The Manila Hotel

The Manila Hotel is so 90's for me. I don't mean that in a bad way though. What I am trying to say is that all my experiences with the Manila Hotel happened in the 90's - my cousin's wedding reception, the time I treated my high school buddy for merienda (where right after I had my first cab ride alone in which I was scammed without me knowing it) and lastly, my HS classmate's debut. There were no more opportunities for me to go back until last night when I accompanied Erman to his uncle's birthday and thanksgiving dinner.

The place looks exactly the same as how I remembered it. Although I wonder how the hotel looked back in 1912 when it was first opened.

While waiting for the festivities to begin we went around and checked out the Champagne room. I would like to try the Italian and French cuisine here sometime. Ala carte lunch is served from 12:00- 2:30 pm and dinner at 7:00 to 10:30 pm.

Our dinner menu. The food was just okay but what really stood out that evening were the waiters. They were so attentive that it was almost stalker-ish (is that the term? haha). Every time we would get out of the table they would rearrange the silverware and refold our napkins. Water glasses kept getting refilled and when I had coffee someone picked up the empty sugar sachet as soon as I placed it on the table. We almost expected them to give us shoulder massage after the meal :)

Fancy arrangement for the coldcuts

The dessert table was very interesting!

I tried the ube roll with mango sauce

and the Christmas looking bread pudding with cream sauce

The highlight of the night was when we spotted a very familiar person in the crowd. Look closely at the tall woman wearing the blue dress!

Hello, Mrs. Marcos!