted libations, it's time for Spices Under The Stars at The Peninsula Manila.  

Following the latest mandatory health and safety protocols with strict social distancing, al fresco dining is the perfect dining option for the new normal. The secret pocket garden of Spices at The Peninsula Manila hosts diners once again with Spices Under The Stars on Wednesdays to Sundays from January 13 to March 13, 2021 starting at 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm for a memorable feast of Southeast Asian flavors and refreshing cocktails. 

The unique garden dining experience at The Peninsula Manila's lush open air enclave is the perfect setting for a lavish array of sumptuous and freshly grilled all-you-can-eat offerings with a distinct Southeast Asian spin Spices is known for. For only P 2,000 net, diners can enjoy tasty appetizers, savory mains fresh from the grill with side dishes paired with fresh dips and dressings for a unique al fresco dining experience with the elegant touch of The Peninsula Manila. Make it even more festive with free-flowing cocktails for only P 1,090 net with a curated selection of handcrafted cocktails by The Peninsula Manila's F & B Manager Rico Deang. From refreshing cocktails like Negroni, Whiskey Sour and the specialty Phraya's Way with chili-infused vodka, lemongrass, Thai basil and ginger syrup to soothing mocktails like Nimbu Pani with dalandan, calamansi, lime and chili and Thai Tea with ginger and cream, the free-flow option completes the al fresco dining experience. Wine and local beer like San Miguel Pale Pilsen, San Miguel Light and Red Horse are also included in the free-flow option. Let's start with Rico Deang's specialty Negroni, shall we? 

Start your feast with tempting appetizers like Crispy Catfish Salad with green mango, lime, chili and cilantro; the sweet and tart Pomelo Salad with lump crab, shallots, lime and peanuts; the savory Thai Beef Salad with fork-tender shaved Angus beef, onions, chili and mint leaves or the clean notes of the Fresh Spring Rolls with mango, bean sprouts and succulent kani wrapped in a soft rice paper roll. Can't decide? You can enjoy all these starters in a sampler dish. And you can enjoy seconds too. 

Each starter brings its own unique notes reflecting the richness and diversity of Thai flavors masterfully executed by Spices. The bright tart flavors and sweetness of the Pomelo Salad opens up the palate while the textural play of the Crispy Catfish Salad brings both the crunch and sour notes in a seamless weave. The Fresh Spring Rolls deliver layers of sweetness from the mango and kani perfectly finished by the peanut sauce adding depth with each bite. The Thai Beef Salad can be a meal in itself, with the bold notes and richness of premium Angus beef tempered by the chili and mint for a balanced finish.   

The side dishes are then served with Grilled Corn on the Cob, Baked Potato, Glazed Grilled Pineapple and Thai Fried Rice (this one's an absolute must-try and a personal favorite)...

...along with the dips of Coriander & Mint Chimicchurri, Mango & Papaya Salsa and Chili Garlic Soy & Calamansi as the grill adds the finishing touches to your main course.

For the mains, diners can choose from Garlic and Olive Oil Marinated Seafood Skewers, Chili-Lime Tuna Belly Steak, Dry-Aged Angus Beef Steak, Honey Ginger Pork Liempo, Tandoori Chicken Tikka Masala and Tamarind Glazed Lamb Spare Ribs. Each savory offering is grilled a la  minute as you order so you get it fresh and hot at its flavorful peak. Just like the appetizers, you can order all the options in one platter if you still can't decide. 

The Garlic and Olive Oil Marinated Seafood Skewers offer delicately nuanced notes rounded out by a briny sweetness with just a hint of smokiness from the grill while the Dry-Aged Angus Beef Steak drapes the palate with a savory richness. The Chili-Lime Tuna Belly Steak and Tandoori Chicken Tikka Masala showcases the restaurant's signature notes and palette of Southeast Asian flavors. The Honey Ginger Pork Liempo brings comforting local notes that's perfect with the Thai Fried Rice for a real meal. The richness of the fall-off-the-bone lamb spare ribs pairs well with the tamarind glaze for that sweet and savory blend completed by smoky hints. The variety of offerings by Spices Under The Stars and the al fresco setting combine for that perfect dining experience whether it's an intimate affair or a socially-distanced gathering with family and friends.     

As the world continues to transition to the new normal, there are still moments when a sumptuous feast under the stars comforts both the mind and palate for that much needed escape. Enjoy your own special moment with Spices Under The Stars at The Peninsula Manila and bring back the simple joys we all missed in this new normal.