I should not really be surprised. After all it is called The Champagne Room. The name alone evokes exclusivity. Think predominantly glittering gold and black theme. Note the plush sofas, velvety cushions, lofty ceiling, rich damask curtains , gilded golden mirrors broken only by touches of whimsy from the Swarovski-Crystal-like-trees, gold pendant orbs, ornate jeweled gold trimmings on the table linen and the conspicuous black baby grand piano on a raised pedestal… 
It is a room that is designed to impress and awe. It was romantic as it was over-the-top in a spectacular way. It was Christmas(y) too as well as magical. I can think of a lot of engagement parties happening here as well as wedding receptions or despedida de soltera. Or it can be as simple as a special date with your significant other or a wonderful lunch or dinner with the girlfriends.
Origins…
Formerly a huge dining room of The Manila Hotel circa 1912, it evolved in 1977 or 1978 and was christened Champagne Room because of its French Cuisine that pairs well with Champagne and other bubbly.
In 2010, it reinvented itself to include Italian and Mediterranean dishes as well. It was the year Cafe Ilang Ilang opened and Cowrie ( the famous The Manila Hotel steakhouse) closed. Thus loyal patrons of the defunct restaurant gravitated too towards the Champagne Room for their steak cravings.
Although more than four decades old, The Champagne Room looks fresh , refined and graceful belying its forty-year-plus history. Perhaps there lies its charm. During lunch today we were privileged to try try one of their set menus….
THE SET MENU
Parma Ham with Burrata
Market Salad, Parmesan Shavings
It was a choice between Burrata or Caesar’s Salad. I chose that heavenly creamy Italian Cheese over the Caesar Salad. It was just a matter of preference specifically for Burrata. But would try Caesar next time seeing as its dressing was made from scratch right in front of you.
Caesar’s Salad
Romaine Lettuce, Classic Caesar’s Salad Dressing
The dish calls for a raw egg yolk for the dressing .So if you have any aversion to this just verbalize to your server what you want and they will prepare another salad for you.
French Vegetable Soup
Gruyere Croutons
Reminiscent of the French Onion Soup but with vegetables in lieu of onions and sans any cheese layer on top.
For the Mains, the carnivore would love the US Prime Rib Roast….
US Prime Rib Roast
The slice was thin as was expected from a Rib Roast. My preferred doneness was medium rare. My 180 gram meat was succulent and tender. Paired it with the baked potato and their fresh-off-the-oven soft bread and butter or their home-made liver pate.
OR
Not a fan of meat? You can opt to have the Herb Marinated Grouper Fillet instead….
Herb Marinated Grouper Fillet
caper tomato compote, Asparagus risotto, grilled vegetables
Definitely the healthier and lighter choice for ladies who are on a perpetual diet or anyone who prefer fish over meat.
Ohaina Chocolate Gateau
French Vanilla Sauce, raspberry
For the perfect sweet ending to a scrumptious meal , you can select one among three options. The first one is this sinful chocolate dream that is made of rich ganache, mousse and fresh berries with chocolate sponge cake in between
Or
Seasonal Fresh Fruits, Sorbet du Jour
Or
Selection of French Cheese
People who know me will be able to predict that I would pick cheese over the other two. I simply delight in indulging in different kinds of cheese with dried fruits. Would recommend white wine pairing for this one at an additional cost.
Coffee or Tea
Macarons
These French Parisian pastry will never grow old as far as Im concerned. Their colors alone are enough to lift the spirits from the doldrums.
Why go?
First off , the ambiance alone is worth more than the price tag. So I was really pleasantly surprised at how affordable the 4 course set menu was… P1800 nett for the fish option and P2100 nett for the US Prime Rib Roast selection.
Option 1
FISH
P1800 nett
Parma Ham Burrata or Caesar Salad
French Vegetable Soup
Herb Marinated Grouper Fillet
Ohaina Chocolate Gateau
Coffee or Tea
Macarons
Option 2
US PRIME RIB ROAST
P2100 nett
Parma Ham Burrata or Caesar Salad
French Vegetable Soup
US Prime Rib Roast
Selection of French Cheese or Seasonal Fresh Fruits, Sorbet du Jour
Coffee or Tea
Macarons
Premium ingredients, well curated courses, excellent service, amazing price point. What’s not to love? If you are tired of buffet and would love a brief respite from it. If you love to take your time between courses just to have an old fashioned tete a tete with your special someone or with the other #titasofmanila. If you just want to savor and relish just a few dishes to your heart’s content without being overwhelmed by a plethora of options . If you just want to bask in an elegant ambiance and be transported to a bygone and genteel era without breaking the bank. Then you are ready for The Manila Hotel’s The Champagne Room.
Do try their ala carte dishes too..
Ala Carte
Champagne Room’s Seafood Medley is a dish to keep in mind when you want to order ala carte.Those fat scallops , plump mussels, silky- flaky sea bass and perfectly cooked prawn are definitely a must try.
For dessert, try their Baked Alaska . They will flambe it while you watch. Definitely an instagram worthy moment.
 |
| Thank you The Manila Hotel for having us and Zomato for the invite |
Champagne Room is located at the Ground Floor of The Manila Hotel along Roxas Boulevard Pasay City. Do reserve a table before going there to avoid any inconvenience – 02 82469072 or reserve via Zomato app.