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I live in the Southern part of Metro Manila but there are still so many places I've never been, that is why when Crimson Hotel - Filinvest invited me for lunch I was pretty stoked and curious on what they had to offer, and what makes them stand out above the rest.
A haven built in the busy heart of Filinvest Alabang and the newest 5 star hotel in Manila, Crimson Hotel offers a wide range of facilities and diverse dining options including Cafe Eight, their main restaurant that offers an International buffet that serves authentic, fresh and healthy cuisines that's sure to leave you coming back for more.
Cafe Eight highlights different cuisines around the world from time to time and this time around, offers distinct and signature Southeast Asian dishes from Indonesia Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and more. Let's start, shall we?
Beef Curry
Sambal Fried Rice. A must try for spicy lovers!
Sambal Prawns. Juicy, savory and spicy! I had my fair share of these babies.
Hainanese Chicken. Tender, flavorful and succulent
Hainanese Chicken Rice
Pork Satay with Peanut Dipping Sauce
Pickled vegetables
Crackers with various dipping sauces to whet your appetite
Salad Station for those watching their weight *if you can fight the temptations*
Sushi Station!
Fresh Tuna and Salmon Sashimi
Cafe Eight also has a Western Cuisine Station for people who loves variety.
Steamed (and buttered?) vegetables
Spaghetti with Chicken Strips
Potatoes
Yumi sneaking a few Fried Calamari rings with Tartar Sauce
Cafe Eight's Cheese and Bread Station
Various selection of breads for certified bread lovers like me, I feel like I'm in a Yakitate!! Japan episode.
What better way to enjoy freshly baked breads than to pair with your choice of cheese.
One of my favorites of course, is Cafe Eight's heavenly Dessert Station!
Take your pick from delicious chocolate mousse, silky-smooth mango panna cotta, creamy strawberry panna cotta and more!
I'm sure you'll have a hard time (I knew I did) when you're faced with a tower of enticing desserts that will surely satisfy your sweet tooth.
I told you, there's too many of them! An army of yummy Raspberry Cheesecake and Onde Onde Sago - Sago balls in coconut milk sauce, but Cafe Eight makes them with a bursting pop of flavor surprise.
For the young and young at heart, dip your choice of fluffy marshmallows or pineapple tidbits into a rich, dark chocolate fountain. Cafe Eight also serves one of the best Leche Flan I have had, sweetness is spot on and texture is very silky.
Take your pick from pecan cakes, raspberry cakes and red velvet cakes or have them all.
Sago Gula Melaka. Another must try, sago pearls drenched in creamy coconut milk and drizzled with rich palm sugar syrup (not in picture). Very refreshing.
You can also stop by at their Crepe Station and watch as the chef prepares your custom Crepe to your liking. You can go simple or you can go nuts!
Halo-Halo Station, perfect for those hot, scorching summer days or even on days when you just feel like it. Load it up with your preference of toppings or try them all for a surely satisfying treat.
I hope I haven't tortured you in anyway throughout this post. I'm honestly torturing myself looking at this delectable, mouth watering and festive cake alone.
The aftermath. Group picture with (L-R) Chef Alessio, Ms. Beth, Guest Chef Alex Chong, Yours Truly, Sir Francis in the back row plus Dennis of Dencio.com and my friend Yumi at the front. Pardon how my face looks so round here, it's just the wrong angle. *I swear*
After lunch, Sir Francis gave us a mini tour on the other facilities in the 8th floor. First up, their Fitness Center fully equipped with machines for your cardio and strength building needs.
Certified Gym Instructors are present to guide you throughout your workout. *Paparazzi mode on random working out dude*
Stationary Bikes and Threadmills for your cardio needs. You'll surely work up a sweat and feel great after an intense workout but beware...
Your self-control will be put under the ultimate test once you step out of the Fitness Center. Hello, Pastry and Sandwich Corner! *Sabotage alert! Bido bido bido!*
You should muster all the will power you have not to give in to these freshly baked cookies tempting you at first sight.
Try not to crumble when you see even more visually stimulating cakes and mini cakes.
As you turn around, their humongous muffins will try to entice you for one more try. Oh my, did you give in? Oh well, you can burn those calories off in the gym tomorrow *excuses*
Last but not the least, Crimson Hotel's The Deck Bar. Stressed out? Why not hang out at the hotel's al fresco bar and feel your stress melt away with a glass of cocktail, or two, or three.
The swimming pool. Take a dip at their luxurious pools that will surely relax you as you try to work up a healthy tan.
You can hang out with your friends or relax alone at their seating area as you enjoy your a la carte dish and choice of poison from the Deck Bar.
I fell in love with their Bird's Nest seat! It's perfect for those warm, sunny days when you want to chill with your favorite book outside and forget about all of your problems in the world.
As of making this article, I'm itching to go back and have a staycation at Crimson Hotel, not that I have a lot of experience to compare it to but who can ever go wrong with their wide array and indulgent buffet offerings, homey and welcoming ambiance plus may I commend - very warm and accommodating service that will surely guarantee a top notch and memorable experience. I'm surely coming back for more, see you on my next pig out session!
Cafe Eight - Crimson Hotel Filinvest
Location:
CRIMSON HOTEL FILINVEST CITY, MANILA
Entrata Urban Complex, 2609 Civic Drive, Filinvest City Alabang, Muntinlupa City 1781, Philippines
+63 2 863 2222
Others:
CRIMSON RESORT & SPA MACTAN, CEBU
Mactan Island, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu City 6015, Philippines
CRIMSON RESORT & SPA BORACAY, AKLAN (By 2015)
Boracay Island, Aklan, Philippines
Facebook: Crimson Hotel - Filinvest
Website: Crimson Hotel
Estimated Budget: Php 1,250++ for lunch and dinner with free flowing Thai-Tamarind Iced Tea.
Payment Methods: Cash/ Credit Card
Business Hours:
Cafe Eight Lunch - 11:30AM to 2:30PM Daily
Cafe Eight Dinner - 6:00PM to 10:30PM Daily
Promos:
Cafe Eight Buffet Price is 50% off for Medical Professionals on Tuesdays and 50% off for IT Professionals on Wednesdays, for more information please call +63 2 863 2222
Your pig out buddy,
Madz
