#raffleshotels

[dotwnewsmagazine]

YES, YOUR MAJESTY Old-world grace and glamour meets five-star hospitality and a thoroughly modern mindset at this new Palm Jumeirah property Link for full story in our bio #RafflesPalm #Dubai #RafflesHotels #luxuryresort #palmjumeirah #luxurysuites #spa #pool #beachclub #beachresort #finedining #restaurants #rooms #view #luxurytravel #luxuryliving (at Raffles The Palm Dubai) https://www.instagram.com/p/CZoi_LDLhCX/?utm_medium=tumblr

[thehungrykat1]

The Writers Bar at Raffles Makati Launches Harmony in Forms Afternoon Tea Inspired by Hans Brumann & Impy Pilapil

The Writers Bar at Raffles Makati proudly unveils its latest opulent offering, the "Harmony in Forms Afternoon Tea," a fusion of exquisite culinary craftsmanship and captivating visual arts. This new afternoon tea set can be enjoyed starting January 26, 2024 and this unparalleled experience is a testament to the Raffles brand's unwavering commitment to the arts.

The Hungry Kat was invited last week to the launch of the Harmony in Forms Afternoon Tea so I made my way back to my favorite luxury hotel in the country. The afternoon tea set is available daily at the Writers Bar from 2:00pm to 3:30 pm and from 4:00pm to 5:30pm at P3,200 nett for two persons which includes a choice of premium TWG tea or coffee with optional upgrades for mocktails and cocktails.

In collaboration with two distinguished Filipino artists, the Writers Bar's Harmony in Forms Afternoon Tea transcends the ordinary, showcasing seven sublime sculptures of renowned jeweler Hans Brumann and three mesmerizing masterpieces from the Aquabella series by master artist Impy Pilapil.

The Writers Bar is open from 2:00pm to 11:00pm daily at the ground floor of Raffles Makati. A revered institution at all Raffles locations, the Writers Bar pays tribute to all the iconic writers who have found inspiration at Raffles over the years. Designed to resemble a library and bathed in natural sunlight, it is an oasis of calm and tranquility, surrounded by soothing music, exquisite art, and the written legacies of literary luminaries.

Elegance permeated the event last January 25 which was graced by luminaries from the diplomatic community, esteemed hotel patrons, media personalities and key opinion leaders. Hosted by Raffles and Fairmont Makati’s Cluster Director of Business Development, Rubi De Vera, the soirée commenced with eloquent opening remarks by Raffles and Fairmont Makati's Director of Food and Beverage, Anne-Sophie Hurtaud, who declared, "Arts and Culture are not mere embellishments; they are the very soul of the Raffles brand. Today, with the unveiling of Harmony in Forms, we celebrate the rich tapestry of creativity that defines our brand's profound passion for the arts."

Hans Brumann's body of work spans more than half a century and is characterized by a consistent and recognizable aesthetic that he has developed over that time. This style combines the sleekness of contemporary sculptural design with a dash of whimsicality and a keen eye for color. Even now, at the venerable age of 80, he continues to bring a certain sense of curiosity and wonder to sculptures, creating breathtaking pieces that range from bas-relief to free-standing works. Here he presents Bird, a painted steel with molave base sculpture that you can also find at the Galerie Hans Brumann.

The Aquabella Series by Impy Pilapil was inspired by her fascination and dreams of the aquatic world and life underwater. Impy Pilapil is a versatile multi-media artist, sculptor, muralist, and interactive art innovator who is known for her elegant and timeless compositions. Through the years, she has created remarkable works in various mediums such as paper, glass, steel, wood, and stone. She has exhibited around the world and her creations form part of choice collections of banks, multinationals, and discerning private collectors.

Afternoon tea is an elegant pre-evening tête-à-tête popularized in Europe with its own history and traditional ceremonies. Raffles has been serving afternoon tea for more than 100 years so you can always get the best high tea experience in the country here. We started our journey with a glass of the Dreamer Mocktail with its refreshing blend of citrus flavors.

Curated by the hotel's culinary virtuosos under the guidance of Executive Chef Bela Rieck, the Harmony in Forms Afternoon Tea set is a symphony of visual and gastronomic delight. It is presented in three lovely tiers which will be placed on your tables.

But before that, our afternoon tea began with their scones. Chef Bèla combines the Classic Scones together with Lemon Coated Scones. These are paired with clotted cream and strawberry jam plus honey. Slice your scones in half horizontally and place the cream or jam on top, depending on your preference.

The bottom layer of the tea set consists of Culinary Arts which features art-inspired creations such as the Wood-smoked salmon canapés, Steel-cut foie gras terrine with red apple, Paper-wrapped marinated truffle chicken, Mini stone oven pizette with Kalamata olives and chorizo, and Mini mushroom quiche.

The middle tier comes with Sweet Temptations like the Wood-charred pineapple tartlets, Pistachio éclairs, and Paper-thin flower petals on double chocolates.

Lastly, the topmost tier comes with even more sweet items such as the Limestone lemon tarts, Glass shard macarons, and Steel-blue berry cheesecake bites.

Guests will also get their choice of coffee or tea from Raffles Makati’s finest selection of flavors courtesy of TWG Tea. For a more bubbly afternoon tea experience, there’s also an option to upgrade your tea set to include two glasses of Dreamer Mocktail for only P500++. Better yet, upgrade it to two glasses of The Artist Cocktail for P800++. Elevate your afternoon to an artful crescendo with Harmony in Forms Afternoon Tea at The Writers Bar, where luxury meets artistic transcendence. Book your seats now at https://bit.ly/BookTheWritersBar.

Harmony in Forms Afternoon Tea

1 Raffles Drive, Makati Avenue, Makati City

8555-9840 (https://bit.ly/BookTheWritersBar)

www.raffles.com/makati

www.facebook.com/RafflesMakati

[thehungrykat1]

Mirèio Brunch Society Returns at Raffles Makati With Enhanced Sunday Brunch

Raffles Makati brings back its luxurious Sunday brunch buffet with the newly enhanced Mirèio Brunch Society. I have been waiting for this to happen ever since they stopped offering their Sunday buffet after the pandemic started, but now that everything is getting back to normal, it’s great that they have finally brought back this exquisite Sunday experience.

Raffles Makati is my favorite luxury hotel in the country and I’m always happy to visit their elegant brasserie-style restaurant on the 9th floor offering authentic Provençal-inspired cuisine. The Mirèio Brunch Society was relaunched last March 5, 2023 and happens every Sunday from 12:00nn to 2:30pm. Guests can indulge in a variety of decadent French and continental delights paired with optional choice beverage packages to choose from.

Mirèio is named after a celebrated poem written in 1859 by Nobel Laureate and French writer Frederic Mistral, who hails from Provence, France. I have so many cherished memories here at Mirèio - from its grand opening back in December 2016, up to our civil wedding lunch in 2020 and our pre-nuptial photo shoots last September.

The Mirèio Brunch Society makes Sundays much more fun with its lavish spread of French and continental favorites and choice wines. Taking its cue from the rich traditions of the French countryside, this delectable feast features a curated buffet of creative cuisine and beloved brunch classics, as well as several interactive live stations for risotto, seafood, tartare, flambé and more.

A great place to start is at the Charcuterie Station which offers a variety of cured meats like prosciutto, chorizo, salami, beef pastrami, and more.

The main specialty here is the Jamon Iberico carving station where you can see how they prepare these tasty slices of Spanish hams. You could also grab some freshly baked breads to go with your hams.

The cheese table is a heaven for cheese lovers, especially with its fine selection of imported cheese hailing from regions all over Europe. You can find Manchego, Goat Cheese, Gruyere, Brie, Chavignol, Blue cheese, and more.

Make sure to drop by the Raclette Station where the chef will heat up the raclette machine and serve the melted cheese over a plate of hams, breads, and potatoes. Now this is how cheese should be enjoyed!

You can find a wide selection of breakfast and brunch favorites on the buffet spread like Eggs Benedict, Croque madam, ham and cheese croissant, galette bretonne, roasted potatoes, and others. There’s also a Kids Corner with spaghetti meatballs, fish fingers, and french fries.

The Blinis Station comes with colorful mini pancakes topped with fish roe and cream. Everything looks so pretty at the Mirèio Brunch Society.

You can find other very interesting choices around the corner like the Marinated Beetroot Salad with mascarpone and crushed pistachio. There’s also some Salmon Gravlax plus Marinated Mozzarella and burrata basil pesto with sundried tomato.

There are several other live station all around the restaurant like the Risotto Station which cooks fresh risotto for guests. Mirèio serves some of the best and most authentic risotto in the city so making them part of the buffet is a great for their guests.

Beside it is the Bouillabaisse Station. This is a traditional dish from Provence which consists of a rich and spicy soup made with various kinds of fish and seafood.

Another live station is the Tartare Station which is served a la minute. Choose your desired ingredients and the server will prepare it for you. I ordered Salmon, Tuna, and Snapper combined with spring onions, mango, and tomatoes. You can customize your tartare or just ask the server to prepare their specialty.

The Mirèio Sunday Brunch comes with several Beverage Options to choose from depending on your mood for the day. The Society package (+P600) gives you unlimited non-alcoholic drinks such as chilled juices, iced tea, sodas, and mocktails like the Strawberry Lychee Cooler and the Kiwi Grapes Mojito. The Insider package (+P1900) adds alcoholic beverages such as wines, rosés, beers, and cocktails. You can also splurge with their Mirèio Club and Le Cercle packages which include sparkling wines and Moët & Chandon champage.

Aside from the appetizing spreads and live stations, the Mirèio Sunday brunch comes with pass-around items every 30 minutes. These include some of their most special dishes served in bite-sized portions. It also comes with wine pairings so you can really enjoy a boozy brunch without having to add too miuch for your beverage package.

My favorite among the pass-around items was the Foie Gras with Apple Chutney served on toasted bread. If you really like it, you can ask for a few more servings like I did. Some of the other exquisite items included lobster with caviar, angel hair pasta with truffle, and even a slice of Baked Alaska.

We haven’t even tried some of the main dishes yet! The Seafood Station is where you can find the most prized items at the brunch buffet. I loved getting these fresh and juicy Scallops on the half shell.

There are also Blue Crabs on display, but make sure to get a few pieces of the Alaskan Crab Legs and Snow Crabs which you usually won’t find even in other five-star hotel buffets. These are very expensive so you can really get your money’s worth just here at the seafood station.

They also have these huge Tiger Prawns that you can bring over to the cooking stations where they can have it prepared in garlic and butter.

The Carving Station is another highlight at the Mirèio Brunch Society. They have this crunchy Porchetta with Pineapple Chutney and the Roasted Salmon Fillet.

My favorite here of course is the huge Australian Prime Rib Eye steak. You can ask the server to get you a big slice of this meaty steak then choose your desired sauce. The steak goes so well with the prawns and crab legs and nothing can be as luxurious and delicious as these.

Finally, make your way to the Dessert Station where guests can Indulge in a wide variety of sweets and confections. Raffles Makati offers some of the best macarons in the city so I made sure to get some of these. The different flavors included Earl Grey, Peanut Butter and Jelly, Blood Orange macarons, and more.

One last thing to do before ending your Mirèio Sunday Brunch is to head to the Flambé Station and order a plate of Crepe Suzette Flambé topped with a scoop of Vanilla ice cream. This is the perfect way to end your journey at the Mirèio Brunch Society.

The Mirèio Brunch Society is available every Sunday for P3,800 per person. If you have an Accor Plus card, you can even get a 20% discount for your group or family. We would like to thank Michael Sagaran of Raffles Makati for hosting our small group and showing us how a luxury Sunday brunch should be. Cheers!

Mirèio Brunch Society

9/F Raffles Makati, 1 Raffles Drive, Makati Avenue, Makati City

7795-1840 (https://bit.ly/BookMireio)

www.raffles.com/makati/dining/mireio

www.facebook.com/mireioatraffles

Related Articles:

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Mireio Offers “A Weekend in Provence” Plus Champagne Happy Hour

August’s Menu Déjeuner at Mirèio in Raffles Makati

Mirèio at Raffles Makati Celebrates First Anniversary with ₱365 Promotion

Raffles Makati Introduces Mirèio’s New Chef De Cuisine Hervé Clair

Luxe Sunday Brunch at Mirèio in Raffles Makati

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[zinicaviaggi]

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[thehungrykat1]

Elegant Birthday Staycation at the Raffles Presidential Suite

The first time I stayed at Raffles Makati was during my birthday in December 2014. It was that first visit to a Raffles property (Read: Raffles Makati - Unmatched Elegance & Sophistication) which opened my eyes to the level of elegance and sophistication attached to this brand, so much so that I have personally ranked Raffles Makati as the best hotel in the country. While I have made several other birthday and Christmas vacations at this prestigious hotel, my birthday staycation last December turned out to be the most memorable yet, because I was billeted at the most glamorous room in the property, the Raffles Presidential Suite.

For over 130 years, the Raffles name has been synonymous with luxury, glamour and extraordinary adventure from the first time it showcased the classic colonial splendour of Raffles Singapore in 1887. Raffles Makati’s Junior Suites are already so magical, but I never thought I would have the privilege of staying inside their lavish Presidential Suite. I had booked my usual birthday staycation at this “six-star” hotel last December and I was so surprised when the front desk informed me that I had been upgraded to their Presidential Suite. Being a loyal guest of Raffles Makati does have its perks.

Raffles Makati occupies the same property with its sister hotel, Fairmont Makati, but it only offers 32 elegant suites, making each guest a VIP in their own right. Aside from the 23 Junior Suites, there are also 8 Executive Suites and only one Raffles Presidential Suite. With 150 square meters of refined taste, the Raffles Presidential Suite is truly an experience to behold. 

Just like in any of the other suites at Raffles Makati, all guests have their own Raffles Butler to take care of all their needs and requests. You can ask them to help you pack or unpack your luggage, make restaurant reservations, or help you with any task that they can manage.

Raffles Makati is my home away from home. A stay in any of their suites comes with a wealth of privileges such as daily breakfast for two at Mireio or Spectrum Cafe, free high speed internet and local calls, and complimentary all-day refreshments, afternoon tea, and evening cocktails at Writers Bar. 

It’s not every day that you can stay at the Raffles Presidential Suite, so I made sure to explore and enjoy all the different areas inside this gorgeous room. This spacious and elegantly-appointed suite comes with a separate living and dining area, both designed with hardwood flooring and accented by hand-tufted oriental carpets matched with rich silk velvet pillows.

I always look forward to the birthday cake Raffles prepares for me during my stays, and this time is no different as I found this big decadent chocolate cake waiting for me on the dining table. A welcome platter of fruits accompanied it as well so my birthday is really off to a fantastic start.

The Presidential Suite actually comes with its own kitchen and a separate entrance door for special in-suite events or food orders. Aside from the huge fridge and microwave, there is a coffee machine with an entire box of complimentary Malongo capsules from France, one of the most prestigious coffee brands in the world. Coffee addicts will love indulging in endless cups of this premium coffee.

The suite also comes with a minibar for those sudden cravings, although these items are not complimentary. It really feels like an entire residence all in one suite, but the most important area is still waiting in the other room.

The bright and spacious Master’s Bedroom of the Raffles Presidential Suite is even bigger than most other hotel rooms. A big and comfortable king-sized bed stands in the center surrounded by windows with elegant views of Makati city. I just love lying inside the bed’s plush comforters with its rich 100% cotton linens.

The room is so big that is has its own stand-alone workdesk, leather recliner seats and a sofa. With a suite this beautiful, I don’t think I want to do any work here at all and just enjoy every single minute of comfort and relaxation.

The bedroom also has its own separate dressing area with walk-in cabinets and an en-suite bathroom. Each Raffles Suite features a spacious marble spa bathroom with a deep soaking tub and separate shower stall with a rain shower head. I’m planning to have a warm bubble bath later this evening so I’ll just ask my butler to prepare the bath for me later.

Every corner of the Presidential Suite is just so pretty, with colorful artwork and decors adorning the rooms. This is the best place to take photos for those special occasions, or just to add to your social media portfolio. I couldn’t resist doing so myself.

I didn’t want to to leave my room, but there are so many privileges that guests have while staying at Raffles Makati. Complimentary all-day non-alcolohic refreshments are available at the Writers Bar which come with a set of pica-pica snacks. Guests can have this any time of the day.

A complimentary Classic Afternoon Tea is also available from 2:30pm to 5:30pm. Raffles Makati usually has different themed afternoon tea sets throughout the year and one of my favorites was the Tiffany & Co. inspired Afternoon Tea. This time, since it was the Christmas season, Writers Bar offered a festive Christmas set with cute snowman cupcakes.

Raffles Makati guests have access to not just one but two large outdoor swimming pools. Aside from the Fairmont swimming pool located on the 4th floor, guests can also use the more exclusive Raffles swimming pool on the 8th floor. This pool is available only for Raffles Makati and Raffles Residences so guests from Fairmont Makati are not allowed to use this. 

They also have a poolside bar offering a selection of fresh juices and cocktails. I took a quick and refreshing dip late in the afternoon and I had the pool all to myself. The Fitness Center and Willow Stream Spa, which is my favorite spa in the city, is also available for Raffles guests. You can definitely enjoy your privacy and exclusivity at Raffles Makati. 

When I got back to the room after dinner, I found this bottle of wine waiting for me as part of Raffles’ turndown service. Guests can also avail of the complimentary Evening Cocktails from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at the Writers Bar where they can order Raffles’ signature drinks like the Singapore Sling and other enticing concoctions. 

I went inside the bathroom and saw that my butler had already prepared my evening bath for me, just like I asked him to do. I really feel like royalty whenever I stay in Raffles Makati and everything is done perfectly. Time for my bubble bath!

The next morning, guests staying at Raffles Makati can have buffet breakfast at Spectrum Cafe on the ground floor, or they can choose to have a more private and exclusive breakfast at Mirèio, the elegant French brasserie-style restaurant of Raffles Makati on the 9th floor.

The breakfast at Mireio is a semi-buffet setup where diners can get items from the continental buffet and choose one a la carte dish from their Breakfast Favorites which will be cooked upon order.

Among the items you can get are a variety of French breads, croissants, danish, muffins, doughnuts, oats, grains, and salads. A cheese plate is also on hand offering bree, goat cheese, and other variants.

They also feature a nice selection of hams including farmers ham, chorizo, salami, and air dried beef. Smoked tuna and smoked mackerel are also part of the buffet, as well as fruits, honey, and spreads.

For my a la carte dish, I ordered the Pan-seared Salmon with miso and nori which is served with rice and two sunny side up eggs. Other choices include beef tapa, crepes, pancakes, eggs benedict and french toast, among others.

Each of my stays at Raffles Makati has been an unforgettable experience, but nothing can be more memorable than my birthday staycation at the Raffles Presidential Suite. It was an early Christmas present for me as well, and I am looking forward to sharing more lovely adventures at my favorite luxury hotel in the Philippines.

Raffles Makati Presidential Suite

1 Raffles Drive, Makati Avenue, Makati City

795-0777

www.raffles.com/makati

www.facebook.com/RafflesMakati

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[thehungrykat1]

Russian Imperial Afternoon Tea Workshop at Raffles Makati

This summer, tea lovers and aficionados can take their love for afternoon tea to the next level with the Russian Imperial Afternoon Tea Workshop at the Writers Bar. This is the third in their Royal Afternoon Tea series which previously featured themed sets from Queen Marie Antoinette of France and Queen Victoria of Great Britain. Now, its time to socialize with Russian aristocracy as Raffles Makati brings us another enchanting afternoon tea.

To make it more special, Raffles Makati has invited Ms. Sheryl Ebon, a certified Tea Sommelier and founder of a local tea brand Teavolution® Manila, for a series of workshops this summer at the Writers Bar. Participants can bask in a rich session covering tea history, art & ceremony, culture, and basic knowledge on how to make the perfect cup of tea. Afternoon Tea lovers are invited to join in from 3:30pm to 5:00pm on three special afternoons on February 28, March 28, and April 25, 2018 at only P2,650 for two persons. I wanted to broaden my knowledge about this exquisite past time so I attended their first workshop last week and went home with a new appreciation for this delicate ritual.

My first encounter with afternoon tea actually happened right here at the Writers Bar. Before, I thought that tea was just like any other beverage but it was not until I experienced the Afternoon Tea at Raffles that I began to appreciate the tradition and complexities woven into this classic ritual. The workshop was attended by a small group of participants which made the discussions casual and free-flowing. Ms. Sheryl opened with a short history of how tea began in China in 2737 B.C. and eventually traveled over to the rest of the world. 

Joining us at the table was the always-elegant Monique Toda, Director of Communications at Raffles Makati. Afternoon tea is an elegant pre-evening tête-à-tête popularized in Europe with its own history and traditional ceremonies. Each country has developed their own tea rituals so it is really interesting to know how it blends into their cultures and traditions.

It was surprising to find out the different varieties of tea depending on how they are processed and that the tea bags we normally use are actually the lowest type. Teavolution Manila (www.teavolutionph.com) is one of the few retailers here that offers loose leaf and high quality teas so they know what they are talking about.

Ms. Sheryl then followed with the specificity of Russian tea tradition, while also giving us a taste of the world famous Russian Caravan black tea blend. The blend was inspired by the tea camel caravans traveling to Russia in the 19th century.  

One peculiar Russian tradition is to put strawberry jam or any sweet item into the cup before pouring the tea. I have never seen this done before but I guess the Russians also have a sweet tooth like Filipinos do and like their tea sweet.

The Samovar is considered as an integral element of Russia's rich history. This is a heated metal container Russians traditionally use to heat and boil water. They usually drink tea throughout the day, especially with their cold weather, so every house has one of these.

We poured the Russian Black Caravan Tea over our cups and had a sip. The tea is quite strong but the sweet flavors of the strawberry jam made it a fruity and sweet blend.

To make it a complete Russian Afternoon Tea experience, a medley of sweet and savoury delicacies was also served to us on this three-tier tower, inspired by the era of Imperial Russia. 

Starting February 1 until April 30, 2018, the Russian Imperial Afternoon Tea is served daily at the Writers Bar from 2:30pm to 5:30pm. This comes with your choice of tea from Raffles Makati’s finest selection of flavors courtesy of Master tea blenders Harney and Sons, including the Russian Caravan blend. An assembly of Russian-inspired savoury and sweet bite-sized delights is then presented, delicately prepared by the hotel’s master chefs. You can Indulge in this delectable collection for only P1,150 for two persons (without the workshop).

The first plate consists of savory items which includes Kanapki, an open sandwich topped with smoked salmon, salmon roe, and herbed sour cream. It also has a Pirozhki which is a small pie stuffed with sun-dried tomatoes, goat cheese, roasted peppers, and artichoke.

This colorful and savoury tart is a Capelin Fish Roe with cream cheese, boiled egg, and lemon. Rounding off the plate is the Pickled Herring Blinis, a Russin pancake with beet purée, horseradish cream, quail egg, and caviar.

No afternoon tea set is complete without scones. The Russian Afternoon Tea comes with Cranberry & Orange Scones served with strawberry jam, clotted cream, lemon curd. What I found more interesting though was the sweet Russian Tea Cakes or tea cookies made simply with flour, butter, and rolled into powdered sugar.

The topmost layer is where all the desserts can be found. Let’s start with the Moloko Pitchye (left), a soft chocolate covered candy made from chewy meringue milk souffle and which literally means bird’s milk. The Fabergé Egg Sugar Cookies (right) are designed to look like the iconic jeweled Fabergé eggs which the Tsars gifted their wives and mothers during special occasions. At the back is the Chocolate Korolevsky or King’s Cake, a layered cake traditionally made in the imperial cities in Russia and eaten by aristocracy.

It’s hard to miss the macarons and these are special Honey & Roasted Apple Macarons. Beside them is the Zefir Strawberry Tart with sliced and whipped Strawberry purée in gelatin.

Also on display at the Writers Bar are fine English tea cups and sets from Wedgwood, which has graced the tables of royal families.  Bits and Bobs owner Mila Lee, who also joined our afternoon tea workshop, showed me the various cups and mugs which I really found so elegant and charming. The quality of the tea is highlighted even further when you use these exquisite cups. 

We did not discuss it, but we all came here wearing red dresses! I would like to thank Raffles Makati for giving me another wonderful and memorable afternoon tea experience here at the Writers Bar. I’m happy to spend the afternoon with Ms. Monique and Ms. Mila in such a classy location. Make your reservations now for the March 28 and April 25 workshops because slots are limited. Time for my tea!

Russian Afternoon Tea Workshop

Writers Bar, 1 Raffles Drive, Makati Avenue, Makati City

795-1840

www.raffles.com/makati

www.facebook.com/RafflesMakati

[thehungrykat1]

Marie Antoinette Afternoon Tea at Raffles Makati

Raffles Makati has always been the best example of class and sophistication when it comes to dining and accommodations. Sipping a cup of hot tea at the Writers Bar has always been a relaxing indulgence (Read: Tiffany & Co. Inspired Afternoon Tea, Concerto Afternoon Tea), but Raffles Makati brings sophistication to the highest level as I got to savour afternoon tea with the Queen herself, Marie Antoinette.

From May 1 to July 31, 2017, guests at Writers Bar can indulge in a medley of sweet and savoury creations with the Royal Afternoon Tea Series inspired by Marie Antoinette's penchant for extravagance. This delicately designed afternoon tea is available from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm daily and you can even brush up on your history while sitting on the plush sofas and whiling away the afternoon in style.

Queen of France from 1774 to 1792, Marie Antoinette is one of history’s most well-known and controversial figures. Many books and movies have been made depicting her lavish and extravagant lifestyle living inside Versailles Palace. 

Afternoon tea is an elegant pre-evening tête-à-tête popularized in Europe with its own history and traditional ceremonies. A charming tea etiquette guide and a small leaflet containing Marie Antoinette trivia and facts are also given to those availing of the afternoon tea.

The Marie Antoinette Afternoon Tea is good for two persons with your own choice of tea from Raffles Makati’s finest selection of flavors courtesy of Master tea blenders Harney and Sons. My favorite is their White Vanilla Grapefruit tea with its light and smooth citrus notes.

Also on display at the Writers Bar is the Butterfly Blooms collection from Wedgwood, an iconic English tableware brand whose collections have graced the tables of royal families and illustrious heads of states such as the Vatican and the White House. A special 10% discount for Wedgwood tea ware will be extended to guests availing of the afternoon tea.

The afternoon tea set starts with delicious and warm scones served with clotted cream and strawberry jam. I prefer topping my scones with cream because I don’t want them to be too sweet.

Savoury, French-themed tea-cup sandwiches are also served like Brioche topped with egg and black truffle, Foie Gras Terrine served on hazelnut bread, Niçoise on “pain de campagne à la tomate”, and the traditional onion tartlet.

Delicate desserts include classic Lavender Macarons designed for royalty and delightful cakes such as the chocolate-orange Financier and a rose-and-white chocolate flavoured Religieuse. You can also find a bite-sized apple and Almond Tart, quaint vanilla Sugar Cookies and fruity strawberry Pavlova. The Marie Antoinette Afternoon Tea is available at P1,500 for two persons with an option to upgrade to a sparkling glass of champagne for P900 per person.

Writers Bar is also hosting a special monthly selfie contest for the fashionistas. Take your most creative Marie Antoinette-inspired photo or selfie and post it on Instagram with the tags #MarieAntoinettexRaffles and #MarieAntoinetteSelfieChallenge and tag @RafflesMakati. A winner will be chosen each month from May to July to experience the Writers Bar’s Marie Antoinette Afternoon Tea with Champagne for 6, served exclusively on Wedgwood tea ware from Bits and Bobs. So visit the Writers Bar at Raffles Makati and experience the life of Marie Antoinette.

Marie Antoinette Afternoon Tea

Writers Bar, 1 Raffles Drive, Makati Avenue, Makati City

795-1888

www.raffles.com/makati

www.facebook.com/RafflesMakati