B Hotel Q.C. a Wonderful Staycation

Located at the heart of Quezon City’s culture hub, B Hotel is an ideal place for businessmen, families and people who just want to get away from the stress of it all.

Situated at Scout Rallos St, gives you the prime location to your favorite malls and restaurants.

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B Hotel evokes a modern minmalist sleek design that is highlighted by the transparency of industrial interior design.

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Modern Minimalist

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Industrial Design of Elevators

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Dine at the Lobby Cafe and Delight in the most appetizing feast of the senses.

Fresh Mango and Watermelon Shakes

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Tomato soup and Ceasar Salad

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Baked Salmon

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Ribeye Steak

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Wonton soup and steamed Pampano with tausi

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Take a sip at the Mezzanine Bar, A 30 person capacity bar that’s open from 5pm to 1am

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Lounge at the Pastry Corner

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Uniquely comfortable rooms

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Chic bathroom

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Swim at the Alfresco Pool

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Shape up in the Gym

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With B hotel’s introductory rates at special promotion of 40% off for superior rooms (king/twin) at P 3,600 nett that includes Buffet Breakfast at the lobby cafe, Unlimited internet access, Complimentary use of swimming pool and gym facilities is just unbeatable.

Breakfast, since it was only their soft opening, you had to order from their menu.

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Filipino Breakfast of Tapsilog and Daing na Bangus

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American Breakfast of ham and eggs with wheat bread

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That’s why we chose to spend our staycation at B Hotel Q.C.

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B Hotel Quezon City (book online)

14 Scout Rallos Street, Barangay Laging Handa,

Quezon City 1103

Contact Number: (+63) 2.990.5000

Email Address: info@thebhotelqc.com

15th Grand Wine Experience – Media Launch Invite

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A wine’s vintage speaks of more than just the year of harvest. It is, in essence, the headline of an article, the name of a painting, the title of a novel; one that alludes to a period of romance between the sun, rain, wind, earth and man; and tells the story of how a confluence of such disparate elements can, under just the right conditions, yield poetry in a bottle.

Since its inception at the turn of the century, the Grand Wine Experience has seen itself transform from a humble gathering of wine enthusiasts into a monumental Mecca to which bon vivants, celebrities, dignitaries, top executives and members of high society make their annual pilgrimage. Founded by the four Joseph brothers of Philippine Wine Merchants, the Grand Wine Experience is widely regarded as the most spectacular, most lavish and most anticipated wine event of any kind in Southeast Asia.

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As this year’s theme, the word ‘vintage’ carries more gravitas not just because we are hitting the 15th milestone year of the event, but also because we are celebrating the 40th anniversary of the company behind it. This year also marks the move to a significantly more spacious venue, one that can cater to double the capacity of the previous Marriott grand ballroom, no easy feat, but a challenge worth taking on nonetheless.

We believe the time is ripe enough to open the show to an exponentially larger audience. We’ve delicately hand-picked a greater number of wines and spirits to choose from compared to the already staggering line-ups from year’s past. We’ve laboriously cultivated the show by pruning the inefficiencies and non-essentials, making improvements in every facet of the guest experience, from the buffet selection, to the quality of the entertainment; ultimately giving more value for money.

This year’s edition of The Grand Wine Experience promises not only to up all the antes, but shatter and surpass all expectations. On November 13, 2015 at the new Grand Ballroom of the Marriott Hotel, it simply comes down to this — you are going to have the best time of your life.

Presented by Philippine Wine Merchants and Ralphs Wines and Spirits. Co-presented by: Rustans Supermarket, Starbucks Coffee, Store Specialist Inc., Marriott Hotel Manila, Resorts World Manila, Future Trade International, Diageo Philippines, Moet-Hennessy Philippines, Premier Wine and Spirits, Barcino Corporation, Fly Ace Corporation, Bel Mondo Italia, Corp., Emperador Distillers, Aviver International, Best World Beverage Brands, Golden Wines, Grand Cru and Booze On Line.

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An all u can drink from their featured selection of more than 500 wines, beer and spirits from 22 different countries and feast on a sumptuous eat all u can buffet selection.

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A short interview with Robbie Joseph

Raymond Joseph giving some details of the event.

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Ronnie Joseph describing the pairing of wine with the food on how it enhances the taste.

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F&B Director Brenda Mahoney

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Executive Chef Meik Brammer 

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Mr Bruce Winton General Manager Marriott Hotel

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Media Launch Invite for the promotion of the 15th Grand Wine Experience

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Press kits

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Wine give aways for the sponsors and media

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The Menu

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Appetizer

Lobster Gaspacho with basil oil paired with Jansz Premium Nov Cuvee

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Soup

Porcini Mushrooms morels paired with Bouchard Pere & Fils Bourgogne Chardonnay La Vigne

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Main Course 

Grilled Rib Eye potato fondant, wild mushroom jus, organic vegetables paired with Montes Alpha Malbec. The pairing gave us a minerally taste of the ribeye combined with the earthy taste of the Malbec.

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Desert

Espresso Parfait mascarpone cream paired with Gran Feudo Moscatel

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Photo Opportunity with some of the wines, liquor and sakes at the lobby of Marriott Hotel

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Vodka’s

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Whiskys

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Cognac’s

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Sake’s

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Ralph Lim Joseph, President of Ralph’s Wine and Spirits

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Ramen Nagi….A Ramen Experience

Ramen is a Japanese noodle soup dish. It consists of Chinese-style wheat noodles served in a meat- or (occasionally) fish-based broth, often flavored with soy sauce or miso, and uses toppings such as sliced pork (チャーシュー chāshū?), dried seaweed (海苔 nori?), kamaboko, and green onions. Nearly every region in Japan has its own variation of ramen, from the tonkotsu (pork bone broth) ramen of Kyushu to the miso ramen of Hokkaido. (source-wikipedia)

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Beacause of the promo we found on metrodeal for Ramen Nagi, we rushed to the nearest branch which was Poduim in Pasig. It was a save 30% promo where you just spend 497 pesos for 710 pesos worth of food. Excitement got the best of us because we failed to read that it was a set menu. Voucher validity: September 16 to October 15, 2015

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In Ramen Nagi, every noodle that comes from the counter are custom cooked based on the four basic choice: Butao King (original pork bone broth), Black King (pork broth infused with squid ink) Red King (spicy pork broth) and the green king (an italian inspired soup made from a combination of olive oil and basil)

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You order by encircling or checking  the kind of ramen you want out of the 4. You also have choices for the soup base, toppings, butao fire sauce, and noodles.

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We ordered the Butao King 390 pesos

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And we ordered the limited time only Black Tantanmen (ramen in flavorful pork tonkotsu broth infused with sesame paste, miso and ginger, topped with bokchoy and red ball) 530 pesos

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Since we failed to read the fine print of the metrodeal voucher.. we also ordered the

Chicken Karaage (japanese fried chicken perfectly marinated in soy sauce, ginger and garlic. deep fried in special breading and served with a dip of mayo mustard to compliment its juiciness and flavorful taste.) 200 pesos

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Chashu Rice (Japanese rice cooked in special sauce topped with roasted pork served with a delightful blend of soy sauce and mayo) 165 pesos

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Gyoza (meat and vegetable seasoned with Japanese spices wrapped in Nagi’s special dough and served on a sizzling plate for that perfect crisp.)

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Butao! Universal Noodle

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Dining Area

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Condiments

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Kitchen

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Paper Mache of Captain America

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Moral Lesson… Hehehe… Read the fine print before ordering. What was to be a deal saver became a double whammy. Anyway the consolation for us was that Ramen Nagi was really really good. Will just have to come back again to use our bought vouchers.

Ramen Nagi has branches in Robinsons Ermita, Robinsons Magnolia, Podium, Greenbelt, UP Town Center, SM Aura, SM Mall of Asia, and SM North EDSA.

2 1/2 Minute Steak by Chep Gordon Arsay

There’s always a great way to cook steak. That’s what Chep Gordon Arsay is about to show us.

Of course the quality of beef is always important. The higher the grade or the age of the beef always play an important role. I’m not talking about the age of the cow but how the beef was aged.

Or one can always go for a fresh cut of steak, but you still have to be picky on where you buy it. As for me i’m fine with the ribeye of S&R.

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The first step is to heat the pan and add olive oil. We add olive oil to avoid it from burning too fast as in the case of butter.

Be generous with seasalt and corse pepper. Place the steak away from the pan.

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Sear each side until golden brown.

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Use the side of the pan to sear all the sides of the steak.

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Once seared on all sides, we add the butter, pressed garlic, and thyme.

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Now we let it rest for a couple of minutes for the juices to come back to the meat.

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Once cooled we have our medium rare ribeye steak that i love so much paired with a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon

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Esperienza Italiana at Sage, Makati Shangri-La Manila

Enjoy Makati Shangri-La Manila‘s week-long festival of Italian culture highlighted through three main events: Aperitivo Italiano, a traditional pre-dinner; L’Artisan, an exclusive wine dinner by Michelin Star Chef Rocco Iannone; and That’s Amore, an exclusive concert featuring the Manila Symphony Orchestra.

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Relive the tradition of an authentic Italian Aperitivo at Sage Bar on October 19, 21 and 23 from 6 p.m. to 10p.m. Socialize over fine wines, cocktails, and antipasti after a long day at work, and cap off the lifestyle experience as Italian luxury brands Ducati, Paul and Shark and Piquadro will present their latest collection. Lucky guests will get a chance to win luxury gift items from Makati Shangri-La Manila partners. Tickets are at Php 1,500 net inclusive of antipasti buffet and selected drinks.

Sage Bespoke Grill

Makati Shangri-La Manila, Ayala Avenue cor. Makati Avenue, Ayala Center, Makati (02) 813-8888

Area Manager/ General Manager Alain Borgers giving details about the event.

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Marco Tiraferri, Executive Assistant Manager for F&B giving a LCD presentation about Michelin Star Chef Rocco Iannone

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Aperitivo in Italy is a glorious couple of hours—generally between 7pm and 9pm—when u can relax post-work over a glass of wine or Campari and some snacks. Since most people eat lunch around 1pm or 2pm, and dinner around 9pm, it’s also a good way to re-start the old metabolism to work up an appetite for dinner.

Aperitivo is to take the edge off while waiting for that 9pm meal. Also, as a rule of thumb, one drink means one plate of food. If you want more food, buy another drink!

So we start off with the Spritz…

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Preparation of the appetizers, risottos, penne, and crostinis

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Risotto with italian sausage

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Penne with mozzarella

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Pizza

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Crostini’s

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Quiche

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Assortment of salami, coppa ham , and bresaola ham.

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Cheese

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Bread Selection

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Entertainment

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with Bacchus International, Globe Platinum, Ferrari, Ducati, Paul and Shark, and Piquadro sponsoring selected events.

Sage Bar (Oct 19 Monday, 21 Wednesday & 23 Friday, 2015): Cured Prosciutto Gallioni | 24 months Parmigiano Reggiano | Risotto Acquerello with saffron, green asparagus & italian sausage | Penne with mozzarella, tomato & basil | Paccheri in casserole with seafood, spinach & ricotta | Fried Mushroom Arancini | Pizza with mixed vegetables, ham & salami | Crostini selection | Quiche with goat cheese | Assortment of salami, coppa ham, bresaola ham.

With featured wines & spirits: Sta. Cruz Spumante Classico Brut | Tormaresca Neprica, Puglia 2013 | Vermouth Cocktails- Cocchi Americano, Cocchi Spritz, Aperol Spritz

Also available:

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The 30-piece Manila Symphony Orchestra, along with three tenors and one soprano will transform the Lobby Lounge into musical theatre reminiscent of Italy’s cultural centers for performing arts on October 22. Entitled That’s Amore, the repertoire includes the best-loved Italian pieces, classic and contemporary. Pre-cocktails start at 6:30 p.m. while concert proper begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are at Php 1,850 net inclusive of pre-concert cocktails.
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Michelin Star Chef Rocco Iannone will take you on a gastronomic journey through a five-course dinner of Italian dishes and light classics entitled L’Artisan. Each dish blooms with flavor when paired with premier estate family wines including: Antinori on October 20, Chiarlo on October 21, Masi Agricola on October 22, and Allegrini on October 23 at Sage Bespoke Grill from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Tickets are at Php 5,500++ for the 5-course menu.

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Make sure you don’t miss these once in a lifetime experience. For inquiries and reservations, call restaurant reservations at (63 2) 813 8888 or email rric.slm@shangri-la.com.

Niu… A Vikings Feast! – Anniversary Special

Niu by Vikings is celebrating their first year anniversary, Thanks to my sister Sugar & Spice and Ms. Raquel Bartolome, Marketing Manager of Vikings Luxury Buffet, I was able to experience a one of a kind of buffet fit for the Norse men whose appetite is so huge that an extensive array of food is needed to keep them happy & satiated!

We were presented with a degustation, sampling of new dishes which will be included in their regular menu for a limited time only from October 19 – 27 by the talented Chef Paul Cruz.

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We started off with Amuse bouche – Caprese mousse and Avocado-shrimp panacotta.

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Cold Drunken Chicken which I truly enjoyed.

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Truffled cream of pumpkin and shrimp (Fresh chives and milk froth)

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Supreme mushrooms bean curd skin roll (Braised mushroom wrapped in bean curd skin)

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Oyster and pearls (Poached in white wine cream, lumpfish caviar)

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Tuna teriyaki salad (Bound with malt vinaigrette mixed greens)

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Salmon chahan (with saba netsuke, buta kakuni)

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Braised porkloin in malt liquor (Parisian pears and carrots)

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Lamb caldereta (Edam and parmesan risotto)

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Cheesecake souffle (Tablea mousse and tropical fruit salsa)

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Now for the 9 stations of Niu..

1.) Cold Cuts Station

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2.) Japanese Station – serving the sashimi’s, sushi’s and maki’s

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Tempura

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Furai

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3.) Pan-Asian Station

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Baked Oysters

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Foie Gras

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4.) Chinese Station (Dimsum with their Shabu Shabu Hotpot)

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Lechon Macau and Asado

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Roasts

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Steamed Suahe

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5.) Grilling Station

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6.) Carving Station

Leg of Lamb, Beef Ribs, and Angus Prime Rib

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Roast Turkey and Binusog na Lechon – fast becoming one of their most popular attraction.

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7.) Italian, Pasta Station

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8.) Western Station

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Ratatouille

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9.) Desserts

Ice Creams

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Chocolate Fondues

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Fruits and Pastries

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Drinks

Wines

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Juices

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Imported Beer and Sake’s

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Niu by Vikings is the high end version of Viking’s Luxury Buffet franchise.

NIU by Vikings

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6/F SM Aura Premier, 26th Street Corner McKinley Parkway, 1630 Taguig

478-3888, 847-3888, 0917-586-6888, 0919-999-6888
Email niubyvikings@gmail.com
Website http://niu.ph

FOR WEEKDAY LUNCH: 1,088.00 php + 5% SC. FOR WEEKDAY DINNER, WEEKEND, AND HOLIDAY LUNCH & DINNER: 1,388.00 php + 5% SC. Kids below 3 years old/3 feet eat for free. 50% Senior Citizen discount to persons 75 years old & above.

They have function rooms available for private parties & gatherings: Sweden (40-50 pax), Norway, and Denmark.

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Ms. Raquel Bartolome also presented us with a video that u can watch thru #upincloudnine