The Nest, Dining in the Sky Restaurant at Vivere Hotel Alabang [Part Three of Staycation Series]

There are many things to be loved about The Nest, the in-house restaurant of Vivere Hotel Alabang. While there are many which I acknowledge, there are few that for me, really stood out. That, I learned during my recent stay at Vivere Hotel one weekend.

The Nest is aptly followed by the tag "Dining in the Sky" because with the view from the 31st floor of the property that comes with the dining experience, it is indeed like dining in the sky.

Indeed the view is great, but it is not exactly the thing that blew me away, no sir. It is not exactly the reason why I would want to go back.

If you're a reader of this blog for a while now, you would probably know that my current residence is up in the mountain which means that magnificent view is just part of the perks. I will just slide open our window especially at the top most floor of our house, with a great view, everyday is like dining in the sky.

So while the view at The Nest I find rather astounding, I deem people should know that there are other good reasons for The Nest to be considered as one of the restaurant well worth visiting. 

For one, the food is great. And I will get into that as we go along this blog post. Second, the staff at The Nest are some of the most pleasant staff I have ever encountered thus far. Every encounter with them reminds me that indeed, it is a restaurant in a five-star hotel. The people are well trained.

Their approach is not the kind that will intimidate one with an air of "you-are-at-a-hotel-restaurant" syndrome. Instead, it is something I deem heartfelt. Of course there is an air of professionalism but their sincerity to assist and serve their diners is more palpable.

If I could dedicate an entire blog post about my encounter with the great people at The Nest, I would. But then there is still some other things to talk about, like food. Which is equally good if I might add.

Afternoon Snack: 

The warmth of people plus well, yes, the view of course, made me spent most of my time at The Nest during my stay at the hotel. And it is a good thing that they got some good grubs to match that inviting atmosphere.

Afternoon at The Nest during my visit was not too crowded. Perhaps people are locked in their rooms thinking the sweltering daylight would be too hot to handle outside. If only they knew how refreshing it was to sit down at The Nest with the wind blowing and fine refreshments from the bar, they would probably be there as well. 

I was able to try the Ripe Mango Slush (Php180) and the Vivere Iced Tea (Php135) and both were great refreshment anyone would want to have on a hot summer afternoon. The next visit, I tried their Iced Latte (Php130/8oz., Php180/16oz.) which can easily rival those which are being sold at famous coffee houses in Manila.

I also had the Thai Crunch Salad with Peanut Dressing (Php350) for a light snack coupled with complimentary Sweet Potato Crisp. The salad was impressive. While I usually prefer salad dressing on the side, it is good that the ratio of the ressing already incorporated to salad is just perfect.

Dinner:

The Nest is lovely during day time but even more so during night time when the warm lights lend a romantic atmosphere to the place. It is no wonder that The Nest is considered as one of a perfect date place in Alabang.

I had a dinner reservation at The Nest and I appreciate them for keeping me updated about it via SMS before the actual schedule. 

Diners can expect a nice atmosphere during dinner service coupled with musicians that performs and serenades the night away. The place was full during that dinner and I could see the reason why.

For starter, I had the Crispy Catfish Salad (Php505) which is easily one of the best salads I ever had to date. it is essentially made with crisp lettuce, slices of green mangoes, onion, peanuts, cilantro leaves, chili, and crisp fried catfish flakes. 

The serving was good enough for two but had I not need to reserve some space for my main dish, I would probably finish this salad in one go because it was so so good.

The Crispy Binagoongan (Php530) is one of their best seller and I could understand why. The pork was crisp and so tender it melts in the mouth. I love the accompanying veggies which are cooked just right leaving a slight snap in every bite. The bagoong also tasted great and wasn't too overpowering.

The serving is also good for two which made me realize how reasonable the prices of the food at The Nest considering it is housed inside a five-star hotel.

The are numbers of enticing desserts on their menu but the Dessert Platter (Php235) can be a great option if one would like to have a taste of the best selling desserts at The Nest. 

The platter comprised of Salted Caramel Brownie with Homemade Bacon Ice Cream, Frozen Brazo de Mercedes, and Mango Creme Brulee. Everything tasted great but my favorite was the brownie with bacon ice cream which tasted sublime.

A glass of Strawberry Cinnamon Sangria was a perfect cocktail to end a night of simple and yet satisfying feast.

Breakfast Buffet:

Accommodation at Vivere Hotel Alabang comes with complimentary breakfast buffet at The Nest. The fine dining ambiance I witnessed the night before was transported into a place that features buffet spreads in every corner. I could imagine the hard work the staff had to go through everyday with the transition, hence, mighty mad props to these people.

The choices during the breakfast buffet is not as extensive as the other breakfast buffets I had when staying in a hotel. However, based on the things I have tried, everything are well executed.

There is the station for hot dishes which features a handful of cuisines such as Western, Indian, Filipino, Chinese, to name a few. It is just too bad that they don't have Korean cuisine that day because I love Korean food and The Nest is pretty good at this cuisine.

There are different kinds of bread which I found impressive in terms of variety. The fruit jams are not to be missed.

Chinese section, I noticed are was popular among the diners. 

There was even roast beef for breakfast - something that any beef lovers would be grateful for.

This chicken kebab was impressive it made me wonder that should they host a themed buffet, The Nest will probably rock Indian cuisine.

Maki, smoked salmon, and cold salad were also impressive. I had round two of these dishes.

The cheese station although lacking in variety was still impressive in terms of quality. Not to be missed is the herbed cheese drizzled with honey.

Then there's bacon. Now, bacon lovers would understand how frustrating it is if breakfast buffet easily run out of bacon due to its popularity. But at The Nest, I noticed, there was never a time that the bacon station was without it. They replenish it fast and plentym there's always more for everyone.

So I have to give props to them because with the goodness of the bacon they are serving, people usually flock by its station. But there is always more, I tell you. With its perfect crispness and savory-sweet taste, there is no reason not to love these breakfast grub more.

I appreciate my stay at Vivere Hotel in Alabang, but the highlight of my stay was the great experience I had at The Nest. Now the tag "Dining in the Sky" I find all the more appropriate. It is like dining in the sky at The Nest not just because of the view from the top, but also because there is enough good vibes to go around. 

Related Posts:
Part 1 - A Stay at Vivere Hotel Alabang
Part 2 - A Peek at the Amenities and Suites at Vivere Hotel Alabang
Part 3 - The Nest, Dining in the Sky at Vivere Hotel Alabang
 

The Nest

31st Floor of Vivere Hotel Alabang

5102 Bridgeway Ave., cor. Asean Drive
Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang,
Muntinlupa City, Philippines 1781
Contact no.: (+632)771-7777 |Fax No: (+632)771-0158
Email: info@viverehotel.com.ph
fnbinformation@viverehotel.com.ph
reservations@viverehotel.com.ph

thenest@viverehotel.com.ph
Website: viverehotel.com.ph
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