culinary delights – Jellybeans in the City

Titas of Manila, let me introduce you to the newest hidden gem in the heart of Makati—Brunch Bureau! Nestled discreetly on the second floor of the Proscenium 1 Office Building in Rockwell Center, this cozy cafe is destined to be your go-to spot for a leisurely and delectable brunch experience with your beloved amigas.

A Peek into Paradise: Ambiance and Vibe

Brunch Bureau welcomes you with an inviting and laid-back atmosphere, the epitome of comfort and relaxation. The open floor plan ensures a seamless flow within the space, allowing for unhurried conversations and moments to savor. Plus floor-to-ceiling windows frames a lush view of the Proscenium grounds and nearby buildings, casting a serene natural light upon the cozy interiors. It’s a backdrop worthy of your Instagram post!

Culinary Delights for the Tita Palate: Menu Highlights

Brunch Specialties

Brunch at Brunch Bureau is a delightful affair, boasting an array of brunch specialties that will surely tantalize your taste buds.

Here are some highlights:

CAESAR SALAD (Php360). Crisp lettuce, cherry tomatoes, savory bacon, crunchy croutons, and a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese plus a serving of Asian Caesar dressing, all come together harmoniously.

EBI KATSU BALLS (Php500/8pcs). Crispy, flavorful mini balls made from minced shrimp and mixed Asian aromatics. Served with a luscious garlic soy glaze and roasted pepper aioli.

BRUNCH BUREAU BENEDICT (Php495). Fried tocino, sautéed spinach, eggs, and torched dalandan hollandaise, all resting atop moist and butter-toasted banana bread. Accompanied by a hint of spicy truffle honey.

GRILLED CHEESE & TOMATO CAPPUCCINO (Php420). A medley of mozzarella, cheddar, emmental, cream cheese, and parmesan paired with a delightful tomato cappuccino on the side.

MANILA CARBONARA (Php445). Savor linguine adorned with sausage crumbles, mushrooms, cream sauce, furikake poached egg, and cured egg yolks—a comforting twist on the classic carbonara.

SALMON WITH MISO EMULSION (Php595). Pan-seared salmon fillet, adorned with a velvety torched miso emulsion, graces a bed of spam and kimchi egg fried rice. Served with pico de gallo and nori rice crisps.

KOREAN CHICKEN CHOP (Php395). Chicken thigh fillet, perfectly fried and glazed with a homemade Korean-style sweet soy sauce. Served atop spam and kimchi egg fried rice, accompanied by a mix of homemade pickles.

Coffee and Cocktails

To complement your meal, Brunch Bureau offers an array of coffee-based beverages, including options made from Single Origin beans from Melbourne-based roasters Seven Seeds and locally sourced beans such as Kalsada.

In addition to coffee, the brunch experience is elevated with unique cocktails crafted for the perfect mid-morning celebration.

Time to Brunch

Brunch Bureau exemplifies the art of a perfect brunch—a blend of culinary mastery and inviting ambiance. The dedication to craft is evident in every bite, and the cozy atmosphere sets the stage for unhurried conversations and joyful camaraderie.

So, to all the Titas in search of the ideal brunch escapade—look no further. Gather your friends, swap stories, clink glasses, and relish in the joy of a wonderful brunch outing at Brunch Bureau!

If you’re a Rockwell resident, employee, office tenant or Rockwellist app user, get 50% OFF your total bill (max of Php5000) when you dine in at Brunch Bureau until October 8, 2023! Terms and conditions apply.

Brunch Bureau is located at the 2nd Floor, 1 Proscenium Office Building, Estrella Drive, Rockwell Center, Makati City, open daily from 7am to 12 midnight. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 917 8106728.

Know more about Brunch Bureau’s menu and offers by following it on Facebook, Instagram and Tiktok.

Disclosure: I attended a food tasting held at this restaurant. Food items were served at no cost to facilitate this feature.

There are few dining experiences that will have had me braving the July’s heavy monsoon rains, the threat of flooding and the metro’s infamous traffic jams, but that’s exactly what happened that particular Thursday evening, when I met up with fellow foodies to enjoy Cafe Ilang-Ilang’s much-celebrated dinner buffet spread.

A Legacy of Culinary Excellence

Named after the ilang-ilang tree which symbolizes love and romance, Cafe Ilang-Ilang is a much-beloved spot that transports diners to a world of culinary excellence. The Manila Hotel’s flagship restaurant has undergone several renovations and is now an architectural masterpiece. With a legacy spanning over half a century, Café Ilang-Ilang has become synonymous with exceptional dining experiences in Manila.

Global Flavors on Your Plate

Café Ilang-Ilang prides itself on offering an extensive array of cuisines from around the world. Here, my fellow foodies and I were able to explore the buffet spread that spans continents and satisfies every palate with a delightful showcase of diverse flavors.

Salads and Breads Station. Whet your appetites with Cafe Ilang-Ilang’s assortment of vibrant, crisp salads, freshly baked bread, cheeses and delicatessen. This station offers the perfect balance of flavors and textures to complement your buffet experience.

Churrasco Station. Immerse yourself in the tantalizing aroma of grilled meats and seafood. Indulge in succulent grilled beef, pork, chicken, lamb, sausages, and seafood skewers, accompanied by a variety of delectable sauces.

Pan-Asian Station. Embark on a culinary journey through Asia with a wide selection of dim sum, sushi, sashimi, noodles, dumplings, and stir-fries.

Italian Station. Indulge in classic Italian dishes that will transport you to the heart of Italy. Savor mouthwatering pizzas and pastas, freshly prepared and cooked to perfection.

Mediterranean Station. Delight in the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean. Sample refreshing salads, fresh seafood, halal dishes and perfectly grilled meats.

American Station. Experience the best of American hearty fare. Let loose your inner carnivore juicy steaks and tender roasts.

Dessert Station. Indulge your sweet tooth with a delectable array of sweet treats. From luscious cakes and pastries to creamy ice cream, the dessert station offers a delightful finale to your culinary adventure.

Anilag Festival: A Celebration of Culinary Heritage

The true showcase of that evening’s luxurious repast is the Anilag Festival, a carefully curated menu that showcases revered recipes from Calle Arco, an ancestral home in Pagsanjan, Laguna, renowned for its authentic Filipino dishes. Café Ilang-Ilang collaborated with Calle Arco in bringing the vibrant flavors of Laguna’s annual food festival, Anilag or Ani ng Laguna on a rotating basis to the restaurant’s Filipino buffet station throughout this month of July. These include:

Binagoongang Crispy Pata. A fusion of two Filipino classics, crispy pata and binagoongan made cuts of deep-fried pork leg braised in flavorful stew made with shrimp paste.

Fried Itik. A signature dish from Victoria, Laguna wherein a duck is marinated in special seasonings then deep-fried to a crisp.

Kare-Kare (Galapong). A rich and flavorful oxtail stew with vegetables, simmered in a peanut sauce made from ground peanuts, chili peppers, spices, and glutinous rice.

Pancit Habhab. A stir-fried noodle dish made with miki noodles, shrimp, pork, and vegetables.

Sinigang na Baka na may Langka. The tangy and refreshing flavors of a sour soup made with beef, vegetables, and tamarind with some sweet notes from jackfruit.

Grilled Pla-Pla with Pako. Grilled tilapia served with pako leaves, adding a hint of sweetness and bitterness.

Adobong Kangkong. A staple in many Filipino homes, this dish is made with a combination of water spinach (kangkong) and classic adobo elements such as pork belly, garlic, bay leaves, soy sauce, vinegar, salt, oil, and black pepper.

Café Ilang-Ilang at The Manila Hotel is a haven for food lovers seeking a remarkable buffet experience. With its rich history, stunning ambiance, and an exquisite selection of global cuisines, it promises an unforgettable dining adventure. Don’t miss the opportunity to savor the diverse flavors from around the world while celebrating Laguna’s culinary heritage during the Anilag Festival.

Personally, the trek across the metro’s congested streets in the midst of a deluge for this feast was well worth it.

Cafe Ilang-Ilang serves dinner buffet from 6pm to 10pm daily, priced at Php3,145/adult and Php1,572/child from Sundays to Wednesdays, and Php3,790/adult and Php1,895/child from Thursdays to Saturdays.

For inquiries or reservations, please contact +632 8527 0011 or +632 5301 5500 or send an email to restaurantrsvn@themanilahotel.com.

Cafe Lang-Ilang is located at the Ground Floor of The Manila Hotel, One Rizal Park, Ermita, Manila.

Know more about Manila Hotel and its offers by visiting its website or following it on Facebook, Instagram or Youtube.

Disclosure: I attended a food tasting event held at this restaurant. Food items mentioned here were served at no cost to the attendees.

Tag: culinary delights

Brunch Bureau: A Delightful Brunch Haven for Titas… and more!