#rafflesmakati

[thehungrykat1]

Raffles Makati Features Guests Chefs Carito Lourenço and Germán Carrizo From Michelin-Starred Fierro in Spain

Raffles Makati Hotel held a special two-night only limited engagement dinner last August 8 and 9, 2025 at Mirèio featuring two celebrated international chefs from Michelin-starred Fierro in Spain. This is a continuation of their "Signature Flavours" restaurant takeover series where Raffles Makati invites guest chefs to present their signature dishes at Mirèio, their elegant French fine-dining restaurant.

Chefs Carito Lourenço and Germán Carrizo - the visionary duo behind Michelin-starred Fierro in Valencia - took over the kitchen of Mirèio for two standout gastronomic evenings.  The Hungry Kat was invited to be part of this exciting event so we were happy to visit our favorite luxury hotel once again last August 9 to experience this wonderful celebration of contemporary Spanish cuisine.

Fierro is the acclaimed 12-seat restaurant nestled in the vibrant Ruzafa district of Valencia. Revered for its intimacy and experimental spirit, Fierro has earned a Michelin Star, one of the most coveted distinctions in the culinary world. The restaurant has also been recognized with a Sol Repsol, a prominent Spanish award given to establishments that reflect culinary excellence and regional identity, and is featured in the We’re Smart Green Guide, which honors restaurants that champion sustainability and plant-forward gastronomy. Fierro was also recently named to the World’s 50 Best Discovery list, spotlighting breakthrough dining destinations that push creative boundaries and captivate global tastemakers.

Mirèio is the elegant brasserie-style restaurant of Raffles Makati offering authentic Provençal-inspired cuisine. The restaurant is named after Mirèio, a celebrated poem written in 1859 by Nobel Laureate and French writer Frederic Mistral, who hails from Provence. The poem is a tender tribute to his beloved home region and it depicts a beautiful but tragic forbidden love story between the daughter of a rich farmer, Mirèio, and a modest basketmaker. You can find a mural by contemporary Filipino painter Marcel Antonio illustrating the famous poem inside the restaurant.

We have had so many wonderful memories at Mirèio, including having our pre-nuptial shoots done here, so this special Michelin level dinner will be another great addition. The six-course dinner features original creations and signature flavours that highlights the passion, pedigree and culinary artistry behind the Fierro name. This was available for P7,500 nett per person for the dinner and an additional P2,500 nett per person for the optional wine pairing.

We started with some complimentary Mediterranean Focaccia bread served with butter in olive oil.

Chef Carito Lourenço then came to our table to explain some of the amuse-bouches starters. Chef Carito is the first and only female Argentinian chef with a Michelin star, an achievement she uses as a platform to advocate for greater visibility and opportunity for women in fine dining. She was born in Argentina then moved to Spain where she met her husband Germán Carrizo and opened Fierro while drawing on her Argentinian heritage and refined Mediterranean influences.

The first dish was the Squid Tartare Over Daikon Radish. This had a very unique squid ink flavor balanced with the light daikon radish.

The Spiced Bluefin Tuna Tartlet was a very refreshing bite with its raw tuna slices served on top of a crispy tartlet.

Then there was the Foie Gras Cream and Mushroom's Essence. This was my favorite among the three starters because I really love foie gras. The cream tasted like decadent foie gras and I really wanted to have more of this.

Since we opted for the wine pairing course, the amuse-bouches were served together with the Lustau Oloroso Don Nuño port wine. This is a rich concentrated wine which is classically dry with hints of sweetness.

For our main appetizer, we were served the Seaweed Salad and David Hervé Spéciale Oyster with Special Cream. This was an amazing salad highlighted by the fresh and succulent premium French oysters.

The elegant wine served with this was the Raventós i Blanc De Nit 2022 from Sant Sadurní d’Anoia in Spain. This bubbly sparkling wine is a great way to accompany our Michelin star adventure.

Our second course was the Charred Tomato Broth and Beef. I was really surprised with this cold broth since it was unlike anything I had ever had before. The tomato broth gives way to the very tasty beef which gives it an interesting flavor component.

Chef Germán Carrizo, the other talented half of this culinary duo who leads Fierro’s R&D kitchen, also came to our table to present the main courses. He is also from Argentina and trained with some of Spain’s most respected chefs before choosing his own path.  Fierro’s bold Mediterranean cuisine was shaped by the chefs’ Argentinian roots and European mastery. —a creative laboratory where childhood memories and cutting-edge techniques collide. As Brand Ambassadors for Argentina, the duo proudly brings their roots and culinary vision to the world stage, championing both cultural identity and progressive values.

Our main seafood course was the Local Langoustine, Grilled Head, and Swiss Chard Stew. This is a delectable composition of langoustine and Swiss chard stew that deftly captures land and sea in perfect harmony.

The langoustine is a very large prawn which is similar to a lobster and highly valued in Europe. It is also known as the Norway lobster and this was perfectly cooked with its fresh succulent meat.

The langoustine was also served with its big head grilled separately. It was like a different dish with its very juicy head meat packed with even more intense flavors compared to its body. This is what a Michelin starred dish truly looks like.

To make the dish even more special, it was paired with the Vińa Real Barrel Fermented Blanco Viera which comes from the 20-year-old vineyards located in different parts of Rioja Alavesa, Elciego and Laguardia.

For our main course, Carito Lourenço and Germán Carrizo presented one of the signature style dishes at Fierro, and we didn't even have to travel to Spain to enjoy this specialty.

The Fierro-Style Duck Rice is a special dish that the chefs specifically created for these limited engagement dinners at Mirèio. It is similar to the traditional paella dishes of Spain, but using Fierro's signature Argentinian and European influences.

The duck was absolutely tender and cooked to perfection. The rice itself was a masterpiece of flavors layered with different ingredients and textures. This dish is something that you will not usually encounter in the Philippines so we were really happy to be part of this dining experience.

The main course was paired with the Baluarte Roble Tempranillo 2022 which had aromas of strawberry blossom with a palate of red berry fruits and toasted cedar.

There were two dessert dishes to end our Spanish and Argentinian journey. The pre-dessert was the Thyme and Celery which was another unique dessert. This sorbet comes in refreshing plant-based flavors that really cleanses the palate.

We ended with the main dessert which is the Local Citrus with Pistachio and Coffee. The tangy and sour notes of the citrus cream surprisingly went well with the pistachio and coffee ingredients to create another splendid dish.

This was served with the our last wine pairing for the night, a glass of Offley Tawny Porto port wine which is a great and sweet dessert wine. Just as we were about to leave, petit fours were served on our table to end our night on an even sweeter note.

We would like to thank Raffles Makati for inviting us to join this memorable Signature Flavours dining experience with Chefs Carito Lourenço and Germán Carrizo. Spain is one destination that we have not visited yet, so this limited engagement dinner is a great way of introducing us to the culinary wonders of the region. Watch out for the next kitchen takeover at Mirèio!

Mirèio at Raffles Makati

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

8555-9840

www.raffles.com/makati/dining/mireio

www.facebook.com/mireioatraffles

[thehungrykat1]

For Two Nights Only: Michelin-Starred Spanish Duo Present an Exclusive Culinary Showcase at Mirèio in Raffles Makati

This August, the spotlight turns to Mirèio at Raffles Makati as it plays host to not one, but two powerhouse names in global gastronomy. Chefs Carito Lourenço and Germán Carrizo, the visionary duo behind Michelin-starred FIERRO in Valencia, Spain, will headline the next installment of Mirèio’s guest chefs with a one-of-a-kind tasting experience on 8 and 9 August 2025.

Known for their daring reinterpretation of Mediterranean cuisine, the chefs will bring their artistry and modern techniques to Manila through a multi-course menu designed to surprise, delight, and inspire. Guests can expect a culinary narrative that moves seamlessly between memory, emotion, and reinvention.

At the heart of this collaboration is FIERRO, the chefs’ acclaimed 12-seat restaurant nestled in the vibrant Ruzafa district of Valencia. Revered for its intimacy and experimental spirit, FIERRO has earned a MICHELIN Star, one of the most coveted distinctions in the culinary world. The restaurant has also been recognized with a Sol Repsol, a prominent Spanish award given to establishments that reflect culinary excellence and regional identity, and is featured in the We’re Smart Green Guide, which honors restaurants that champion sustainability and plant-forward gastronomy. Most recently, FIERRO was named to the World’s 50 Best Discovery list, spotlighting breakthrough dining destinations that push creative boundaries and captivate global tastemakers.

Chef Carito Lourenço has made history as the first female chef from her Argentine province to receive a MICHELIN Star—an achievement she uses as a platform to advocate for greater visibility and opportunity for women in fine dining. Her fearless approach to culinary innovation is matched by Chef Germán Carrizo, who leads FIERRO’s R&D kitchen—a creative laboratory where childhood memories and cutting-edge techniques collide. As Brand Ambassadors for Argentina, the duo proudly brings their roots and culinary vision to the world stage, championing both cultural identity and progressive values.

Experience the culinary brilliance of Michelin-starred Chefs Carito Lourenço and Germán Carrizo of FIERRO, as they take over Mirèio at Raffles Makati for two nights only this August. The exclusive tasting menu is priced at PHP 7,500 per person, with an optional wine pairing available for PHP 2,500. Reservations are highly recommended. Guests may reserve a table by calling (632) 8555 9840.

[thehungrykat1]

Honey Bliss Afternoon Tea Offers Sweet Adventure at the Writers Bar in Raffles Makati

After taking a short break, The Hungry Kat is finally back and eating my way again through the best places in the city once again. My first destination also happens to be my favorite hotel, so I'm happy to be back at Raffles Makati as they present another new concept to their signature Afternoon Tea at the Writers Bar.

The Honey Bliss Afternoon Tea is a collection of sweet and savoury bites inspired by the flavorful honey produced by Raffles Makati’s very own bee colonies. This marks the fourth installment of honey-themed afternoon teas at Raffles Makati introducing new flavourful creations to a classic tradition that began in 2022. This is available daily from 2.00pm to 5.30pm at the Writers Bar from June 5 until July 31, 2025. The tea set is available for P3,200++ for two persons with options for mocktail or cocktail upgrades.

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.

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.

I was excited to be back here at the Writers Bar for the launch of the Honey Bliss Afternoon Tea last June 4, 2025. We were served the refreshing Honey Passion Ale as a welcome drink before the start of the program.

Led by the team of executive chef Daniel Guevara, the Honey Bliss Afternoon Tea at the Writers Bar offers a journey of culinary delights inspired by this versatile and rich ingredient.  At the heart of each afternoon tea component is the homegrown honey, a testament to Raffles Makati’s dedication to sustainability.

For several years, these bee colonies have been nurtured and harvested to supply the hotel with honey that is packed with antioxidants and is exceptionally tasteful. Paired with locally and sustainably sourced ingredients, the Honey Bliss afternoon tea is an experience of thoughtfully grown ingredients transformed by the culinary expertise of the master chefs at Raffles Makati.

The guests were also given a sample of the ingredients that they can mix with honey to create various flavors and aromas.

Now it's time to bring out the star of the afternoon, the Honey Bliss Afternoon Tea. It is presented in three lovely tiers which will be placed on your tables.

We began our adventure with their signature scones. This comes with the Writers Bar classic scone and the new bacon honey scone. 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 savoury bites like the Lady Grey Onion Prosciutto Tartlet, Quail Egg Guacamole Tapenade Cradle, Raffles Organic Honey Pistachio Sphere, Orange Blossom Honey Salmon Blini, and Hibiscus Tea Beetroot Napoleon. 

The middle tier comes with Pastry Delights such as the Supreme Chocolate Honey Almond Tart, Honey Macadamia Passion, and Honey Baklava Pouch. These honey and chocolate combinations were my favorite items at the Honey Bliss Afternoon Tea set.

Lastly, the topmost tier comes with even more sweet items such as the Matcha Honey Yoghurt Macaron, Honey Clementine, and Raspberry Tofu Tahini Praline.

Guests will also get their choice of coffee or tea from Raffles Makati’s finest selection of flavors courtesy of TWG Tea. Thank you Raffles Makati for inviting us to the launch of your new honey-inspired afternoon tea.

Honey Bliss Afternoon Tea

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

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

www.raffles.com/makati

www.facebook.com/RafflesMakati

[thehungrykat1]

Sharing My Memorable Accor Plus Member Stories

I was recently chosen by Accor Plus as their Member Ambassador representing the Philippines! This was really such an honor for me since most of their other ambassadors are from Australia and other Asian cities. As long time Accor Plus members, we always use our 50% dining discounts and complimentary stays to explore the many Accor hotels in the country. When I got promoted to an Accor Plus Gold membership last year, we were so happy with the free room upgrades we received every time we traveled and stayed at Accor hotels throughout Asia Pacific.

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A post shared by Kat Lee (@katleenlee)

That's why I was even more surprised when I got chosen to tell my own Member Stories for the 30th Anniversary of Accor Plus. The shoot and interview was done a few weeks ago at Fairmont and Raffles Makati, another Accor hotel that is very close to my heart. Of course, we also got treated to the lunch buffet at Spectrum Restaurant and even got an overnight stay with breakfast after the photo and video shoot. So here's the video posted on the Accor Plus website. You can also read the full article and video on this link: https://www.accorplus.com/member-stories/kat-lee.

[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]

Swarovski Afternoon Tea Sparkles at the Writers Bar in Raffles Makati

During our recent trip to Europe, one of the countries I really loved visiting was Austria. This was not just because of its majestic castles, palaces, or it being the birthplace of Mozart and the location for the movie "A Sound of Music." What I really like about Austria is that it is the home of the Swarovski crystals which I Iove buying and collecting. So imagine my surprise when I came back to Manila and found out that Raffles Makati was holding a special Swarovski Afternoon Tea at the Writers Bar until the end of the month. That's why I immediately scheduled a visit to my favorite luxury hotel in the country.

The Writers Bar in Raffles Makati is offering an exclusive and limited-time only Swarovski Sparkling Afternoon Tea Delight from September 28 until November 27, 2023. This is available daily at the Writers Bar from 2:00pm to 3:30 pm and from 4:00pm to 5:30pm. Each afternoon tea set for two is offered at P3,000 nett which includes a choice of premium TWG tea or coffee with optional upgrades for mocktail, cocktails, and champagne.

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.

The Swarovski Afternoon Tea at Raffles Makati is a collaboration between two storied brands that embody decades of timeless elegance.

We actually visited one of the flagship stores of Swarovski in Innsbruck, Austria during our European honeymoon last month. Since 1895, founder Daniel Swarovski’s mastery of crystal cutting has defined the company. His enduring passion for innovation and design has made it the world’s premier jewelry and accessory brand. Today, the family carries on the tradition of delivering extraordinary everyday style to women around the world. 

Daniel Swarovski’s vision was to create “a diamond for everyone”. He invented an electric machine that cut more accurately than ever before, marking the beginning of a new era for crystals.

We had a great time choosing our favorite crystals at the Swarovski stores in Innsbruck and Vienna, Austria. We did bring home quite a few items since these were being sold much cheaper in Austria as compared to other countries.

Back in Manila, we invited our friends Matt and Chinkee Koppe together with their pretty daughter Chiara for some catching up and to try these sparkling and colorful tea sets. 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.

Guests will first have their own choice of coffee or tea from Raffles Makati’s finest selection of flavors courtesy of TWG Tea.

Guests will then be presented with the three-tier Swarovski Afternoon Tea set. The set was crafted by Raffles’ culinary artisans as an interpretation of the brand’s Austrian heritage, innovation, and savoir-faire since 1895. The high tea menu features a variety of savory and sweet treats featuring the iconic swan and the vibrant brand colors of Swarovski.

We started our afternoon tea with the scones. Chef Bèla combines the Classic Scones together with Apple Strudel Scones which is a popular pastry in Austria.

These are paired with clotted cream and strawberry jam. Slice your scones in half horizontally and place the cream or jam on top, depending on your preference.

The topmost layer of the tea set consists of sweet temptations including the Cassis Macaron, Crystal inspired Praline, and Small Rum Cake.

The middle tier comes with other sweet and colorful items like the Crystal Glazed reinvented Raspberry Linzer, Cube of Sacher Cake and White Wine Coconut Spritzer. Everything looks too cute to eat!

Lastly, the bottom tier comes with savory items such as the Seared Tuna with Mango Cilantro Salsa, Sweet Chicken and Avocado Blinis, Caponata Wrap with Alfalfa Sprouts, Green Mango Tart with Sea Grapes, and Vegan Cheese Bruschetta with Calamansi Pearls.

For a more bubbly afternoon tea experience, there's also an option to upgrade your tea set to include two glasses of Golden Sparkle Mocktail for only P550++. This is a light and refreshing drink that will highlight the bold flavors of the pastries even more.

Better yet, upgrade your beverage to include two glasses of Swarovski Special Cocktail for P1200++. This colorful concoction is the best way to enjoy this exquisite afternoon tea set.

You only have a few weeks left to experience this limited-time offer for yourselves. Book your Swarovski Afternoon Tea by calling Raffles Makati or through the online reservations page at https://bit.ly/BookTheWritersBar.

Swarovski Afternoon Tea

1 Raffles Drive, Makati Avenue, Makati City

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

www.raffles.com/makati

www.facebook.com/RafflesMakati

[thehungrykat1]

Raffles Makati's Long Bar Features Sundowner Special and Exploration of Regions Cocktail Collection

Raffles Makati's iconic Long Bar is proud to announce its latest Happy Hour promotion called the Sundowner Special. From 5:00pm to 7:00pm daily, guests can indulge in a delightful experience with free-flowing drinks and a Chef's Sampler platter for only P1,100++ per person. Not only that, the Long Bar is also some new beverages from their Exploration of Regions cocktail collection which are available all evening long.

Located at the lobby floor just beside Raffles Makati's main entrance, the Long Bar is a charming and lively place frequented by hotel guests, business executives and society’s top personalities all with outstanding taste and high standards. This has always been my favorite spot to enjoy drinks and snacks with my friends which I truly missed during the pandemic. That's why I'm really happy to be back here at Raffles Makati to try some of their exciting new cocktails.

The Long Bar in Raffles Makati is styled after the original Long Bar in Raffles Singapore which opened way back in 1887. There is this distinct classic ambiance that you immediately notice once you step inside the Long Bar with its wooden interiors and dark and mellow lighting setting the mood.

The Long Bar experience extends beyond its exquisite cocktails. Guests can immerse themselves in the enchanting ambiance of the bar together with the nightly live entertainment offering soothing music.

The Sundowner Special at Raffles Makati's Long Bar promises an unforgettable evening of relaxation, indulgence, and camaraderie. Available daily from 5:00pm to 7:00pm, the Sundowner Special is the perfect opportunity to unwind and enjoy a fantastic selection of beverages. For beer enthusiasts, the promotion includes Draught San Miguel Light and Pale Pilsen, Draught Weihenstephaner Helles Lager, and Hefe Weissbier.

Spirit enthusiasts can indulge in choices like Absolut, Bacardi Superior, Beefeater, Ballantine’s Finest, and Olmeca Reposado. Cocktail aficionados will love the selection of iconic concoctions, which includes the iconic Long Bar Singapore Sling, Piña Libre, Lychee Martini, Titibok-tibok, and Rusty Nail. Additionally, wine enthusiasts can delight in the night's featured red and white wines.

To elevate the experience further, Long Bar is also proud to unveil a delectable new menu, expertly crafted to complement the array of delightful drinks on offer.

Guests can indulge in a Trio of Chicharon with enticing flavors of Cajun, Salted Egg, and Wasabi, as well as the must-try North’s Pork Sisig and Bacolod Chicken Inasal Skewers Chili bringing unique regional flavors to the table. For a taste of Singapore, the Savor Singapore Sampler is a tantalizing combination of Chicken Satay, Chili Crab Spring Roll, Char Kway Teow, and Kaya Toast.

Aside from the Sundowner Special, guests can also embark on a flavorful journey as Long Bar is proud to unveil its latest creative offering - the "Exploration of Regions" cocktail collection. Developed in collaboration with Moet Hennessy Philippines, this exceptional assortment of cocktails promises to take guests on an unforgettable and tantalizing journey through the diverse flavors of the Philippines.

The Exploration of Regions collection pays homage to the unique and vibrant regions of the Philippines - Baguio, Calabarzon, Bicol, Batangas, Mindoro, Zamboanga, and Davao Del Norte. Each cocktail captures the essence of its respective region, using its most known produce and carefully curated by Long Bar's talented mixologists.

After our delightful Design & Dine dinner at the Social Lounge in Raffles and Fairmont Makati last week, we headed down to Long Bar for a nightcap and got ready to explore the Philippines' regions through these colorful cocktails.

The Purple Yam combines the royalty of Volcan Blanco Tequila and ube liqueur, an enchanting blend inspired by the mystical allure of Mindoro. This is a very pretty beverage that packs quite a powerful punch.

I went for the Manzanilla Blossom which is inspired by the lush lands of Batangas. This concoction lets guests experience the harmonious fusion of Glenmorangie X Whisky and tangy lemon juice. A bag of complimentary peanuts is served on each table which is also one of the trademark appetizers at Long Bar.

On the other hand, the Kahel de Bicolandia captures the fiery essence of Bicol as it will ignite your taste buds with Belvedere Vodka infused with a hint of chili.

There's also Little Baguio, a delightful blend of Volcan Blanco Tequila and fresh strawberries, reminiscent of the serene beauty of Baguio's mountains.

One uniquely Filipino cocktail is the Chavacano Sour. This combines the richness of Hennessy VS, Cointreau simple syrup, and pickled spicy green mango, a tropical escape paying tribute to Zamboanga's cultural heritage. You can really smell the pickled green mango even from afar which gives this its unique character.

The Moringa Blast has a colorful and healthful essence of Belvedere Vodka and Malunggay juice, drawing inspiration from the verdant landscapes of Calabarzon.

We saved the best cocktail for last as we concluded our exploration of regions with the Banana Del Norte. This enchanting beverage is inspired by the lush landscapes of Davao Del Norte and comes with a captivating fusion of Glenmorangie X Whisky.

The Exploration of Regions cocktail collection is now available exclusively at Long Bar of Raffles Makati Hotel which is open daily, from 5:00pm to 12:00mn on Sundays to Thursdays, and until 1:00am on Fridays and Saturdays. Don't miss the chance to indulge in these unique and captivating creations that celebrate the essence of the Philippines' diverse regions. 

Long Bar Makati

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

7795-1840

www.raffles.com/makati

www.facebook.com/RafflesMakati

Instagram: @longbarmakati

[thehungrykat1]

Raffles Makati Launches Sansó Afternoon Tea at the Writers Bar

Raffles Makati is offering another new luxurious afternoon tea to keep us company during these rainy months. From July 6 to September 6, 2023, you can experience the Sansó Afternoon Tea at the Writers Bar from 2:30pm to 5:30pm every day. The Sansó Afternoon Tea is a visual delight inspired by the artistic creations of renowned Filipino painter, Juvenal Sansó, one of the country's most distinguished living painters and a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Merit given by Republic of the Philippines.

Juvenal Sansó is among the last remaining figures of the Philippine Modernist movement. The trajectory of his artistic practice mirrors his iconic life, spanning through different movements across Europe and Asia. His vibrant works have inspired Raffles Makati to create an afternoon tea set that pays homage to Sansó's origins and talent, creating a colorful feast for the senses. We visited Raffles Makati last Friday to savor this limited-edition afternoon tea for ourselves and to see the colorful displays and exhibits firsthand.

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.

During this special two-month period, the Writers Bar will feature vignettes of Sansó’s works throughout the decades, including an exhibition of an actual Moderno work, Sansó giclees, art plates, posters, and books about the artist. This is in partnership with Modern and Contemporary Art Festival or MoCAF 2023 and Fundacion Sanso.

The Moderno painting is the centerpiece of the Sansó Afternoon Tea at the Writers Bar. Sansó was an avid photographer and took many photos of the places he traveled to in Asia, Europe, and the Americas. These photographs eventually became sources of inspiration for his Moderno Series. As recounted by Fundacion Sanso's Ricky Francisco, in the late 1990s, Sansó set up a studio in Iran and was inspired by the country's breathtaking mountain ranges and sun-kissed valleys. This inspired him to create the Moderno Series, which is characterized by sharp and incredibly detailed pictorial realism. This is in contrast to his earlier works, which were more floral and imagined.

Afternoon tea at the Writers Bar is always accompanied with live music and entertainment to match the elegance and charm of this luxury five-star hotel.

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. This is available at the Writers Bar by reservations only with two seatings daily from 2:00pm until 3:30pm and 4:00pm until 5:30pm.

Each tier of canapès and confections is a tantalising treat that pays homage to Sansó’s origins and talents, creating an array of visual and gastronomic delights.

Guests can enjoy a special menu inspired by Sanso's art, while dining by the light of the artist's delightful Breton House Series of lamps.

But before that, you can have your choice of premium tea or coffee from Raffles Makati’s finest selection of flavors courtesy of TWG Tea. The server will bring their tea cart to your table and you can choose two flavors good for two persons.

We chose the Raffles Makati Blend which comes with sweet and fruity notes and the Pink Garden with its floral accents. Optional upgrades for mocktail, cocktails and champagne are also available.

Each afternoon tea set come with a plate of baked Olive Scones and Classic Scones accompanied by traditional clotted cream and strawberry jam. Slice your scones in half horizontally and place the cream or jam on top, depending on your preference.

The sumptuous three-tier medley features savoury Culinary Art delights on the bottom plate such as Fresh Tomato Bruschetta, Filipino Fresh Lumpia with Peanut Sauce, Ham & Cheese Puffs, and Tortilla Squares with Spiced Chorizo. It also includes Gazpacho Shots which is a nod to Sansó's Spanish roots.

In the middle of the set you can find Sweet Temptations such as Churro Bites with Cinnamon and Chocolate, Leche Flan, and Mango Tartlets. These sweet desserts are also inspired by Sanso's colorful artworks.

We get even more sweet surprises on top like the Turron de Chocolate, Tres Leches Cake Bites, and the Ube Macapuno Cupcakes. All of these delightful items are meticulously prepared like a work of art by the Raffles Makati culinary team.

The Sansó Afternoon Tea is available for P2,900 nett and is another great addition to the lineup at the Writers Bar. Book your Sansó Afternoon Tea now by calling Raffles Makati or through their online reservations page at https://bit.ly/BookTheWritersBar.

Sanso Afternoon Tea

1 Raffles Drive, Makati Avenue, Makati City

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

www.raffles.com/makati

www.facebook.com/RafflesMakati