Delightful October-feasts

MANILA, Philippines — For the whole month of October, a gastronomic adventure awaits those who love merrymaking and creating memories with friends and loved ones at New World Manila Bay hotel.

Celebrate the longest-running beer festival in the world, share a feast with “ghosts” and “ghouls” on Halloween and discover the art of traditional Chinese herbal soup at the five-star luxury hotel in the heart of Malate, Manila.

Prost (cheers) to Oktoberfest!

Looking for a place to celebrate Oktoberfest? This month, bier is the star at The Lounge as it rolls out a “two beers for the price of one” deal.

Pair the ice-cold brew with delectable German-inspired dishes like the double-cooked pork knuckles or beer-braised pulled pork sandwich available at The Lounge. Also worth trying is the platter of mouthwatering bratwurst and schüblig sausage, which comes with a side of mashed potatoes, sauerkraut, Dijon mustard and pretzel.

Gather your friends, clink your beer glasses and celebrate Oktoberfest at The Lounge.

Prost!

(Bierfest starts at P495 and is available until Oct. 31. The Lounge is located at Level 1 of the hotel. It is open from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Sundays to Thursdays, and 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.)

Brats & brews

You may have missed the Oktoberfest festivities in  Germany but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on all the fun — and the food — echoed by this gathering attended by millions of people annually. Beer is undeniably the star of Oktoberfest but sausages and other German dishes are also worthy of the gustatory spotlight.

That is why The Fireplace, known for its dishes that are a feast for the eyes, highlights delectable artisanal sausages, prepared by executive chef James Williams, until Nov. 30.

Savor the succulent artisanal sausages with a choice of pork chorizo, pork and fennel, beef and horseradish, or chicken and mushrooms, all served with mashed potatoes and onion gravy. These sausages pair perfectly with beer or whiskey.

(Rates start at P1,240. The Fireplace is located at Level 5 of the hotel. Open daily from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.)

Bavarian delights

Complete your Oktoberfest experience on a high note with traditional German dessert and breads at The Pastry Boutique.

For the entire month, The Pastry Boutique whips up irresistible Bavarian delights, which include the classic Black Forest cake made of layers of chocolate mousse, ganache and sponge with a luscious cherry filling.

Also included in the menu are Oktoberfest staples like freshly baked pretzels (in cheese, nuts and herbs, and chocolate-dipped flavors) and laugen rolls, which is best enjoyed plain or with sausage.

Feast on these Bavarian delights and be transported to Germany with your senses.

(The Pastry Boutique is located at the ground floor of the hotel.  It is open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.)

Discover the art of traditional Chinese herbal soup

Enjoyed the Oktoberfest’s rich and sinful indulgence with ice-cold beer and scrumptious sausages? Why not take a breather with Li Li’s month-long offering of traditional Chinese herbal soup specially prepared by executive Chinese chef Raymond Yeung.

This month, Li Li, which boasts classic Cantonese dishes, fine wine and teas, is set to warm your heart and soul with its traditional herbal soup with eight nutritious elixirs by Chef Yeung. Nourish your body and spirit with healthy broths brimming with gentle tonics, natural healing herbs and delectable meats.

(Rates start at P288. Li Li is located at Level 5 of the hotel. It is open daily from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.)

Eat, drink & be scary

Get ready for a spook-tacular Halloween dinner buffet dubbed “Fright Night Feast” at Market Café on Oct. 30 and 31.

Put on your best costume and head on to the Market Café for a special Halloween buffet that will feature “terrifyingly” sumptuous dishes like “Sausage Mummy Dippers,” “Sea Crawler Bisque with Eye Balls” and “Finger Biscuits.”

The little ones are in for special treats — no tricks — from Milkita Lollipop and Candy, Cola Candy, Split Candy, Jagoan Neon Candy and Trolli Gummi Candy.

Fright Night Feast will be available on Oct. 30 and 31, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Book a table for P2,200 per person. Rates include government taxes and service charge. Discounts apply for in-house guests and Club Epicure members.

(Market Café is located at Level 3 of the hotel.)

(For inquiries and reservations about the hotel’s October dining offerings, call 252-6888 ext. 7291 or e-mail dining.manilabay@newworldhotels.com. New World Makati Hotel is located at 1588 Pedro Gil corner MH Del Pilar, Malate, Manila. For more information, visit manilabay.newworldhotels.com and @newworldmanilabay on Instagram.)