Lunch at Spiral's Sofitel Philippine Plaza

It is always a treat to have lunch at one of the best buffet's in Manila, Spirals of Sofitel Philippine Plaza. Sofitel Philippine Plaza is located at the CCP Complex and Spiral's is at the Ground Floor.

I love the selection they have and believe me, I've tried them all. After a few Spirals lunches, I know what I like and head over there---fast!

I start with Caesar Salad (I don't scrimp on the dressing---diet starts tomorrow!)



CHEESE!!! with Honey truffle and an assortment of dried fruit


Salmon Sashimi and Salmon sushi

Lamb Curry from the Indian section

Basmati rice

Seafood Paella- a Spanish rice dish with mussels, shrimp, squid and usually flavored with saffron. ( second rice dish. MyI love rice, I guess that's obvious)


And ofcourse, Spiral's coup de grace, foie gras!!!


After this gastronomic feast, there is always room for dessert.
Their famous choco chip cookies

I scream for ice cream


Chocolate fountain

Coffee with selected cakes on vanilla ice cream - Mark's dessert

And mine


You can call Sofitel Philippine Plaza at 551-5555 for reservations at the Spirals and inquiries.

Dinner at Volcanic Grill

My first day back in Manila and had dinner out with my best friends. We tried this new restaurant Volcanic Grill. Volcanic Grill is located at Florida st. Makati, near Cash and Carry.

We ordered pork sisig ( a Filipino dish made with pig's head and served on a hot plate) Grilled shrimp, and grilled bangus (Milkfish). Everything was delish and of course had to have some with rice. The servings are a good sized but the bangus was HUGE!!
Too hungry to remember taking any pictuures of the food. Here's my plate to prove it.


Back in Manila, back to Filipino food. And this was a good place to start.

Insalata Caprese

The ingredients:
mozzarella cheese (couldn't find anything else other than shredded so I just went with it)
4 medium tomatoes (diced, to go with the shredded mozzarella)
1 cup fresh basil leaves
salt to taste*
Freshly-ground black pepper to taste
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil




Voila! My version of Insalata Caprese.

Marroning and marinade

Went Marroning with S and caught






which we dropped in boiling water for 10 minutes


Then dunked in cold water to stop the cooking.

I prepared the ingredients

Vinegar,onions, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, crushed chillies and coriander leave for the marron to marinade in.



And I stored them in jars and left them in the fridge.

S said the longer they are in the marinade, the better they'll taste.

Can't wait for a taste!