9 Hotel Restaurants that Left Me Agaped in 2016

Hotels are built as second abodes for tourists, leisure nests for business people and weekend vacationers. As they contest on modern facility, best accommodation, and blasting food preparation, here are nine (9) hotel restaurants that left stunning impression of flavors in my foodie palate and topped in hospitality menu:

• Kindness over Breakfast in Uno, Waterfront Hotel and Casino

It was a paid-room accommodation only; without breakfast. The morning after, I headed to Uno, the dining area, and had an ala carte instead of buffet. 

So, I had a Filipino breakfast of two-sunny side up eggs, chicken tocino and of course, rice. The good side? The kind waiter added some more doughnuts and sweet breads, plus mango juice and coffee for me. Highly appreciated! (Brought the ones I wasn't able to finish at the pool side while I had a great wade in the water.)

• Going Japanese at Nobu Hotel and Casino, City of Dreams

While I was in Manila for Vivo V5 Grand Launch, the Vivo Team booked an overnight stay for us at Nobu Hotel and Casino, City of Dreams. It was still early so I opted to delay my breakfast for a wonderful morning swim. 

At Nobu Hotel Restaurant, both the Japanese interior and exterior are commendable. Obviously, the Japanese owner thought of it as a representation of the country. Well, how can I forget the delicious Salmon Sushi? I totally fell in love with it! 

• Fiery Night at Azure Beach Club, Crimson Resort Hotel and Spa

Dishes on flambe and wild fire dance were totally a breath-taking episode in Azure Beach Club. It was last summer that I was invited by a blogger friend (as guest) to be with him at the "El Fuego" event in Crimson Resort Hotel and Spa.

What was fantastic that evening? Think of some Mediteranean dish, Italian cuisine, and Japanese food in one table and a flaming dessert! It was an awesome and tummy-filled experience!

• Exciting Tapas at Ibiza Beach Club, Movenpick Hotel, Mactan

Ibiza Beach Club is prominently known for its nightly live performances; however, the day is as cool and invigorating as the night. The beach view and the sea breeze are too relaxing for a vacation or a get together in the afternoon. That was during the Cebu Food Crawl 2016 when my fellow food crawlers had a fun time enjoying delectable afternoon snacks in Ibiza. 

It was a such a lovely gathering while drinking in the pleasures of the beach and camaraderie. What is so delicious in Ibiza Beach Club? It's mouth-watering ice cream from Switzerland. Totally made my day! 

• The Blindfold Challenge at The Cove, Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa

Taste Test. That was one significant afternoon when Cebu Food Crawl 2016 continued to check the foodies' palate. Blind folded where other senses are heightened - smell and taste; was done to assess how aware we were of the food we were eating.

That was also my first time to try the bland taste of beet root, a special tang of "foie gras" made of cola, lemon granite, brioche and rocket; and my third time to taste edible flower - rose petals. 

• Eat-All-You-Can Buffet at the Dining Room, The Castle Peak Hotel

I had a free staycation in The Castle Peak Hotel with free massage and spa plus the use of the gym and its pool. It was a great blessing, actually. Also included was a free dining experience in The Dining Room. 

The festive mood of the diners made my day in the Dining Room. The dinner buffet offers lots of choices specially that of Filipino delicacies and desserts - lechon, sorbetes, halo-halo and even jam. Japanese makis and skewers were also available at their respective stations - Japanese station and  Grilling station. 

• Outdoor Dinner at the El Viento, Marco Polo

Cool mountain air, and live band playing outdoor are two aspects that differentiates my dining experience in "El Viento", Marco Polo. It was again part of the Cebu Food Crawl 2016 that I shared together with other food bloggers. 

Honestly, I had fun with the food served - seafood and vegetables and not to mention the bibs!

• Truly Filipino Dinner at The Sails, Movenpick Hotel, Mactan

Sweeping an al fresco feel while being serenaded in a garden is a truly romantic setting for a Filipino Dinner at The Sails every Friday of the week. Of course, who wouldn't want to taste Filipino comfort food together with a loved one?

As for me, the atmosphere was splendid when I had the chance to dine at The Sails with a person who remarkably inspires me to go on writing and to embrace the blogging world. Eventually, I realized that eating out with a person you are comfortable with increases your appetite!

• Finest Hospitality in Saffron Cafe, Crimson Hotel Resort and Spa

I had tried having dinner in Saffron Cafe while enjoying different delectable dishes a few months ago, and just recently, I had lunch there. What I adore most in Saffron Cafe is its finest hospitality to diners and guests. 

Those stuff make me feel warm and comfy. Moreover, the menu at Saffron Cafe tickles my palate too. From Chinese dimsum, Japanese makis, pastas, skewers up to its desserts, truly, Saffron Cafe serves as a food nirvana.

Admittedly enough, 2016 brought so much opportunity for me. Who would have thought that a travel blogger would also experience naturally good hotels filled with mouth-watering and one-of-a-kind menu warmly served to their guests. The year ended rightfully great!