Two prestigious names in one location. The Fairmont Makati and Raffles Makati are the newest twin hotel properties in the metro, and there's no better way to get acquainted with these new hotels than checking out the sumptuous buffet at Spectrum...
The new development consists of three properties, the luxurious Raffles Makati with 32 elegant suites, the Fairmont Makati with 280 deluxe rooms and the Fairmont Residences with 237 one to four bedroom units. With the grand opening set for February, I was fortunate to be part of a group of bloggers invited for a sneak peek...
After a few cocktails at Raffles Makati's legendary Long Bar, the birthplace of the iconic Singapore Sling (you can check out my previous post on Long Bar's famous Singapore Slings and other cocktails here at http://dude4food.blogspot.com/2013/01/singapore-slings-gold-flakes-and.html), we were then led to the new Spectrum, the twin hotel's all-day dining restaurant and its impressive buffet. Offering a wide array of dishes from Asia, Europe as well as local Philippine cuisine, Spectrum is just the spot where you can experience a full range, a culinary spectrum, of flavors.
Clean, simple lines exude a modern yet elegant vibe, the perfect backdrop to Spectrum's wide array of dishes. Spectrum's friendly and courteous staff leads us to our seats, and one feels right at home almost immediately, and my eyes wander to the different food stations...
...as the different stations prep for the dinner service. Game face on, I gear up for the coming battle. It was quite tempting to start with dessert, so it takes a lot of restraint and self-control to stick with the game plan.
After a few Singapore Slings at Raffles Makati's Long Bar, the bartenders suggested I continue with a Bloody Mary before dinner. Tomato juice and vodka, with a dash of Tabasco, perfect before the meal.
The Seafood Station was my first stop, loaded with clams, shrimps, elephant clams, mussels on ice and smoked salmon on one side.
A few clams and thin slices of smoked salmon for round 1, with capers, pickled onions and lemon. You can taste the freshness of the seafood, each with a subtle yet distinct sweetness.
Next stop, the Sushi Station, where an impressive array of sushi are freshly prepared and rolled. And with so many choices, you have to go for seconds.
Aside from the usual suspects, Spectrum's Sushi Station offers some unique and clever sushi combinations, like the crispy tuna belly, a really cool crisp pork belly roll, and the salmon and cottage cheese roll. And it doesn't stop there...
One of the bloggers requested for Peking Duck, and the Sushi Station prepped one up in minutes. Nice one.
At the Pizza Station, you can choose from a variety of toppings to create your one-of-a-kind pizza, perfectly baked in Spectrum's brick oven. And the chefs are happy to assist you in creating your very own pizza, guiding you through the wide variety of fresh toppings. Not only are the pizzas great, it's a lot of fun coming up with your own unique combinations.
Toppings include anchovies, prosciutto, salami, pancetta, salmon, and a variety of cheeses and greens for your own unique pizza. Go for a combination, or go high-protein.
And after just a few minutes, your very own pizza creation is brought to your table. Nothing like pizza fresh from the oven. And the rustic style crust has a perfect crispness to carry any topping you select.
At the Carving Station, my kind of place. Premium grade US Roast Beef, along with a selection of roasted meat, poultry and fish.
But my eyes were fixed on the roast beef, which deserves a second, closer look...
Prime roast beef, medium rare, with mushroom gravy and a side of horseradish, mustard and grilled tomato. Juicy, tender...just perfect...
...which leads to a second, bigger helping. The quality of the beef deserves another trip. Seriously. And I really think this one alone is well worth the price of the buffet.
Joern Schwaiger (L), Director of Food and Beverage and Christian Knerr (R), Executive Chef, on deck to ensure everyone has a memorable dining experience.
Loni Balagtas, Marketing Communications Manager, our host for the evening.
Didier Derouet, Executive Pastry Chef, beside the dessert station. The dessert selection is quite impressive, one of the most extensive I've seen. You don't only get to try indulgent cakes and pastries, but you have gelato, fruit sorbets, freshly cooked crepes with a variety of fillings, and local sweets and delicacies too. And Chef Didier's station not only gives you what you normally expect, but some sweet surprises as well...
Like fresh honey in a variety of flavors that enhances any dessert...
...such as the rich and creamy Mascarpone topped with pistachio, which is great as is...
...but way better with a drizzle of honey. Awesome.
And yes, real honey bees form part of the impressive display. Very cool.
It's really a simple dessert, but trust me, the honey and mascarpone is one of the best desserts I've had. Kudos to Chef Didier and his staff, and his equally hard working honey bees.
And the inventive playfulness continues with some unexpected but delightful combinations, like black olives covered in white chocolate. Initially skeptical, but one bite releases salty and rich, sweet flavors that makes you go for a second, and a third. This one's another winner.
And if you're still craving for dessert, go for Spectrum's gelato and sorbets. The colors and variety of flavors are also impressive, so go for a combo.
Smooth, rich and creamy, I go for the Chocolate Brownie, Cookies and Cream, and Vanilla. Pure happiness in a bowl. Others go for fresh fruit sorbet combos.
You also have an extensive selection of toppings, including white and dark chocolate chips, nuts, crisp cereal, and fresh fruits. But leave some room for even more dessert..like the creamy coffee jelly...
...and some crepes with ice cream. And there's more...
...grilled sweet mangoes, elegant cakes and pastries that look too good to eat...
...and a whole lot more...if you're looking for a sugar fix, this is definitely the place.
A shot of chilled taho? Why not.
The quality and presentation of each dessert is amazing, and it would take more than one visit to Spectrum to try everything.
With an extensive selection of dishes, Spectrum delivers on both taste and value, and that's a winning combination. And definitely worth coming back to again. And again.
Spectrum will soon launch its Champagne Brunch Buffet in February, definitely something to look forward to, and one more reason to check out Spectrum soon. Special thanks to Joern Schwaiger, Director of Food and Beverage; and Loni Balagtas, Marketing Communications Manager, for a truly spectacular evening.
Fairmont Makati's Spectrum at the Lobby Level is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner:
Breakfast: 6:00am to 10:00am, Mondays to Fridays
6:00am to 11:00am, Weekdays and Holidays
PHP 1,336 net (inclusive of service charge and applicable taxes)
Lunch: 11:30am to 2:30 pm daily
PHP 1,596 net (inclusive of service charge and applicable taxes)
Dinner: 6:00pm to 10:00pm daily
PHP 1,842 net (inclusive of service charge and applicable taxes)
**Buffet is inclusive of coffee and tea.
Fairmont Makati is located at 1 Raffles Drive, Makati Avenue, Makati City or call 555-9750 for inquiries. Check out the Facebook Pages at www.facebook.com/FairmontMakati and www.facebook.com/RafflesMakati for more details.
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