I recently had a staycation at Hotel Jen Manila and part of my itinerary was a dinner and cocktail at their Club Lounge's Windows by the Bay. I was to try out some of Hotel Jen's Signature Dishes and Beverages as well as some of their light bites that go perfectly well with cocktail drinks. There will be a separate blog post about my stay in the coming days but I am telling you from the get-go, this particular dining experience at Window's by the Bay was one of the most enjoyable parts of my stay.
I have enjoyed Hotel Jen Manila's Windows by the Bay in the past and every visit yields a satisfying experience. From the service to the great food selections and cocktail drinks, everything was downright impressive.
Hence, I wasn't surprised at all that this recent visit was a memorable experience on its own. I was with my parents during this stay and even them had a great time.
Hotel Jen's Signature Dishes and Beverages also tagged as "Get.Set.Eat." features unique cocktails and food items. It stays true to Hotel Jen's aim to "Leave Boring Behind" with its playful twist. These dishes and beverages with its own personality are product of extensive research and are available across Hotel Jen properties in Asia Pacific.
First on our table was the Double Crispy Chicken Parmigiana Burger (Php495). It is basically as its name suggests, double crisp chicken and parmigiana sandwiched in between hot bun. I love a good crisp chicken sandwich and I have tried quite a few which stood from the rest. This one however takes the game in a different level, and it is winning it.
Next Gen Char Kway Teow (Php495). If you're a longtime blog reader, you would know that you give me a good pasta and I'll be a happy camper. This spaghetti with Hotel Jen's twist indeed made me a happy camper. The name is a dead giveaway - it's essentially a char kway teow dish, only it uses spaghetti for its noodles. It was good, I cannot even recall how fast I have down a serving of it.
The Cheese and Berries (Php355) is basically cheesecake in a jar - and a good one at that. I love me some good cheesecake and this one did not disappoint. It strikes the fine balance between the distinct taste of cheesecake and the innate sweetness of berries. The fact that it is in a jar is a big plus because you can just grab one or two, then bring it with you.
There are four signature beverages and I was able to try two. But trust me when I say that these two are both amazing. The Tea Time in Tanglin (Php270) is basically lemon juice with rosemary and peppermint tea infusion. It is perfect for those who wants to enjoy the night without alcohol. The Beer Milkshake (Php360) was a revelation. I thought it was a weird combination until I realized I have finished the entire glass with a big smile on my face.
Of course aside from the signature dishes and beverages, there are other items on the menu that can be enjoyed at Windows by the Bay. Cocktail drinks selections are aplenty and there are also impressive selections of local and imported beer, not to mention wines and hard liquors.
For the light bites also known as bar chows, we tried the Beef Shawarma (Php400) which set comprised of marinated roasted beef, organic veggies, tomato salsa, and spicy garlic. An elevated version of one of Filipino's favorite snack, the thing I love about this dish is the fact that although it is meant to be a light bite, each sphere are jam packed with flavor hence, highly satisfying.
The Chicken Ascaloni (Php350) was equally impressive. The crusted chicken meat which are stuffed with olives goes well with the cheesy dip it comes with. It is good as finger food yes, but I can sense that it can also be a good viand for rice-loving people such as myself.
The Jen's Shrimp Boat (Php400) was another bar chow that I think should not be missed when dining at Windows by the Bay. It is basically poached white shrimps in spicy tomato cold broth. It is quite addictive to tell you the truth hence, expect that you would crave for more.
Personally, cocktail night for me isn't complete without cheese board. Good thing that there is Craving Cheese (Php350) on the menu. This rendition of cheese board features combination of hard and soft cheeses as well as nuts and fruits. Needless to say, it just completes the cocktail experience.
Hotel Jen's Signature Dishes and Beverages as well as cocktails and light bites bar chow selections are good reason to visit Hotel Jen Manila pronto and experience the magic that is Windows by the Bay. I personally enjoyed this visit and it makes the experience all the more satisfying seeing that my parents enjoyed it as well. Lovely ladies Liezel and Dani did a great job taking care of us the entire time which made the overall experience nothing short of amazing.
Windows by the Bay
Club Lounge of Hotel Jen Manila
19th flr.
3001 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City, Manila, Philippines
Contact no.: (63 2) 795 8888
Operting Hours: From 7:30pm (Mon - Sun)
Dress code: Casual