The Lobby: a la Carte Dining at Acacia Hotel Manila

With outstanding hotel facilities, services and even a buffet to boot, you'd think that our posh staycation at Acacia Hotel Manila ends there. We initially thought so too, but we're wrong.

Acacia Hotel Manila The Lobby

At the ground floor of the lavish Filipino luxury hotel is The Lobby, a sleek, stylish and modern lounge which doesn't only serve as a reception area, but also as a casual dining restaurant. Yes, you read it right. This pattern-filled space with its high ceiling, towering glass walls and unique contemporary interiors doesn't only offer a good first impression to guests, but also a Pan-Asian a la carte menu, cakes selection and an array of beverages.

Lobby at Acacia Hotel Manila Desk at Acacia Hotel Manila

I used to believe that patterns on patterns is a big no no. However, with paisley print cushioned chairs on white and black wave-patterned carpet, The Lobby at Acacia begged to differ. They just proved that playing with patterns can be bold, stylish and tasteful when done right. And although The Lobby at Acacia has a very spacious dining area, guests can also opt to take a seat at the al fresco section.

The Lobby at Acacia Hotel Manila Al Fresco Area

Now for our meal at The Lobby, the beau and I got to sample some of the gustatory masterpieces of Chef Noel after enjoying a bowl of vegetable soup. We were recommended to try their bestsellers -- Braised US Beef Cheeks (P845) and Braised Lamb Shank (P725).

Braised US Beef Cheeks P845

I haven't eaten a lot of beef cheeks in my life, but I'm very fortunate to have tasted nothing short of an exemplary beef cheeks dish. Chef Noel's Braised US Beef Cheeks comes with a carrot risotto, wild mushroom confit and red wine sauce. And I'm telling you, it tastes as good as it looks! Every element in this dish works perfectly. The beef cheeks were so tender and so succulent. The mushrooms and sauce added more savor and flare. The risotto on the other hand, was also a supporting star on its own.

Braised Lamb Shank P725

We also got to try the Braised Lamb Shank -- slow-cooked lamb shanks in aromatic herbs and spices, and served with black olive rice, roasted au jus, broccoli, cauliflower and caramelized garlic. Although not as flavorful as the beef cheeks dish, this lamb shank entrée had a simple yet bold meaty taste. The lamb meat was also very juicy and very tender that it almost falls of the bone. Although the lamb shank was definitely the award winner on this plate, the black olive rice was so good too that I swear I can eat it every day without getting taste fatigue.

Mango Crepe Samurai P260

After the very lovely main courses, we finally got to my favorite part, desserts. We got to sample Chef Tony's Mango Crepe Samurai (P260) -- traditional baked mango crepe with torched meringue and topped with 2 scoops of ice cream. And although I'm not a big fan of crepes, I truly enjoyed this sweet refreshing treat.

However, the crepe was undeniably overthrown by another 2 of Chef Tony's masterpieces -- off-menu trio of desserts which the beau and I both swear by.

Cheesecake A Trio of Cheese Cake, Chocolate Macaron and Chilled Orange Compote

First was this Trio of Cheesecake, Chocolate Macaron and Chilled Peach-Orange Compote which looked sleek and lovely. I don't personally go gaga with cheesecakes, but with Chef Tony's, I found myself nodding in pleasure with every bite as the cheesecake was soft, smooth, creamy and had a harmonious balance of sweet and tart. Although I'm still not a big fan of cheesecakes in general, I can proudly say that I'm a big fan of Chef Tony's cheesecake.

A Trio of Moist Chocolate Cake with Biscuit and Chilled Orange Compote

I loved the cheesecake, but the chocolate slice in the Trio of Moist Chocolate Cake with Macaron and Chilled Peach-Orange Compote was no doubt, the greater superstar. The chocolate base cake was so moist and creamy with chocolate ganache perfectly sandwiched in between the cake layers. I can eat even the chocolate base cake alone and still feel satisfied, but the semi-sweet chocolate ganache had taken up this cake a notch. It was an explosion of chocolatey goodness which gave us a total foodgasm experience. Both the beau and I agreed that Chef Tony's Moist Chocolate Cake is by far, the best chocolate cake we've ever had.

Fresh Watermelon Shake P225 Green Tea

After sampling such delectable dishes and desserts at The Lobby, we finished the meal off with a glass of sweet and oh-so-refreshing Fresh Watermelon Shake (P225) and a pot of green tea and a cup of freshly brewed coffee.

THE VERDICT

The Lobby at Acacia really blew us away with its chic and unconventional interior, impeccable service and truly sumptuous food. Being only 6 months old as of this writing, I can definitely say that Acacia Hotel Manila is on the right track. Yes, prices may be steep and its location is quite far, but the next time we'll be celebrating an occasion, we'd definitely take the trip to the south for Acacia's Lobby.

Taste - 5/5
Ambiance - 4.5/5
Service - 5/5
Price - 3/5
Overall Value - 4.5/5



The Lobby, Acacia Hotel Manila
5400 East Asia Drive corner Commerce Avenue,
Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang,
Muntinlupa City 1781
Metro Manila, Philippines
(02)720-2000; 588-5888
Official Website
Facebook Page
Twitter

50 comments:

  1. Hmm looks good! I will try their cakes!

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  2. ang ganda ng place. i like! and of course, the food looks really good!

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  3. Ang ganda! The prints ng mga upuan sa loob and yung Al fresco dining. Wow! Lugar pa lang alam mo nang masarap kumain :D

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  4. Love the place! And ur photos.. Grabe! Perfect! :) love it! :)

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  5. Huwaw! Ang sozy naman ng itsura nung place and food of course!! Natakam ako dun sa chocolate cake!

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  6. Wow! your rating on the food 5 out 5!! This place must be really really awesome. Love your blog, sis. Hope to see you again in one of the events. =)

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  7. Based on your rating, I guess it's a worthy place to visit. I don't mind spending a little if I'll be able to relax and enjoy my stay in a certain establishment. The place looks amazing though and the food is drool worthy!

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  8. Love the place but I also find the price a little steep :p Will give it a try soon :)

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  9. Pricey but awesome! :) Will include thisplace in my bucketlist.

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  10. The food and decor look really good, but those cakes ... irresistible. I'll have one of each!

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  11. i love the photos, lalo na yung chocolate cake. kakagutom! =)

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  12. i want to visit this place.. medyo malayo lang sya sa akin.natakam ako!

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  13. aww di pumasok yung comments ko anyway...
    i like the ambiance so nice sarap sa mata...
    syempre mas masarap sa mata yung shoot mo ng mga food hahaha.,..

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  14. The desserts look delectable! I want to try! :)

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  15. Great photos Sumi. =) Again, mouthwatering as I continue to read through.. you should probably try visiting Midas hotel too. Their lobby has astounding interiors as well. Plus their buffet is also to die for. Maybe on your next review (or tapos na)? =)

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  16. wow!! that looks so nice~~~ very inviting! wanna visit also!! good job for the photos as well! xx

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  17. Gorgeous photos!
    And that shot of the chocolate cake is absolutely gorgeous! And mouth-watering! :D

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  18. I already commented here before.. nawala. anyway I so love this place! good find! hope to try this hotel soon.. thanks for sharing! ;)

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  19. Wow!! This is totally nice.. very superb place :D

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  20. Black Olive Rice? Sounds sooo good! First time I've heard of it pero parang ang sarap talaga! :D Hahahaha The lamb looks very good too. If it wasn't so far, I'd go there na talaga! :d

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  21. Your photos are always beautiful to look at! :) And that place has a very refreshing feel for me. Thanks for sharing, Sumi!

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  22. The place looks very inviting ... hmmm ...

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  23. The place looks really beautiful. :)

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  24. the place is lovely. and the food...nakakatakam naman sa pictures pa lang. pero parang yung mango crepe lang ata kaya ng budget ko for now.:)

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  25. We never wanted to get up from those stylish high-backed chairs in the lobby - they were so comfy! :)

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  26. I would love to have that plate of lamb shank pleace. that is a fancy place to dine and the food presentation - especially the asparagus is divine.

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  27. Hey! Ya, I really like the food there! Hope to try the buffet next! :)

    Anyway..
    Can I ask for a favor? Please like THIS PHOTO of me on a bridge? I entered a photo contest and I need your help. Pretty please :) Thanks!! <3

    www.joeiandme.com

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  28. @joei ♥
    this hotel was stunning and sophisticated

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  29. Beef cheeks sound exotic... XD The desserts look divine though. Wish the hotel weren't so far from where we are.

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  30. Oh! My jaw just dropped when I saw that Moist Chocolate Cake!! YUM!

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  31. I...want...that..CAAAKKKKEEEEE!!!!!!

    I wish Chef Tony is our cook... uhh... in our house... that would be so tot'ly awesome!

    CHEF TONY, make some of those DELICIOUS CAKES for me...PRONTO!!!!!! =D

    Well, with that kind of cake, he should open his own cake shop...no, pastry shop... no, bake shop... I dunno... whatever... I'll be his first customer!

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  32. i bet they're all delicious. especially the cheesecake sampler...

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  33. Wow, south area! Will definitely try this one...

    Jinkee

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  34. I think this is my first time to see your rating for taste to be perfect. Hmmm.. that braised US beef cheeks (P845) and braised lamb shank (P725) must be the total winners. But.. (there is a but) they are VERY expensive! I think I'd rather have a buffet meal. Hahaha!

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  35. ang ganda ng lobby ,sarap tumambay ,very relaxing and the food looks good too.

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  36. Wow the plating is really nice and the food is delish? Thus, kahit pricey okay yan pang date dinner =D

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  37. i like to eat at the lobby..the interior design rocks!

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  38. The wall pattern catches my attention. And the Braised Lamb Shank look so delicious for me too.

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  39. everything looks so yummyyyy!!!!!!!!

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  40. Nice photos! :)

    The cheesecake looks very tempting! That, plus a cup of hot coffee at the al fresco section = heaven! :)

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  41. Wow!!! The lobby alone speaks a lot about the hotel. And I love the cheesecake and braised lamb shank too! Lovely food presentation

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  42. Maka-uwi nga ng San Pedro just to visit the hotel XD

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  43. Everything looks sumptuous and it's lunchtime here...waaah kagutom!

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  44. Do you know how much I envy you? All these awesome places and food!


    :(

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  45. They do have some amazing facilities. Even the reception desk looks luxurious.

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  46. You can dine a la carte at Acacia hotel. Know the details from the post

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  47. The desserts trio looks divine... :) yum!

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  48. wow,the Trio of Moist Chocolate Cake with Macaron and Chilled Peach-Orange Compote really looks delicious!

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