Sundays Worth Savoring: Café Rizal's Php 999 Family Buffet Special!

Cafe Rizal, the buffet restaurant of Rizal Park Hotel, is thrilled to announce an exciting promotion for the month of September. Every Sunday, families are invited to savor a sumptuous lunch buffet from 11:30AM to 2:30PM for an incredible price of just P999.

This extraordinary Sunday Savings offer is the perfect opportunity for friends and families to gather and create cherished memories while relishing an array of delectable dishes expertly prepared by the restaurant’s culinary team. Delight in a diverse selection of mouthwatering dishes that cater to every palate. The buffet spread includes an assortment of appetizers, salads, entrees, and desserts. From succulent roast meats to fresh seafood, vibrant salads, and decadent desserts, there's something to please every discerning taste bud.

And for the young guests, Cafe Rizal presents a delightful DIY Cupcake Station. Let your kids unleash their creativity as they decorate their own cupcakes with a variety of toppings, creating sweet treats that are as fun to make as they are to eat.

"We wanted to offer our guests an exceptional dining experience at an unbeatable value," said Samantha Paz, Managing Director, Rizal Park Hotel. "Our Sunday Savings Buffet is the perfect way for families and friends to come together and enjoy a memorable meal in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere."

Cafe Rizal is renowned not only for its culinary excellence but also for its commitment to creating an inviting and comfortable environment for its patrons. The Sunday Savings Buffet is yet another example of Cafe Rizal's dedication to providing outstanding hospitality.

This Sunday promo is available only on September 3, 10, 17, and 24 so don't miss this opportunity. Reservations are highly recommended to secure your table for this fantastic family dining experience. To make a reservation or for more information, please call 09177113926.

To know more about Rizal Park Hotel and its facilities follow https://www.facebook.com/RizalParkHotel and https://www.instagram.com/rizalparkhotel1911/

Foodie Goodie | Ala Fiesta.

Whenever we're not busy with our kids' school activities (drafting lecture notes and mock exams, procuring materials for projects and the like), my mom squad and I would most likely be at the mall, shopping for groceries or school supplies (because you can never have too many ballpens and art materials) or at some restaurant, eating to our hearts' content. The latter is our favorite bonding activity (you can see it in our waist lines), and our way of de-stressing from housework and school-related brouhaha.

Our latest food discovery is Ala Fiesta, a casual dining restaurant in Lipa City, Batangas. One of my mommy friends chanced upon an Ala Fiesta ad on her Facebook news feed, and the next thing we knew, our squad of four (plus our kids) was en route to Lipa for another food adventure.

Ala Fiesta in Lipa City, Batangas.

Truth be told, it was the Crossover Buffet that prompted us to make that 45-minute drive to Ala Fiesta. The restaurant's latest food offering, the Crossover Buffet features classic Filipino dishes, Japanese and Asian dishes, Italian favorites such as pizza and pasta, as well as a smorgasbord of desserts. It's an all-you-can-eat buffet at a budget-friendly price of Php 499 per head.

All-you-can-eat Crossover Buffet at Ala Fiesta.
Php 499 on weekdays, Php 599 on weekends. 

Here's a glimpse of what they offer at the Crossover Buffet.

Mongolian/Szechuan Stir-fry.
You choose the ingredients and the chef will cook them for you. I regret not trying this, huhu.

Pork Hamonado and Ala Fiesta's specialty, Kare-kare.

Lechon Belly + veggies for the Kare-kare.

Ala Fiesta takes pride in their house specialties Crispy Pata and Kare-kare, and true enough, their Kare-kare is one of the best I have tried. Their Lechon Belly is also a winner with its tender meat and sinfully crunchy skin.

Pan-seared Tuna and Chicken Barbecue.

Roasted Baby Potatoes.

Crispy Pork Belly.

Their Japanese dishes are also a must-try - from the delicately crunchy Tempura to the savory Takoyaki. They also have an assortment of sushi which was a hit among the mom squad.

Sushi assortment.

Tempura and Takoyaki.

Red and white sauces for your pasta.

Veggies for nachos.

Veggies for salad.

As for the kids, they loved the nachos and pasta so much that they even had second and third servings of each. Sinulit nila yung Php 499, haha!

Fresh fruits and fruit salad.

Ala Fiesta's Meringue is to-die-for!

Red Velvet, Meringue, and Brownies.

Ala Fiesta's dessert selection did not disappoint, either. They had a spread of fresh fruits and fruit salad, halo-halo and ice cream, and sweet treats such as meringue, brownies, and Red Velvet bites. Our hands-down favorite dessert would have to be the meringue. The server kept on filling up the dessert bar with meringues because we kept on piling our plates with it, haha!

Happy (not-so) little customers!

With its wide selection of great-tasting food, courteous and friendly staff, relaxed ambiance, and reasonable price, Ala Fiesta is mom-squad approved! Even the kids enjoyed dining at Ala Fiesta, and they're already looking forward to our next visit. There will definitely be a next time, and we'll make sure to try the Mongolian stir-fry when we return!

*The Crossover Buffet is available during lunch from 11 am to 2 pm, and during dinner from 5:30 pm to 9 pm.

Ala Fiesta
Brgy. Pilahan, Sabang Rotonda,
Lipa City, Batangas
(043) 757 6201

Foodie Goodie | Meat-ing Meat Buffet.

Koreans love barbecued meat, and all those 'samgyeopsal' scenes in countless Korean dramas is a testament to that. And being a huge fan of Kdramas AND Korean barbecue, no trip to 'my other motherland' would be complete without a pitstop at an authentic Korean barbecue joint.

Last Spring, we had the chance to dine at Meat-ing, an all-you-can-eat meat buffet with several branches across the country. We visited the branch in nearby Gwangjin-gu, just a ten-minute taxi ride away from where we live. This place is also accessible via subway - Exit 7 of the Children's Grand Park Station.

Meat-ing!

Popular for its affordable pricing and cozy ambiance, Meat-ing is a haven for those who fancy meat and grilled food without having to pay a fortune. The rate per person at this particular Meat-ing branch is 10500 won during lunch hours (11 am to 5 pm) and 11500 won during dinner hours (5 pm to 11 pm). I believe this branch has the cheapest rates as the Meat-ing in Hongdae charges 12500 per person during lunch hours (13900 for dinner hours), while the branch in Paju charges 11900 per person during lunch hours (12900 for dinner hours).

Unlimited drinks for only 2000 won per table.

It was a little past three when we arrived at Meat-ing, and we had no trouble finding seats for the three of us since most of the lunch crowd have dissipated by then. An ahjussi, whom we believe to be the restaurant owner, ushered us to our table and explained to us the buffet guidelines - finish your meal within two hours, eat everything on your plate otherwise you'll be charged an extra 5000 won, unlimited drinks are available for just 2000 won per table. 

And with that, our late lunch at Meat-ing commenced. The husband took the meat for grilling from the rows of counter-type refrigerators, while I took side dishes from the buffet counter next to it.

Meat of all kinds - beef, pork, chicken, and duck, too!

Samgyeopsal - slices of pork belly.

Salad bar.

Meat-ing offers a variety of meat options - pork, beef, chicken, tripe, and duck, even. They also have a salad bar loaded with fruits and vegetables such as lettuce, bean sprouts, cucumber, onions, apples, and tomatoes. For appetizers, they have potato wedges, tater tots, and dumplings to name a few. They also have rice, kimchi, and soup. And yes, everything is unlimited.

Yue feasting on potatoes while waiting for the meat to be cooked.

Of course, you have to grill your own meat. The grill is a modern infrared burner sunk into the table. It doesn't burn as hot as the gas burners in the typical samgyeopsal restaurants, and it doesn't cause excessive heat which can singe the table or the utensils. An ahjumma, whom we believe is the samonim of this restaurant, stopped by our table to place a parchment paper on the grill. I reckon this is to keep the cleaning to a minimum. She stopped by a few times to change the parchment paper each time we finished grilling, and if I remember correctly, we grilled four batches of meat. Haha!

Beef and pork belly, batch 1.

Dakgalbi, samgyeopsal, lean pork, tteok, batch 2. 

Husband enjoying our meal. Yue stopped eating after the second batch of meat.

For dessert, the husband and I had a scoop of ice cream each. I would have wanted to eat more, but I can only stuff my face (and my tummy) so much. Voracious eaters will definitely have a field day at this restaurant. Lol. 

Cheese and strawberry ice cream.

If you're in Seoul and in the mood for some meat indulgence, then Meat-ing is a restaurant worth-visiting. The service is good, and the food - vis-a-vis the price, is great. Our total bill amounted to 33500 won (around $30 or Php 1500) - not bad considering price of luxury buffet restaurants here in the Philippines which is around Php 1000 per head. :)

Meat-ing
Seoul, Gwangjin-gu 179 Neungdongro
+ 822-2625-7942

Solaire Exclusives for Mother's Day 2014!

On Sunday, May 11, we celebrate the day of the most important women in our lives - our moms.

And our friends from Solaire have came up with the best treats to honor our beloved moms. From the special discounted rates in the ultimate family staycation, to the exquisite set menus in our fine dining establishments, they’ve made sure that this will be one unforgettable Mother’s Day.

On Mother’s Day weekend, bring your entire family to Solaire and stay in one of their luxurious suites with discounted rates. Under the Summer Family Getaway packages, their rooms go as low as PhP6,000++ for Deluxe Room Cityview and PhP7,000++ for the Deluxe Room Bayview. The special rates are also available in Grand Deluxe Cityview (PhP8,000++), Grand Deluxe Bayview (PhP9,000++) and 2-Bay Suite (PhP12,000).

Amazing accommodation at Solaire.

Their amazing staycation packages come with an impeccable buffet breakfast for two adults and two kids age 6 years and below. For kids who are 7 to 12 years old, they offer a 50% dining discount. Your stay also includes free use of the swimming pool and the fitness center. To test your luck, the package comes with PhP500 worth of gaming credits.

If you opt to celebrate mom’s special day with a lavish dinner, they have set menus in Fresh, Yakumi, Finestra, Red Lantern and Strip. Everyone in the family can enjoy their mini pizza creation of the day (Roasted Branzino in potato crust, Versuvio tomatoes, white wine and Gamberoni), Pasta Carbonara in rich and creamy sauce with pancetta bacon, Limon Cello lemon and Chicken Parmigiano at their Italian restaurant Finestra.

Pasta Carbonara from Finestra.

For the lovers of Japanese cuisine, Yakumi offers a special menu that includes Gyuniku Tataki (Seared beef strip loin with onion dressing and micro herbs), Yakumi Sushi and sashimi sampler, Lobster mini soup, Ebi tempura, Chilean Seabass teriyaki and Steamed Japanese style egg custard with foie gras.

Steamed Japanese style egg custard with foie gras from Yakumi.

Red Lantern also offers a sumptuous set menu for those who prefer Chinese dishes. The family can feast on Hand rolled Beijing duck, Pumpkin soup with seafood and white fungus, Deep fried crispy shrimps with sweet mayonnaise, Wok fried prime beef black pepper sauce, Steamed sliced fish with Tofu in black bean sauce, the season's best vegetables with oyster sauce, and Braised noodles with spring onions and ginger sesame oil.

A sample of what Red Lantern has to offer.

Strip, the hotel's steak house, also offers a Mother’s Day menu consisting of Green Pea sphere and crisp ham; Tomato salad dried olive oil and goat’s cheese; Foie gras crumble mousse with candied fruit and nut; Seared tuna blood orange sponge, watermelon and labuyo chili crust; Pork belly beer braised and tomato relish; Smoked Angus beef and Caramel Sand torch banana. All of the set menus are priced at PhP1,900 and all come with the Solaire Mother’s Day creation, the Caramel cheesecake with red berries and white chocolate silk.

Sumptuous food from the Strip.

If you want to go all – out however, their buffet outlet Fresh is ready with Lechon (Charcoal grilled suckling pig), Roasted prime rib of ‘Gold Label’ prime beef, Brioche baked whole salmon Coulibiac, seafood delights and a long list of desserts which include tarts, cupcakes, cookies, parfaits, doughnuts, puddings and cakes.

May it be the ultimate staycation or a gastronomic adventure in one of our first-class restaurants, Mother’s Day at Solaire is definitely a great bonding opportunity for the entire family. For reservations, call 888 8888 or log on to www.solaireresort.com for more details.