The Lobby: a la Carte Dining at Acacia Hotel Manila

With outstanding hotel facilities, services and even a buffet to boot, you'd think that our posh staycation at Acacia Hotel Manila ends there. We initially thought so too, but we're wrong.

At the ground floor of the lavish Filipino luxury hotel is The Lobby, a sleek, stylish and modern lounge which doesn't only serve as a reception area, but also as a casual dining restaurant. Yes, you read it right. This pattern-filled space with its high ceiling, towering glass walls and unique contemporary interiors doesn't only offer a good first impression to guests, but also a Pan-Asian a la carte menu, cakes selection and an array of beverages.

I used to believe that patterns on patterns is a big no no. However, with paisley print cushioned chairs on white and black wave-patterned carpet, The Lobby at Acacia begged to differ. They just proved that playing with patterns can be bold, stylish and tasteful when done right. And although The Lobby at Acacia has a very spacious dining area, guests can also opt to take a seat at the al fresco section.

Now for our meal at The Lobby, the beau and I got to sample some of the gustatory masterpieces of Chef Noel after enjoying a bowl of vegetable soup. We were recommended to try their bestsellers -- Braised US Beef Cheeks (P845) and Braised Lamb Shank (P725).

I haven't eaten a lot of beef cheeks in my life, but I'm very fortunate to have tasted nothing short of an exemplary beef cheeks dish. Chef Noel's Braised US Beef Cheeks comes with a carrot risotto, wild mushroom confit and red wine sauce. And I'm telling you, it tastes as good as it looks! Every element in this dish works perfectly. The beef cheeks were so tender and so succulent. The mushrooms and sauce added more savor and flare. The risotto on the other hand, was also a supporting star on its own.

We also got to try the Braised Lamb Shank -- slow-cooked lamb shanks in aromatic herbs and spices, and served with black olive rice, roasted au jus, broccoli, cauliflower and caramelized garlic. Although not as flavorful as the beef cheeks dish, this lamb shank entrée had a simple yet bold meaty taste. The lamb meat was also very juicy and very tender that it almost falls of the bone. Although the lamb shank was definitely the award winner on this plate, the black olive rice was so good too that I swear I can eat it every day without getting taste fatigue.

After the very lovely main courses, we finally got to my favorite part, desserts. We got to sample Chef Tony's Mango Crepe Samurai (P260) -- traditional baked mango crepe with torched meringue and topped with 2 scoops of ice cream. And although I'm not a big fan of crepes, I truly enjoyed this sweet refreshing treat.

However, the crepe was undeniably overthrown by another 2 of Chef Tony's masterpieces -- off-menu trio of desserts which the beau and I both swear by.

First was this Trio of Cheesecake, Chocolate Macaron and Chilled Peach-Orange Compote which looked sleek and lovely. I don't personally go gaga with cheesecakes, but with Chef Tony's, I found myself nodding in pleasure with every bite as the cheesecake was soft, smooth, creamy and had a harmonious balance of sweet and tart. Although I'm still not a big fan of cheesecakes in general, I can proudly say that I'm a big fan of Chef Tony's cheesecake.

I loved the cheesecake, but the chocolate slice in the Trio of Moist Chocolate Cake with Macaron and Chilled Peach-Orange Compote was no doubt, the greater superstar. The chocolate base cake was so moist and creamy with chocolate ganache perfectly sandwiched in between the cake layers. I can eat even the chocolate base cake alone and still feel satisfied, but the semi-sweet chocolate ganache had taken up this cake a notch. It was an explosion of chocolatey goodness which gave us a total foodgasm experience. Both the beau and I agreed that Chef Tony's Moist Chocolate Cake is by far, the best chocolate cake we've ever had.

After sampling such delectable dishes and desserts at The Lobby, we finished the meal off with a glass of sweet and oh-so-refreshing Fresh Watermelon Shake (P225) and a pot of green tea and a cup of freshly brewed coffee.

THE VERDICT

The Lobby at Acacia really blew us away with its chic and unconventional interior, impeccable service and truly sumptuous food. Being only 6 months old as of this writing, I can definitely say that Acacia Hotel Manila is on the right track. Yes, prices may be steep and its location is quite far, but the next time we'll be celebrating an occasion, we'd definitely take the trip to the south for Acacia's Lobby.

Taste - 5/5
Ambiance - 4.5/5
Service - 5/5
Price - 3/5
Overall Value - 4.5/5

Take a tour of Acacia Hotel Manila's rooms and facilities
Check out Acaci's buffet spread

The Lobby, Acacia Hotel Manila
5400 East Asia Drive corner Commerce Avenue,
Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang,
Muntinlupa City 1781
Metro Manila, Philippines
(02)720-2000; 588-5888
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