From maharajas to kings: A grand royal brunch at Spiral
Fit for a Chinese emperor: Stuffed bai hua fish maw at Spiral’s Le Grand Royal Brunch
MANILA, Philippines — Do you want to eat like royalty? Then head to Sofitel’s Spiral restaurant, which recently launched the first of a series of Le Grand Royal Sunday Brunches, featuring lavish dishes from around the world. Spiral’s launch also featured designer Albert Andrada’s 1950s-inspired Margaret collection in a show directed by Robby Carmona.
Spiral is already known for its amazing selection of dishes and cheeses; what’s different with the quarterly special are dishes served to royalty and interpreted by Spiral’s chefs. The North Indian section has a dish for the maharaja — the Murgh Shahjahani, which originated from the royal Shahi Mughal era; the Thai section’s tiger prawn in basil and fried noodles with nam jim sauce is prepared for the Thai princess; the Japanese section has fresh tuna yaki shabu-shabu fit for an emperor; the Korean section has Imperial Korea’s grilled beef kalbi featuring special-cut beef short ribs wrapped with zucchini and chilli bean paste; for the Chinese emperor, it’s stuffed bai hua fish maw.
And from the Philippines, there’s grilled stuffed squid with eggplant salsa celebrating the marine treasures of the archipelago. Other enhanced selections are pan-seared foie gras, beef prime ribs, crown roast of pork, caviar and french oysters. Grilled specialties feature tasty satays and a colorful selection of flavorful Mongolian barbecue at La Veranda’s deck.
The brunch is accompanied by free-flowing champagne and wines from around the world. Le Grand Royal Brunch is at P4,500 per person, and will be back on April 29, July 29 and Oct. 28.
Fusion love for Valentine’s Day
For Valentine’s Day, Spiral’s chefs from different kitchens will prepare unique fusion dishes, such as the Singaporean chilli crab pasta and France’s foie gras infused into the Chinese xiao long bao. Chefs add a little Asian flavor (kimchi) to Spanish paella, while Indian cottage cheese meets the Mexican tortilla, and Italy meets India in the chicken makhani pizza, where the mild spice of curry replaces the traditional tomato sauce while buttered chicken serves as a topping.
On Feb. 14, couples have a chance to win gifts from Guerlain, Elizabeth Arden and Tefal at Spiral. Lunch is P3,000 per person; dinner, P4,500 per person.
Over at Sunset Bar, Love by Design is celebrated surrounded by the gardens and swimming pool of Sofitel. Couples can have a bespoke dining experience with an exclusive four-course dinner featuring grilled specialties served by their own butler. The romantic ambiance is enhanced with a live string performance.
Love by Design is available at P30,000 per couple and includes a four-course dinner menu, a bottle of champagne, three roses for the ladies and a box of pralines. Three days’ advanced reservation is recommended. Couples booking the exclusive Love by Design at Sunset Bar will get a chance to win an iPhone 8.
Romance by the Bay at Sunset Bar is a dinner buffet, also on Feb. 14, at P2,750 per person inclusive of poolside buffet, unlimited local beers and iced tea, a selection of cocktails and wines.
At Le Bar, the Spice Up Your Love set menu features succulent oysters, tuna tartare, onion ash-crusted lamb and heart-shaped chocolate marbled red velvet cheesecake. A four-course dinner for two is at P5,600, including a glass of rosé.
* * *
Follow the author’s travel blog at www.findingmyway.net. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter @iamtanyalara.
For inquiries and reservations for Le Grand Royal Brunch and Valentine’s Day promotions, call Sofitel Philippine Plaza at 832-6988 or email H6308-FB12@sofitel.com.
