Farewell to Tivoli.

For those who were not able to dine in The Tivoli, I kind of feel bad for you. No, I feel a lot bad for you because you may have to wait for so many years before you can dine again in such a fine restaurant in Mandarin Oriental. 

Luckily for my gang and I, we were able to dine last week in my favorite restaurant in Manila. 

Sad to say that Tivoli will be closing tomorrow, Friday after lunch. Two days ago, I tried my very best to book my friends a table. I tried to book myself a table and they just could not accept anymore reservations because they are filled to the brim with diners. 

So anyway, for those who missed out..... this one's for you. 

To Tivoli, THANK YOU for all the memories, laughter, friendship, great service and thousands of calories. See you again soon! 

Memories: Best of the Best at the Tivoli.

MANDARIN ORIENTAL, MANILA WELCOMES BACK FORMER EXECUTIVE CHEF NORBERT GANDLER FOR “MEMORIES: BEST OF THE BEST AT THE TIVOLI”

The Tivoli, Mandarin Oriental, Manila’s signature European fine-dining restaurant, takes guests on a culinary journey down memory lane on July 11 via the cuisine of the restaurant’s celebrated former

Executive Chef Norbert Gandler. The one-night only dinner fete will kick-start the two-week “MeMOries: Best of the Best in The Tivoli” promotion which begins on July 16, marking the restaurant’s grand finale following the recent announcement of the hotel’s closure later this year.

Accompanying Norbert Gandler for the highly-anticipated dinner affair are the renowned former Executive Pastry Chef Ernie Babaran and former Sous Chef Kenneth Cacho. Together, they will recreate some of The Tivoli’s best-loved dishes and timeless favourites as part of an exquisite nine-course Degustation menu. Tivoli aficionados can look forward to indulging in such classics as: Millionaire’s Salad, The Tivoli Bouillabaisse, Port Wine Braised “Mulawarra” Veal Cheeks, Australian Bultarra Saltbush Lamb, and Roasted Nebraska Prime Angus Beef Strip Loin, among others. The Degustation menu is priced at PHP 2,400, subject to prevailing taxes and service charge.

Norbert Gandler began as Executive Sous Chef of The Tivoli (erstwhile The Tivoli Grill) from 1989 to 1992, and then later returned as Executive Chef from 1995 to 2003. He is currently Executive Director at the International School for Culinary Arts and Hotel Management (ISCAHM) which he runs with the assistance of both Ernie Babaran, the school’s Director for Pastry and Baking Arts, and Kenneth Cacho, one of the school’s Chef Instructors. Gandler also owns Aubergine Restaurant and Patisserie, a fine-dining restaurant where students of ISCAHM also receive their training.

“We are all looking forward to the return of Mandarin Oriental, Manila’s legendary Chef Norbert and renowned formers chefs Ernie and Kenneth, all of whom have had significant contributions to making The Tivoli the preeminent restaurant that it is today,” shares Rene Ottlik, Executive Chef. “We hope that our guests will enjoy relishing some of The Tivoli’s best-loved dishes from days past, for one last time before we close our doors”.

Mandarin Oriental in 2020.

For those who know and follow my blog, you must know how much I love the people and restaurant outlets of Mandarin Orientel. I must have  blogged about each and every time I dined in my two favorite outlets, Paseo Uno and Tivoli. I especially love my MO family namely, Charisse Chuidian, Rene Ottlik, Peter Psyk, Isabel Cang and all of the waiters in Tivoli. 

So when I heard news about Mandarin Oriental's closing.....I would rather take it as good news about the re-opening on 2020!

Here's what MO has to say about their new property. 

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has signed a long-term management contract to brand and manage a new luxury 275 room hotel in the heart of Metro Manila. The new Mandarin Oriental, Manila, which is scheduled to open in 2020, will be part of a mixed-use development centrally located within Makati City. At the same time the Group has announced the closure of the existing Mandarin Oriental, Manila on Makati Avenue later this year.

Mandarin Oriental has been in this important business and tourism market for almost 40 years, opening in 1976 as Manila’s pre-eminent hotel. While it has been a much-loved icon in the city, the property’s infrastructure and existing facilities are no longer in keeping with the Group’s well-recognized, luxury hospitality offering.

The new Mandarin Oriental, Manila will feature spacious rooms and a range of elegant and contemporary facilities, including a variety of restaurants and a signature spa. The hotel, which will be owned and developed by Ayalaland Hotels and Resorts, will be positioned as one of the leading luxury hotels in the city upon opening. Further information on the new hotel project will be released once details are confirmed.

“Mandarin Oriental, Manila has been recognized as one of the city’s most iconic hotels since its opening in 1976, and the Group wishes to express its sincere appreciation to all colleagues for their legendary service and support over the years. All hotel colleagues have been informed of the forthcoming closure and will receive full and fair severance payment and appropriate professional guidance,” said Torsten van Dullemen, General Manager of the hotel.

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I will miss you terribly but please know that I will be the first one to walk thru the doors of the new Mandarin Oriental in 2020.

French Wines and Tapas at MO!

FRENCH WINES AND TAPAS AT THE MANDARIN DELI

            Mandarin Oriental, Manila fêtes oenophiles and gastronomes alike with its monthly Wines and Tapas night on Friday, May 30 at the Mandarin Deli. The French-themed culinary affair allows diners to indulge in unlimited servings of fine French wines and an extensive array of delectable hors d’oeuvres.

            The wines from the hotel’s very own prime selection will be artfully paired with a delectable French-inspired tapas spread prepared by the hotel’s team of master chefs headed by Executive Chef Rene Ottlik and French Executive Sous Chef Remi Vercelli. Among these are: Profiteroles with smoked salmon mousse (Duchesse au saumon fume); Homemade pork rillette (rillettes de cochon maison); Tuna tapenade (Purée d’olives au thon); Curried eggplant caviar (Purée d’aubergines au curry); Steak tartare and potatoes “Lyonnaise Style” (pommes de terre Lyonnaise); and Lamb stew with spring vegetables (Navarin d’agneau aux primeurs), plus a selection of premium assorted French cold cuts and cheeses. To cap it all, tantalizing sweets such as Valhrona dark chocolate mousse, Baba au rhum and Cherry clafoutis will also be served.

Whether guests come in for an intimate tête-à-tête or for a hearty banter with a group of friends or business colleagues, the relaxed and casual atmosphere of the Mandarin Deli provides the perfect ambiance for diners to enjoy the finest of French gastronomy. Now on its second year, the Wines and Tapas Night has spilled over to the adjacent MO Lounge due to the increased following. Reservations are highly recommended.

          Wines and Tapas is priced at PHP 1,500 nett and includes entrance to the event and free-flowing wine and food. The doors open at 7 pm. For more information, call the hotel on 750 8888 or email momnl-fb@mohg.com.

Tivoli, How I've Missed You.

I have a very few favorites when it comes to restaurants here in Metro Manila. 

One of them is Tivoli at Mandarin Oriental. My Mom was the one who took me here and since then, I have become an avid fan of the place. 

It also helps that I love the Mandarin Oriental staff, especially Ms. Charisse Chuidian, whose friendship I inherited from my Mom. 

The reason I love to eat here? The quality of the food, beautiful set up, amazing ambiance and wonderful service. 

The fact that my friends also love this place proves my point that Tivoli offers not only great food but a venue for creating very fond memories. 

Belated Happy Birthday Jo!!! Lovely to see you and Ven!!!!

Venisse Laurel-Hermano, Joanna Cabangon and yours truly. 

Thank you Mandarin Oriental for EVERYTHING. 

Mandarin Oriental Celebrates the Year of the Horse!

Mandarin Oriental, Manila ushers in the opportune Year of the Wooden Horse with festivities that herald bounty and harmony, with its iconic Chinese New Year countdown on January 30, Thursday at 9:30pm as the highlight. The Lunar New Year celebration includes a festive room package to allow enjoyment for the late night revelry, sumptuous Prosperity menus and homemade tikoy at Tin Hau.

In true Oriental style, Mandarin Oriental, Manila’s Grand Midnight Countdown on the eve of Chinese New Year, has become an annual tradition followed by many. The event, which is held with the support of UnionPay International, Hennessy, Enchanted Kingdom, Dragonair, and Mandarin Oriental, Macau, is touted as the country’s most festive lunar New Year celebration outside of Binondo.

Now on its 18th year, the festivities will begin at the MO Lounge, with cocktails and energising rituals by international geomancer Master Joseph Chau to augur luck and bring good chi. Unlike in recent years, the celebration this year will be exclusive to ticket holders, and the rituals will all be held inside the hotel for a more intimate affair. A majestic dragon and lion dance follows at the hotel’s main driveway, leading up to a thrilling countdown to midnight and a dazzling fireworks display.

Capping off the evening is “the first lucky meal of the year”, an eight-course midnight Lauriat dinner at the Mandarin Ballroom with elegant entertainment and an enjoyable interaction with Master Chau in a Q and A segment on his 2014 forecast.

Ticketholders will receive a complimentary copy of the much sought-after “2014 Year of the Wooden Horse Forecast” authored by Joseph Chau, which will make its debut that night. 

 Ticketholders also get a chance to win an exciting holiday trip for two to Macau via Hong Kong with a three-day/two-night stay at Mandarin Oriental, Macau, inclusive of roundtrip tickets from Dragonair. 

Other prizes from the hotel are also up for grabs during the evening’s raffle draw. Tickets are priced at Php3,288 net for adults and Php1,688 net for children, and are now available for sale at the Chinese New Year booth in Tin Hau.

Tikoy prepared by Tin Hau’s master chefs make for ideal gifts this festive season. The prices of the homemade delicacies start at PHP688net, and are available in Small, Medium and Large sizes. Executive Chinese Chef Hann Furn Chen also lays out three Prosperity set menus to choose from, available for dinner on 30 January and lunch and dinner on 31 January.

To complete the experience, guests can relax in comfort and ring in the Year of the Wooden Horse with a festive room package designed to bring good luck and happiness. The “Feasts and Fortunes” package starts at PHP 7,888 per night for single occupancy or PHP 11,888 per night for double occupancy in a Deluxe Room and includes: International buffet breakfast, entrance to the Grand Midnight Countdown on 30 January 2014 along with the exclusive feng shui forecast book, and a box of three pieces homemade tikoy. The Feasts and Fortunes package.

Call Mandarin Oriental for more information: 7508888

Mandarin Oriental Lights Up!

Last week, I was invited to the Tree Lighting Ceremony of Mandarin Oriental. 

The 20-ft Noble Fir tree donated by Ms. Milagros How is from Oregon and was flown to the country just in time for the Christmas Tree of Hope event wherein donations were being accepted for the farmers and the rebuilding of Tacloban City. 

The Metro Manila Concert Orchestra performed favorite Christmas songs and it sounded beautiful in side the MO Lounge. We have Universal Harvester Inc. and General Manager Torsten van Dullemen for organizing and sponoring this special evening of hope. 

Before the lights were switched on.....

Ooohs and ahhhs were heard as the lights were switched on by Ms. Mila How and a farmer from Tacloban. 

Was only too happy to see my Mandarin Oriental family, 

Director of Food and Beverage, Mr. Peter Pysk. 

 Executive Chef, Rene Ottlik and my lovely friend, 

Director of Communications, Ms. Charisse Chuidian.