The wonders of Manila Hotel’s Cafe Ilang-Ilang
So here stands the Grand Old Lady herself, beckoning passers by to enter her stately lobby and partake of the pleasures that were once reserved for the high and the mighty. Of course, I’m talking about the Manila Hotel.
I remember my Mom who was always raving about the Manila Hotel. How she loved the bibingka at the coffee shop, Cafe Ilang-ilang. So one dreary Sunday, I asked Noreen to have bibingka with me at Manila Hotel. She immediately said yes.
The bibingka brought back memories of my Mom who loved bibingka for bibingka’s sake. She would always go there with me or with her childhood buddies from Iloilo. Upon sitting in the coffee shop, she would tell stories about her years as a student at UE and the parties she would go to at the Manila Hotel. Why? Because back then, it was THE place to be seen. I guess i just went there because I wanted to remember my Mom when she was happy and well. And the bibingka was her favorite. For the rest of the afternoon, it was my favorite too.
Though there has been stiff competition from the newer hotels in the Makati area, this Old Lady still had her charms that would make any visitor keep coming back. Cafe Ilang-ilang has also kept up with the times and offers a great dining experience that can give the new hotels a run for their money.
Cafe Ilang-ilang offers a merienda buffet for only P410.00 (US$9.65). An eat-all-you-can extravaganza that includes rice cakes, puff pastries, pastas, pancit, value-added taxes and service charges (no kidding, all inclusive!). Without further ado, here’s what you can get for your P410 (US$9.65).
This is Camaron.
Potato croquettes.
Taro Puff
Rice Porridge and Noodle soup
White Spaghetti
Pancit Malabon
There was actually more but my camera ran of batteries. However, I was also looking for the most creatively done, which turned out to be the Mango Cheesecake and the Puto Bumbong. I had the bibingka (only P80.00 US$1.88) and it was just like the way I remembered it.
The Puto Bumbong was a runaway hit at P80.00 (US$1.89).
And the toast of the afternoon, the Mango Cheesecake for only P110.00 (US$2.56).
So if ever your Sunday becomes dreary, drop by the Manila Hotel and enjoy the Mango Cheesecake to brighten your day.
Comments
Comment from Arpee
Time: June 1, 2008, 7:17 pm
to eric cabrera: thanks for visiting my site. it’s great place to bring your kids.
Comment from arthritisguy
Time: June 3, 2008, 7:14 pm
talagang walang kamatayan ang manila hotel.
Comment from Mercy
Time: June 4, 2008, 11:57 pm
Imposing pa rin ang facade ng Manila hotel. I was able to try the famous bibingka and tabliya one rainy Christmas day, boy, i was rendered speechless after that. sama me next time…
Comment from Arpee
Time: June 5, 2008, 12:35 pm
to arthritis guy: manila hotel will indeed live forever, hehe.
to merce: actually the bibingka pales in comparison to the newer bibingkas on sale now. nonetheless, manila hotel is still a lovely haunt.
Comment from Anthony
Time: June 14, 2008, 3:34 am
Wow, I used to have breakfast there way back when I was still assigned in Intramuros. I loved the hash corned beef & the selection of cold cuts. Didn’t know they served merienda buffet as well. I’ll make it a date to try it once I get back in Manila.
Comment from Arpee
Time: June 14, 2008, 12:01 pm
to anthony: the buffet is really great and a must-try. thanks for gracing my blog!
Comment from eric cabrera
Time: June 1, 2008, 12:53 pm
i thought manila hotel is the most expensive place. looks too good to be true. try ko muna to, kung ok, i’ll bring the kids. galing ng site mo pre!