There are a lot of times when Diamond Hotel impressed me with the gastronomical fares they offer. Their Yurakuen's Teppanyaki All-You-Can blew me away, Corniche was equally impressive, while the sublime desserts at The Cake Club Bonifacio High Street rocked my world. Now, with the recent opening of The Lobby Lounge at Diamond Hotel, I could only expect five star dining experience, and undoubtedly, they exceeded it.
Located at the main lobby of Diamond Hotel Philippines in Roxas Boulevard, The Lobby Lounge is not just merely a dining attraction, it's a comfortably luxurious abode for people who craves for satisfying meals and indulgent desserts.
The place exudes sophistication without overbearingly so. It does not foster an air of intimidation rather, it invitingly beckons. With its enticing contemporary feat coupled with welcoming and warm service, who wouldn't be teased?
A dinner that started with an indulgent piece of Foie Gras Macaron (Php150/pc) holds a beautiful promise of fine things that will caress your palate. That's how our dinner started. A medley of luxurious savory and sweet flavor that tickles the senses, a texture that excites as it melts in your mouth, and an experience that will not soon be forgotten.
An excruciatingly pleasing scent of truffle oil wafted through the air as a familiar treat graced our table. I was smitten by these same strings of potatoes pontifically holding onto its scent at The Cake Club before and having them again at The Lobby Lounge suggests the same excitement that only this Truffle Fries (Php200) bring.
Two kinds of soup were soon served; Zucchini Cream Soup (Php250) with a disc of Parmesan crisp on to and French Onion Soup (Php250). Both are equally soul-satisfying and filling. Zucchini Cream Soup holds a rather spunky flair to it in terms of flavor that suggests earthy taste of greens. Cracked Parmesan crisp when dipped to the soup renders another dimension to the flavor. French Onion Soup on the other hand remains true to its classical root of savory flavor with a touch of richness brought by the generous melted Emmentale cheese.
Smoked Salmon Caesar (Php620) is a marriage between the earth and the sea. Bountiful greens, sweet cherry tomatoes, crunchy croutons, and bits of prosciutto echoes the classic. But thin yet generous slices of smoked salmon provides a welcome change to the usual. Tossed in creamy Caesar dressing and sprinkled with Grano Padana cheese, this salad is so good that having just one serving is almost a sin.
A push and pull between the richness of cheese and the distinct taste of spinach was what welcomed my palate when I tasted the Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli (Php455). Chopped walnuts on top does not just add texture to the whole deal but it lends nutty flavor to the rather mellow taste of the pasta.
The innocent looking Italian sausage on the Fresh Tomato Pappardelle (Php470) was what gave this dish a spunky kick. I have low tolerance for spicy food so this does not made it to my favorite list. But judging from the way my dinner mates devoured it to one last slurp speaks as to how good this dish on other people's palate. The forest mushroom, sage, and goat cheese were for me the saving grace.
The sinfully succulence of the Slow Roasted Pork Belly (Php480) isn't really new to me. Yet, I was still left in awe with how flavorful this dish was. The innate sweetness of baby carrots that comes with it heightens the downright savory flavor of the pork when eaten together.
Lamb Pot Pie (Php620) reminds me of Greek pie that my grandmother used in my childhood. Cut open the thin layer of crust and savory braised lamb shank with chick peas will announce itself. Served with salad greens called rockets, but it can also be good on its own when devoured while hot.
Lamb Burger (Php310) was the first main dish I devoured on our Cake Club dinner and while I remember it being already a stellar, it was made all the more better during our Lobby Lounge dinner. I think it has something to do with the enticing crumbs of cheese on top of the patty, I am not really sure. What I am sure of is that it got raves after raves within our group.
I have a medical condition which prevents me from eating sardines, but that night I took a chance and got myself a couple of bites of the Spicy Pickled Sandwich (Php390). Graced with cucumber, tomatoes, lettuce and picked red onions, I find it surprisingly pleasing to the palate. Thank God for the medicine, I didn't suffer from extreme itching. And even if I did, this delicious dish will be well worth it.
A sandwich that carries Jamon Serrano with chorizo named Bocadillos (Php310) is not to be missed. Black pudding and Manchego cheese were also sandwich in between baguettes along the two aforementioned goodies.
Meeting the beautifully lined up cakes by Diamond Hotel once again was one of the best reunion I've had in years. The beautifully lined up babies upholding an honor of its own and a confidence that each and everyone of them carries different flavors that are all equally worth raving about.
Le Royale, a name fit for royalty used to be my favorite, with its downright sinful screaming chocolate on your face kind of treat. While its luxurious flavor still knocks me off my feet, I found a new love of my life in the form of a new beauty that recently joined the band of cakes that Diamond Hotel is known for.
Walnut cheesecake named Guia stole my heart from Le Royale. It sort of reminds me of their Baked Cheesecake, only its more dense and more interesting in texture brought about by the tiny bits of walnuts. Everyone present during our dinner witnessed how crazy I got over this cake so I deem that it deserve a blog post of its own.
Ispahan and Vanessa are still gleaming with its innate beauty and the grandeur of their flavors. These two still left me in awe as to how pleasing they are to the eye and all the more so to the palate. Same goes to Super Moist Chocolate and Mont Blanc.
Just when I thought that I have tried all the ice cream flavors that Diamond Hotel also boast of, new addition to their impressive line shook my world. Truth be told, it is the best Salted Caramel Ice Cream I have every tried. Its sweetness isn't assaulting that it sort of reminds me of the Kraft caramel candies that everybody loves way back. Their Iced Winner Caramel was equally delightful with its right balance coming from the sweetness of the caramel and the intense flavor of coffee.
It was my first time to try their Kohi Jelly (Php250) and I fell for it in an instant. It's a combination of Kohikan coffee jelly, a scoop of ice cream, and whipped cream. Initially I was expecting a frappe-like drink to be served but when I dig in to this luxurious bowl of happiness, it was pure bliss.
Most dishes here at The Lobby Lounge can also be found at their satellite restaurant The Cake Club. The difference lies on the location and the ambiance. For those who love an upbeat cafe style settings and ambiance, The Cake Club surely fits the bills. But for more intimate flair and relaxing ambiance with touch of apparent sophistication, then The Lobby Lounge can be the perfect place to hang out.
Dishes and desserts are undoubtedly reliable. It offers the same gastronomical grandeur that all the other restaurants under its umbrella dishes out. It can be a perfect place for one to hang out while savoring delectable cuisines or simply indulging on desserts. Prices are reasonable considering it is housed in a five star hotel. Service is impeccable and very thoughtful. Truly Diamond Hotel doesn't just aim to provide superior quality hotel service but it also give importance to the delightful dining experience they can offer. I should say that is one of the many reasons why Diamond Hotel is always on top of its game.
The Lobby Lounge at The Diamond Hotel
Diamond Hotel, Roxas Blvd., cor.
Dr. J. Quintos St. Manila
5283000 ext. 1121
Website: www.diamondhotel.com
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/diamondhotelphilippines
Diamond Hotel, Roxas Blvd., cor.
Dr. J. Quintos St. Manila
5283000 ext. 1121
Website: www.diamondhotel.com
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/diamondhotelphilippines
