Discover smart travels with the new Shangri-La mobile app
Celebrate the authenticity and excellence of Japanese cuisine, all year round
What you need to know about champagnes
Guest
Be Our VOL. 02 | APR-JUN 2018
WEEKEND AFFAIR Sometimes you just need to treat yourself to a nice prime steak. Known for its understated luxury and impeccable cuisine, dine at Sage Bespoke Grill during the weekends until June 30 and get Triple Golden Circle points for a variety of rewards like free hotel accomodations or food and beverage vouchers. Savor unlimited josper-grilled goodness and house specialties at their Sunday Brunch buffet.
LETTER FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER
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RAISE YOUR GLASS Because this sparkling wine need not be a mysterious luxury
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Welcome to Makati Shangri-La, Manila, where friendly smiles are contagious and courteous service is the standard. We are delighted with the opportunity to have you as our guest. Expect respite and relaxation during your visit. Earlier this year, we launched the first issue of Be Our Guest. Surprisingly enough, we have received a lot of enthusiastic feedback from our readers and, for that, we are extremely grateful. In this issue, we highlight Shangri-La’s mobile app, designed to make your travel bookings easier and more convenient than ever (p.6). Also, we give you an expert’s guide on making the appropriate selection of champagnes for your next celebration (p.5). Committed to providing service excellence and an exceptional dining experience to our guests, we’ve got your favorite cuisines from our specialty restaurants coupled with exclusive promos and discounts to enjoy with your family and loved ones (p.8 and p.10). We hope that you will have a memorable and productive visit. I look forward to seeing you around.
AUTHENTIC EATS A tradition that’s anything but dim
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A TASTE OF CULTURE The art that goes into your favorite Japanese dish is more intricate than we thought
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MAJOR INDULGENCES There’s no reason you can’t have a nice drink to go with your treats
Alain Borgers Area Manager/General Manager
For inquiries and table reservations, call (632) 814-2580 or e-mail rric.slm@shangri-la.com instagram.com/makatishangrila
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4 INGREDIENTS OF THE SEASON
WORD OF MOUTH A seasonal cornucopia of prime ingredients
MATCHA
APRIL Often called sadō or the Way of Tea, the Japanese tea ceremony is a highly structured ritual on the preparation, service, and consumption of green tea or matcha, combining art, nature appreciation, and social interaction. Drop by at the Lobby Lounge from April 1 to June 30 for an afternoon sipping different variations of matcha beverages, all while enjoying live music from the orchestra.
www.shangri-la.com/manila/makatishangrila
TUNA
MAY Known for its distinct flavor and global availability, tuna is arguably the most versatile of proteins. You can eat it raw, canned, grilled, with fruit, or with salad. From May 16 to June 22, Makati Shangri-La’s premiere Japanese restaurant Inagiku will be holding its tuna festival featuring a selection of dishes from the freshest catch.
LAMB
JUNE There is nothing more Australian than lamb—a staple meat celebrated on Australia Day. While fried chicken and beef burgers still reign supreme in this country, trying out lamb chops would be a nice break, giving the palate an opportunity to try new flavors. This month, head over to Sage Bespoke Grill and savor the variety of dishes created from this high quality meat.
BE OUR GUEST | VOL. 02
THE WISDOM OF SAGE 5
CHAMPAGNE 101 A primer on the fanciest of wines
Nicolas Feuillatte’s Blanc de Blancs 2006
www.shangri-la.com/manila/makatishangrila
PERFECT CHEMISTRY
The best mains for each bubbly
STERS OY
The mineral notes and freshness of Fine de Clair oysters are beautifully accented by fine bubbles and citrus flavor of a Brut NV.
L M ON SA
C
The medley of red fruit flavors and floral aromas of the Rosé NV cuts through the rich layers of the black cod and Atlantic salmon.
B CAK RA E
“I am tasting the stars!,” or at least that’s what Dom Pérignon said upon supposedly inventing champagne. Surrounded in myth, legend, and prestige, its larger than life reputation has intimidated both wine lovers and novices. With all the accolades and superfluous spending and attention associated with this effervescent wonder, it has become a signature celebratory drink reserved not only for special occasions. The term “champagne” is attributed to both the French province and the sparkling wine produced within the region that followed and conformed to the permitted, legal methods of champagne making allowed by law. In order for sparkling wine to be made, a second wine fermentation is the most important procedure. After the creation of the base wine, it must undergo re-fermentation in order for the carbon dioxide gas to be produced and form the bubbles. This is done by adding yeast, sugar, and wine. After, the winemaker then decides whether to begin bottling or further aging. To get to know this fancy drink better, here are three champagnes selected for their value for money, versatility, and overall consistency.
Blanc de Blancs’ crisp and invigorating effect on the palate can be attributed to the additional nuance of chalk that balances the sweetness of crabmeat.
Champagne Barons de Rothschild Brut NV
The Barons de Rothschild Brut Champagne tops this list simply because of the value you get for such a quality champagne. Prior to release, the champagne is aged in lees (yeast cells) for at least six more months. This allows the wine to develop secondary flavors of brioche, hazelnut, and marzipan on top of the very well integrated primary flavors of lemon, pear, and lime zest. Taittinger Brut Prestige Rosé is one of the very few that can actually hold its own with a sumptuous cut of steak. It has enough structure and balanced acidity as well as fruitdriven flavors of ripe raspberries, cranberries, and sour red cherries. Lastly, Nicolas Feuillatte’s Blanc de Blancs 2006 comes from 100 percent Chardonnay fruit containing generous notes of grapefruit, kumquat, and honeysuckle. Most importantly, this champagne’s popularity is due to the fact that it’s so versatile—you can literally pair it with almost anything. Come and enjoy our extensive selection of luxury wines to go with your meal in our monthly wine dinners that will surely be an experience worth remembering.
Taittinger Brut Prestige Rosé NV
BE OUR GUEST | VOL. 02
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LET’S EAT!
Mother’s Day and Father’s Day come only once a year. Make it a bit more special by treating your parents to a wonderful dining experience
MOTHER’S DAY No one puts such great amount of time, care, and love than our moms do. While lavish gifts are not necessarily the order of the day, choose to show how much you care and simply spend time together. Treat her to a special feast in one of our restaurants, making Makati Shangri-La the perfect setting to celebrate this occassion. Meringue-based buttercream piped into flower petals is the newest cake trend your moms will appreciate.
FATHER’S DAY A father’s job is never done. Treat the man of the house to an indulgent family moment at Circles Event Café for a lunch or dinner spread featuring roasted US whole beef on the carving station as well as other international dishes while witnessing our chefs in action behind the seven live theatre kitchens.
For inquiries and table reservations, call (632) 814-2580 or email rric.slm@shangi-la.com
www.shangri-la.com/manila/makatishangrila
BE OUR GUEST | VOL. 02
COVER STORY 7
MIDAS TOUCH Get rid of all the glitches and hassle of plotting a vacation and experience luxury right from your fingertips
Summer is finally upon us. Since this is the period where everybody’s planning their vacations both here and abroad, it may seem like a hassle just thinking about booking everything—from tours and plane tickets, to, yes, even hotels. But picture this: finding the perfect hotel with the best deal and making a reservation quickly and extremely hassle-free, right from your fingertips. Including reasonable rates and extra privileges, this technology will make booking your ideal Shangri-La hotel easier. How? Enter Shangri-La’s new and improved mobile app, which gives travelers access to not only the Shangri-La brand, but to Kerry Hotels, Hotel Jen, and Traders Hotels as well. Launched just last January, the mobile app can provide its users with features that include fast and easy booking, mobile check-in and check-out, and rewards redemption. Instantly become a Golden Circle Member and manage your account from the palm of your hand. Get multiple award points for a limited time by downloading and using the app on your smartphone. With more new technology being developed around the world, the easier it will be to plan out your next vacation or business trip—not to mention, considering everything would be done paperless, it’s also environment-friendly. If you’re a frequent traveler or simply want to get the best deals on a single vacation, this advanced version of a Midas touch is available at a simple download. With this, we’re officially saying goodbye to inconvenient trip planning.
POINTS SYSTEM An app that pays you back
Triple GC Award Points for each booking made via the Shangri-La App and when Mobile Check-In/Check-Out is used
Double GC Award Points for each Golden Circle booking made via the Shangri-La App Scan the QR code below to download the app
100 GC Award Points for downloading and signing in to the new Shangri-La App (once per device) This point system is applicable until April 30, 2018 only. www.shangri-la.com/manila/makatishangrila
Enhance your Shangri-La experience when you download our new mobile app. Make your travels convenient and get a chance to redeem points in exchange for fun promos and freebies.
BE OUR GUEST | VOL. 02
8 AUTHENTIC EATS
DELECTABLE DIM SUM These savory snacks continue to be the star of the appetizer menu
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COMMON COURTESY
Here’s a field guide to help you prepare when the carts roll by
SERVE TEA It is considered polite to pour tea for others beginning with the eldest, before yourself.
EAT CLEAN If serving utensils are unavailable, use the end of your chopsticks to serve yourself or others.
Making dim sum is a challenging job that requires precision and attention to detail. Not everyone can do it, and, as chefs, we need to be knowledgeable and skilled in folding the dumplings and make each piece look the same. It’s no wonder why they’re a staple in every Chinese food: Just imagining the dim sum inside the steaming bamboo containers stacked on each other is already a mouthwatering picture. Dim sum is the most popular and well-known form of Cantonese cuisine. They originally started in southern China, where most travelers
often had tea (yum cha) and small snacks (dim sum) to take a break from their long journeys on the road. Growing up, I’ve often had dim sum for breakfast or lunch with family and friends. The best thing about it is that you have so many types and options to choose from like shrimp dumplings (har gow) or pork siu mai for the steamed variety; spring rolls or baked pork buns for the baked and fried variety; Chinese donut noodle rolls and garlic pea sprouts for noodles and special dishes; and fried sesame balls and sweet tofu for desserts.
SHARE Never lay claim to a dish. A dim sum luncheon is a communal activity meant to be a shared experience.
www.shangri-la.com/manila/makatishangrila
For inquiries and table reservations, call (632) 814-2580 or email rric.slm@shangi-la.com
BE OUR GUEST | VOL. 02
AUTHENTIC EATS 9
TASTE JAPAN This award-winning restaurant is at the forefront of authentic Japanese cooking
What started as a humble tempura restaurant in Asakusa, Japan in 1866, Inagiku has made a name for itself internationally, with 11 branches all over the world including Singapore, China, and France. It is quite a feat that in the past years, this restaurant was able to keep the Japanese culture and tradition alive through food. In Manila, Inagiku operates under the helm of executive chef Wataru Hikawa and restaurant manager Yoshio Ishikawa for almost 20 years. The secret to Inagiku’s longevity and relevance is its authenticity. Chef Hikawa is notably known for his kaiseki creations. Kaiseki is a traditional multi-course meal, which comprises small,
elegant dishes precisely prepared to represent the flavors of a particular season. Meanwhile, Ishikawa has served multiple five star hotels since 1988 before taking the reins in Makati Shangri-La. His dedication in delivering quality food and service is reflected through the numerous accolades the restaurant has received from different prestigious industry bodies and publications. In fact, Inagiku has been recognized as one of the top 20 restaurants in the country by Philippine Tatler Dining for three consecutive years: 2016, 2017, 2018. Equipped with five private dining rooms and a teppanyaki corner, Inagiku’s Zen-like ambiance makes it an ideal setting for corporate and casual meetings.
For inquiries and table reservations, call (632) 814-2580 or email rric.slm@shangi-la.com www.shangri-la.com/manila/makatishangrila
BE OUR GUEST | VOL. 02
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WHAT’S NEW?
Tasty treats and handcrafted cocktails take the spotlight this season
WHISKY COCKTAILS Fast facts on your favorite mix
ROB ROY Essentially a Manhattan made with scotch, this cocktail was created in the late 19th century at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City.
GOLD RUSH A variation of the classic Whiskey Sour that’s made with honey instead of simple syrup
SAGE BAR Where to grab quick drinks when the sun goes down Characterized by light wood tones, leather furniture, and low lighting, Sage Bar redefines the art of bar. It takes the lead in infusing trends and keeping up with the pace of the evolving bar culture scene, all while upholding established bar and liquor
traditions. It now offers guests a chance to appreciate fine whisky with its whisky flights or samplers. And if you’re looking for your favorite single malt or curious to discover the new brand everyone’s raving about, Sage has got you covered.
SINFULLY CIRCLES Irresistible bite-size goodies No meal is complete without something sweet to end it with. Located within Circles Events Café just after the entrance, Sinfully Circles is hard to miss with its open doors showcasing a wide array of colorful confections and baked goods. This dessert shop’s newest offerings include dark chocolate truffles with hints of brandy, fruit tarts, salted caramel macarons, and chocolate pebble candies to name a few—all sold by the gram perfect for on-the-go snacking.
www.shangri-la.com/manila/makatishangrila
WHISKY MULE In 1941, a Hollywood bar owner met with a liquor distributor on the Sunset Strip and mixed the first Moscow Mule as a marketing tool to sell more vodka.
ZERO WASTE Swap your straw resources in favor of an eco-friendly alternative In an effort to reduce the impact of plastic usage, Makati Shangri-La, together with World Wide Fund Philippines, introduced stainless steel straws last December in Sage Bar. Receiving positive feedback from guests, the initiative continues to include the Lobby Lounge, Pool Bar, Inagiku, Shang Palace, and Sage Bespoke Grill. If successful, the hotel will be able to save 22,000 straws per year. BE OUR GUEST | VOL. 02
DTI-FTEB Permit No. 2344 Series of 2018
CELEBRATIONS Nothing brings family together like good food. Circle Events CafÊ boasts an extensive selection of dishes from across the globe. More than that, the restaurant features seven live theatre kitchens—a great way for guests to be actively involved in choosing what they want to eat and how they want it made. LUNCH Monday to Saturday | 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday | 12 noon to 3 p.m.
Php 1,800 net Php 1,290 net
DINNER Daily | 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Php 2,100 net Php 1,390 net
For inquiries and table reservations, call (632) 814-2580 or e-mail rric.slm@shangri-la.com
WHISKEY OR
WHISKY?
Let the experts of Sage Bar explain to you the difference. Whisky is usually how the Scottish, Canadian, and Japanese spell. Meanwhile, whiskey with an ‘e’ is used by United States and Ireland. Choose from our wide selection of whisky/whiskey labels and enjoy convenient bottle keep service. Don’t just read about it. Taste and experience it only at Sage Bar.