Phoenix Court in The Bellevue Manila: The rise of the Phoenix

When arriving at the Phoenix Court at The Bellevue Manila for an Oriental gastronomic journey, one is greeted by the mural of a golden phoenix by artist Gina Bocar at the center of the main dining area.

Upon entering Phoenix Court, guests will be greeted by a mural of a golden phoenix.
Photo courtesy of the hotel

In feng shui, the phoenix is a mythical bird that flies far ahead to the front. In the south of Metro Manila, the Phoenix is at the forefront of great Chinese culinary celebrations.

Recently, Bellevue Hotel GM Patrick Chan and head of marketing Ryan Chan feted some media friends to experience Phoenix Court’s delicious offerings amidst its modern Asian interiors. Designed by Architects Illustre, the restaurant features walls mostly painted in muted creams and decorated with intricately carved wooden accents. It can accommodate as much as 250 diners in its high-ceilinged and sophisticated Oriental space. “The design guidelines were for the restaurant to be bright and roomy,” explains Ryan Chan.

Phoenix Court also boasts of private rooms that could seat up to 25 persons. The Chin, named after the first dynasty of China, houses the biggest Lazy Susan in the metropolis. The larger-than-life rotating tray at the Chin gives a unique round table experience for diners.

Chin Room.
Photo courtesy of the hotel

The real highlight, however, of one’s visit to Phoenix Court is the exciting menu that reflects its chef’s stark and serious attitude towards his craft. Chef Cheong Kwan Loong has a solid track record that has spanned years of diverse experience in the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and China. His brand of food is stamped by his delicate yet knowing touch, which appeals to sophisticated palates. Through the years, he has mastered the intricacies of Chinese cuisine and the secrets in serving fine Cantonese and Szechuan dishes.

Proof of his Chinese culinary expertise was tastefully presented to the guests at a press luncheon recently. A great way to start a culinary expedition includes the must-try steamed scallops dumpling and steamed polonchay (baby spinach) dumpling. The Peking duck from Beijing, which was roasted the traditional way, boasts of beautifully crisp skin and lean meat. The hot prawn salad features deep-fried tiger prawns served with mango, apple, pineapple and lettuce. The wintermelon with crabmeat soup, an authentic Cantonese fare, is originally served in China during the summer season but is definitely a palate pleaser whatever the season is. Hot items on the menu include steamed lapu-lapu with tauso sauce, homemade beancurd with garlic oyster sauce (the flakes on top are incredibly yummy), beef with pepper sauce (the sauce consists of a happy reunion of red, green and yellow pepper), deep-fried chicken marinated in Chinese bagoong, seafood hotpot (seafoods are mixed together and served like shabu-shabu), braised crabmeat with tofu and vegetables and chicken and sausage rice in hotpot. The dessert selections of hot taro sago with coconut milk and buchi culminate the restaurant’s Oriental culinary delights.

Dimsum delights.
Photo courtesy of the hotel

Peking Duck.
Photo courtesy of the hotel

Assorted Cold Cuts Combination.

Braised Fish Lip Soup with Assorted Meat.

Hainanese Hong Kong Chicken.

Steamed Pork with Mochoi Vegetable.

Deep-fried Tiger Prawns with Salt and Pepper.

Braised Bean Curd with Chinese Mushroom and Abalone Clam.

Steamed Dory Fish with Soy Sauce.

Chilled Almond Bean Curd with Fruit Cocktail.

Phoenix Court opened its doors last year to gourmands searching for a memorable Chinese dining experience in the Alabang area. “We were surprised to discover that people from other parts of Manila and suburbs do not mind the drive to Alabang just to sample what other people are raving about Phoenix Court,” quips Patrick.

And we're ready to indulge on these sumptuous Chinese dishes!

With only a little more than a year, the restaurant’s presence is already felt (and relished) by the most discriminating of palates. Phoenix Court is indeed quick to take flight and soar above the culinary world.

Are you ready to experience the rise of the Phoenix?

(Call 771-8181 local 2211 or visit www.thebellevue.com)

(Published August 2, 2011, The Philippine Star)

5 reasons to spend your weekend in The Bellevue Manila

A sweet welcome treat for Mama from The Bellevue team.

Want to escape the rat race even for a few days without having to go too far away from home (especially in this bipolar weather)? The concept of “staycation” is fast gaining popularity such that hotels and resorts have come up with more things to offer local guests. Everyone's practically gotten used to this idea, since it's far cheaper and more convenient than, say, jetting off to some far-flung destination.

Looking for a leisurely break from work and wanting to reward yourself for a job well done? The Bellevue Manila offers an amazing staycation experience that will inspire and invigorate you. Located in Alabang, The Bellevue Manila provides a luxurious stay south of bustling Manila. As a guest, you'll get a feel of the unhurried lifestyle of the Alabang community while enjoying five-star accommodation, dining, and recreational facilities.

Check out 5 reasons to spend a staycation in The Bellevue Manila:

Their rooms spell R&R.

You will just love the deluxe rooms and suites at The Bellevue Manila! Each of the guestrooms in Bellevue is comfortable, cozy, and spacious, and the interiors are designed in a way that guests will experience the ultimate in rest and relaxation. Each features modern-day amenities, like a custom-designed bed, bathroom with tub and separate shower, 32-inch television, iPod dock clock radio, and minibar, among others.

Deluxe Room.
Photos of hotel facilities courtesy of The Bellevue Manila

My excited brothers and cousin immediately dove into the beds. 

There's all-day buffet at Cafe d’Asie.

What better way to bond as a barkada than by sharing stories over great food? The whole gang will surely enjoy Cafe d’Asie’s all-day buffet. Choose from a wide array of culinary selections, including fresh salmon sashimi, high-grade steaks, bread and butter pudding, and delectable cakes and pastries. A magnificent slab of US Prime Rib cooked to your preference takes centerstage in this delicious buffet.

A sumptuous spread at Cafe d'Asie.

Enjoying a hearty breakfast with Dad, Mom and bunso.

You can relax by the poolside.

If you dream of hanging out in an island paradise but do not have the time to go out of town, settle for a relaxing experience at Bellevue's poolside. Have refreshments and snacks from the poolside bar.

Pool at the Main Tower.

Pool at the Tower Wing. Photo taken on a cold, breezy December night.

You can enjoy yummy Chinese food at Phoenix Court.

Satisfy your craving for Chinese food at Phoenix Court, the only fine dining Chinese restaurant in the city. Have your fill of mouthwatering Chinese dishes, like Peking Duck, Mango Lapu-Lapu, and Beef Tenderloin in Pepper Sauce. If you prefer dimsum and dumplings, Phoenix Court also has a Dimsum and Noodle Bar. Located at the second floor of the Tower Wing, the restaurant offers a la carte and dimsum-all-you-can packages.

A family dinner in Phoenix Court in December 2011. 

Enjoy the Peking Duck at Phoenix Court.

You can get pampered at Mandarine Spa.

Soothe your tired muscles with a relaxing and rejuvenating massage from the hotel’s Mandarine Spa. Treatment rooms are available, with some even featuring a steam shower and Whirlpool tub. Guests can choose from a range of spa-mpering services that include Mandarine Signature Foot Reflex, Mandarine Signature Hand Reflex, Relaxing Body Oil or Dry Massage, Fusion Massage, Lymphatic Drainage Massage, Silk Facial Massage, Jin Luo Chinese Massage Therapy, Ayurveda Massage, Body Reflex, Ventosa Therapy, and Infrared Deep Heat Therapy, plus combos of these treatments.

Spa-mpering time at Mandarine Spa.

Family fun in The Bellevue Manila: Indeed, a happy birthday for Mama!

(Published June 19, 2013, Kristn.com)