A MAS PINASARAP anniversary foodie adventure at Seven Corners, Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria

A (not so) few years ago, my Significant Other and I decided to make it official and go through the adventure of married life together. The past several years had its ups and downs but they are always marked with significant milestones and great memories.

Well, these deserve to be celebrated in grand style, don’t they? So on our special day, Dear Hubby and I decided to go on a food adventure at Seven Corners, Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria’s renowned all-you-can-eat buffet restaurant.

A Warm Welcome and Stylish Ambiance

Upon arrival, we were greeted by the restaurant’s chic and contemporary interiors, a result of its recent renovation. The stylish lighting, sleek furniture, stunning view of the Ortigas business district from our window seat as well as the thoughtfully placed accent pieces all created an airy, refreshing vibe that set the tone for our evening.

Seven Corners, Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria
Seven Corners, Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria
Seven Corners, Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria
Seven Corners, Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria

We arrived a bit early so we were able to witness the frenetic energy of the chefs and servers meticulously plating and staging the stations and dining areas, ensuring that the whole experience is not just a feast for the tastebuds, but for other senses as well.

Exploring the Seven Corners

Seven Corners got its name from its diverse culinary offerings from around the world, spread across seven unique stations. Each station beckoned with a promise of a gastronomic adventure, and we eagerly embarked on our culinary journey.

Salad Station. Fresh greens, sliced vegetables, and an assortment of dressings, nuts and cold cuts awaited.

Seven Corners, Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria
Seven Corners, Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria
Seven Corners, Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria
Seven Corners, Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria

Pizza & Pasta Station. Fragrant breads, flavorful spreads, charcuterie, cheeses and freshly made pastas and brick-oven pizzas.

Seven Corners, Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria
Seven Corners, Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria
Seven Corners, Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria
Seven Corners, Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria

Japanese Station. A variety of sushi rolls, freshly cut sashimi, and crispy tempura. Hubby was pleasantly surprised to discover that his favorite miso soup was also available.

Seven Corners, Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria
Seven Corners, Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria
Seven Corners, Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria
Seven Corners, Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria

Asian Station. The Asian station offered a variety of Chinese and Southeast Asian dishes, including a combination of mussels, oysters and shrimp cooked upon order in a garlicky sauce as well as a variety of noodles and add-ons for a customized bowl of heartwarming broth.

Seven Corners, Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria
Seven Corners, Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria

Western Station. Classic American and European dishes including grilled meats and Spanish dishes such as Rabo del Toro, Chicken ala Madrilena and Gambas al Ajillo. The US Ribeye Steak was a standout, grilled the way we want it and accompanied by a variety of sauces and seasonings to cater to our differing palates.

Seven Corners, Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria
Seven Corners, Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria
Seven Corners, Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria
Seven Corners, Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria

Filipino Station. In celebration of Philippine Independence Day, the restaurant has a dedicated Filipino station – MAS PINASARAP – that paid delightful homage to our heritage, and brought back fond memories of family gatherings, thanks to viands loved by Filpino historical luminaries such as Tinola, Pork Binagoongan, Bistek, Fish Escabeche, Pinakbet and Sisig Rice. Of course, the star of the show is the Lechon de Cebu, herb marinated suckling pig with crispy skin that gives way to tender and flavorful meat.

Seven Corners, Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria
Seven Corners, Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria
Seven Corners, Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria
Seven Corners, Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria

Dessert Station. No meal is complete without dessert, and the Dessert station did not disappoint. From miniature cakes and cookies to Filipino delicacies like puto bumbong, bibingka and suman, the variety was astounding. Plus, samalamig in the form of gulaman and melon drinks add more refreshing sweetness to the meal.

Seven Corners, Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria
Seven Corners, Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria
Seven Corners, Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria
Seven Corners, Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria

Standout Dishes and Unforgettable Moments

Throughout the evening, we were impressed by the restaurant’s commitment to quality and flavor. Signature dishes like the prime rib-eye steak and the Lechon de Cebu. The staff’s recommendations, including the especially featured Pinoy dishes like the Kesong Puti Pizza and kakanin desserts, ensured that we experienced the best Seven Corners had to offer while exploring homegrown flavors.

A Celebration to Remember

Our anniversary celebration at Seven Corners was more than just a meal; it was our journey together through a world of flavors, expertly curated and beautifully presented. The combination of world-class service, exquisite dishes, and a stylish, comfortable setting made for a memorable evening, worthy of our very special occasion.

Seven Corners, Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria
Seven Corners, Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria
Seven Corners, Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria
Seven Corners, Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria

For anyone looking to celebrate a special occasion or simply enjoy an exceptional dining experience, Seven Corners at Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria is definitely the place to be.

Lunch buffet is served Mondays to Fridays from 11.30am to 2.30pm, and Saturdays to Sundays from 12 noon to 3pm at Php2,700 per person. Dinner buffet, on the other hand, is served daily from 6pm to 10pm at Php2,900 per person.

To make a reservation, call (+632) 8790-3100, Viber (+63) 927-1630128, or email mnlcp.7corners@ihg.com. Indulge in a culinary adventure that promises to be as memorable as the moments you celebrate.

Stay updated on its promos and offers by following Seven Corners on Facebook and Instagram.

Want to book your stay at Crowne Plaza Galleria? Call +63287903100 or email cpgm.reservations@ihg.com and mention my code IKOTHGEL to enjoy 15% discount on the best available rates. (Offer valid until December 31, 2024.)

Check out my previous posts about IHG Restaurants:

Top 12 Dishes to Savor this August as Cafe Ilang-Ilang Celebrates the Flavors of Western Visayas

Ernest Hemingway once cited The Manila Hotel as “the perfect representation of the city, if not the country’s resilience, vitality, versatility and hospitality.”

This certainly is true as the iconic Grand Dame not only evokes the prestige and nostalgia of the old city, but, as its current president Joey Lina put it, it also “is a repository of culture and history.”

Cafe Ilang-Ilang
Cafe Ilang-Ilang
Cafe Ilang-Ilang
Cafe Ilang-Ilang

And one of the exciting facets of Filipino culture that the hotel regularly sheds light on is Pinoy cuisine.

Fresh off its successful homage to Laguna’s annual food festival, Anilag or Ani ng Laguna, the hotel’s legendary dining destination, Cafe Ilang-Ilang highlights Western Visayan cuisine for the whole month of August.

A Collaboration in Heritage Cuisine

For this month’s feature on regional culinary traditions and innovations, Cafe Ilang-Ilang collaborated with Chef Rafael “Tibong” Jardeleza, Jr. Hailing from Western Visayas himself, Chef Tibong is a champion of heritage cuisine and brings the region’s diverse culinary delights to join the cafe’s buffet offerings.

Cafe Ilang-Ilang
Chef Tibong Jardeleza
Cafe Ilang-Ilang
Chef Tibong with The Manila Hotel’s chefs

Western Visayas, known as the Food Haven of the Philippines, boasts a vibrant food culture that reflects its rich history, geography, and cultural influences. The partnership between Cafe Ilang-Ilang and Chef Tibong showcases a tapestry of flavors, offering a contemporary twist to classic dishes as well as the region’s local recipes, distinct ingredients, and time-honored cooking techniques.

Top Picks Among the Flavors of Western Visayas

Together with fellow bloggers, I attended a special preview of the Flavors of Western Visayas at The Manila Hotel’s Cafe Ilang-Ilang.

Curious about the heritage dishes to be savored there? Check out my top picks below:

Cafe Ilang-Ilang
Lechon Cerveza
Cafe Ilang-Ilang
Guimaras Mango Lobster Salad
Cafe Ilang-Ilang
Kinilaw na Tanigue
Cafe Ilang-Ilang
Grilled Lambchop with Tamarind Sauce
Cafe Ilang-Ilang
Duck ala Mangga
Cafe Ilang-Ilang
Callos
Cafe Ilang-Ilang
Diwal
Cafe Ilang-Ilang
Pineapple-Glazed Ham
Cafe Ilang-Ilang
Chicken Galantina
Cafe Ilang-Ilang
Paella Negra with Chiperones
Cafe Ilang-Ilang
Dulce de Gatas
Cafe Ilang-Ilang
La Paz Baboy Ice Cream

These are just a sampling the delicious flavors of Western Visayas, available on rotation at the Filipino food station of Cafe Ilang-Ilang until August 31.

The International Buffet

If you want to venture out from our homegrown flavors, you can also check out Cafe Ilang-Ilang’s extensive array of cuisines from around the globe. Brace yourself for a mouthwatering journey as you visit each station:

  • Salads and Breads Station: Vibrant, crisp salads, freshly baked bread, an assortment of cheeses, and delicatessen treats await your eager taste buds.
  • Churrasco Station: Portuguese-style grilled beef, pork, chicken, lamb, sausages, and seafood skewers, accompanied by a variety of delectable sauces, promise to satisfy your cravings.
  • Pan-Asian Station: A delightful selection of dim sum, sushi, sashimi, noodles, dumplings, and stir-fries will transport you to the streets of Asia.
  • Italian Station: Indulge in mouthwatering pizzas and pastas, freshly prepared and cooked to perfection.
  • Mediterranean Station: Refreshing salads, fresh seafood, halal dishes, and perfectly grilled meats evoke the coastal charm of the Mediterranean.
  • American Station: Sink your teeth into juicy steaks and tender roasts, epitomizing the hearty flavors of the United States.
  • Dessert Station: Satisfy your sweet tooth with luscious cakes, pies, pastries, and creamy ice cream that will leave you longing for more.
Cafe Ilang-Ilang
Cafe Ilang-Ilang
Cafe Ilang-Ilang
Cafe Ilang-Ilang

The dinner buffet at Cafe Ilang-Ilang is available daily from 6 pm to 10 pm. On Sundays to Wednesdays, it is priced at Php3,145 for adults and Php1,572 for children. On Thursdays to Saturdays, the price is Php3,790 for adults and Php1,895 for children. To secure your table, make inquiries, or reservations, contact +632 8527 0011 or +632 5301 5500, or send an email to restaurantrsvn@themanilahotel.com.

Stay updated on The Manila Hotel’s news and offers by following it on Facebook and Instagram.

Check out my previous posts about The Manila Hotel’s Cafe Ilang-Ilang: