Last Saturday after being a checker, translator and runner, I was delighted to be treated with free dinner at the Bayview Park Hotel Manila’s Coffee Shop, thanks to the grace of Everbest. 🙂
We have dined in here before but that goes far as back as two to three years. The look of the facade and interiors didn’t changed though. This 75-year-old hotel still stands strong and proud as an ideal temporary home for travelers, tourists and local visitors alike when in Manila.
Review of Bayview Coffee Shop (Roxas Boulevard, United Nations Avenue, Manila)
Ambiance: ★★★★☆
The coffee shop area was dimly lit, just beside the lobby and across the reception halls. With modern vibe, it’s a comfortable place to sit in, read some newspaper or book and watch guests going in and out of the main entrance. The ambiance can pass for both business and leisure dining.
Service: ★★★★★
Bayview Coffee Shop offered Pinoy hospitality and fervent smiles in welcoming the guests into the hotel premises. From the guards, to the hotel staff and the coffee shop wait staff, everyone was hospitable, dependable, modest, respected and distinguished.
Food: ★★★☆☆
To work up our appetite, we had soup of the day (mushroom soup) and freshly tossed salad. They were comforting without being heavy.
For the main course, my choice was the Szechuan Squid Stir-fry. The name pretty much said it all. It was a dish cooked with stir-fried squid in oyster sauce, mushrooms and buttered veggies. Because I wear braces on my teeth, I found it hard to chew the squid. Tiring my jaws, I was like chewing a rubber band! But what can do? That was what I wished for. 😐 Anyway, the more I chewed, the more flavors came out. Yet again, the squid might be over-cooked. If cooked correctly, they can be soft but firm in texture.
Mom savored the grilled fresh mackerel (Tanigue Steak), which was served with chopped onions, tomatoes, leeks and soy sauce. For a quick moment there, I regretted ordering the squid. 😯
Striking the perfect balance between sumptuous and homely, the Chicken Adobo was an absolute treat. For those who don’t know, it’s one of the most favorite dishes of Filipinos. What’s not to like? With simple ingredients and preparation, the coffee shop was able to present it remarkably. It’s just chicken seasoned with garlic, vinegar, soy sauce and native spices served with achara that I’m sure many overseas Filipino workers miss.
Completing the power-meal menu, other culinary offerings which were conquered bravely by my friends and family were: Baked Chicken Eugene consisting of grilled boneless chicken with French brown sauce and the same buttered vegetables; Tonkatsu or deep fried breaded Japanese-style pork chop with sliced tomatoes, cucumber and lettuce; Inihaw na Liempo or Grilled Pork Belly in soy sauce, calamansi juice and garlic served with achara; and Beef Steak Tagalog—beef tenderloin marinated in soy sauce and fresh calamansi juice smothered with onions. I did not try these last dishes but my friends seemed to enjoy them a lot.
For the drinks, three choices were available: pineapple juice, mango juice and iced tea. These were synthetic juices that just were made from powdered form. I expected them to be freshly squeezed from the real fruit so I was a bit disappointed. I drank more plain water to complement and wash down the overly sweet taste.
For desserts, each of us had a slice of Ube Cake and Brazo de Mercedes (Creme-filled Log Cake). Yummy!
Price for Value: ★★★★☆
While not dirt cheap, food by Bayview Coffee Shop came out with huge portions enough to make our stomachs full for the night. The overall taste was not splendid yet it didn’t put out negative points either. Each power meal was priced at PHp 375, and I think it’s reasonable at that, considering that this is a hotel. It’s half of what you’ll find at some of the more high-profile spots in Manila. To conclude, Bayview Coffee Shop offers good but not great dishes without the nosebleed prices.
Bayview Park Hotel Manila Coffee Shop
1118 Roxas Boulevard cor. United Nations Avenue, Manila, Philippines
(Opposite the American Embassy Building)
Working Hours: Monday to Saturday 8:30am to 5:30pm (GMT+08:00)
For reservations, contact:
Trunk Line Number: [+63 (country code) – 2 (area code) -2479000 (local number)] ext 1707 and 1759
Direct Line: [+63 (country code) -2 (area code) -5210919 (local number)]
Fax Number: +63-2-5212674
Email Address: bookings@bayviewparkhotel.com
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