Travel + Leisure: Your quick guide to travel in style and a slow living lifestyle.

One night they went out over the stillness of evening breeze, a cry, a gentle cry. The sea did not hear the cry as it is fathom by its own voice, the earth did not hear the cry for the earth slept… there are only 2 men who heard the cry – the shepherds and the wise men…

Gee... I still remember the poem I had recited when I was in college. It was month of December and that was all about the star of our celebration – Jesus Christ! Well, the true meaning of Christmas should be spent with Him and be grateful and thankful for all the blessings and love He bestowed upon us throughout the years and of course, with the people you love and care around.

22 Prime, Discovery Suites Ortigas

In line with that, I know, just like me, most of us are already planning on where and how they’re going to spend their Christmas with their love ones. As for me, no plan yet, but definitely I would be spending the first half of the day at work, but nevertheless, I am sure it’ll be an all-out fun, a celebration for His birthday and a gift-giving day with my families and friends afterwards. However, for those who are looking for an option let me share with you my pre-Christmas dinner at 22 Prime, Discovery Suites Ortigas. It has store something that would make our Christmas season merrier, more wonderful and something that would give an extra oomph on the season of gift-giving.

Gingerbread Cheesecake in a box

Christmas dinner menu

complimentary breads

Dinner started with different cocktails such as Breakfizz of champions, Pierre Collins and Foie Old Time’s Sake. But since It was a fine dining dinner, I liked my Beringer Chardonnay and/or red wine to be paired with the start of the dinner, the USDA Angus Prime Rib Eye. Which is, so far, the best steak I’ve ever tasted. You can also have it medium-rare or well-done whatever your preferences are to make your sumptuous meal even great, Chef Anthony Raymond will surely adjust it for your likings. More so, a Double Smoked Bacon Turkey Roulade is also available. Though chardonnays can also be paired with Foie Grass Terrine, a petite green with dried fruit compote and red grape gastrique salad.

Cocktails - Foie Old Time's Sake; Camille Collins; and Breakfizz of Champions

appetizer

the starters of the night

And there was the Pumpkin Bisque with Melted Leeks and Crab Ravioli which tasted so creamy and yummy. Having this soup alone can already make your Christmas dinner one of a kind and what’s even more exciting was the dessert buffet by Chef Alvin Lucero. Gee… a different kind of chocolates and cakes were served on the most crave-able and unique table setting. Well, this is way too perfect for the kids or even kids-at-heart to just stay in one place. Can’t wait to have my nieces to try it for themselves and I am sure no more chasing here and there as this is a delightful buffet table to keep them busy.

Pumpkin Bisque with Melted Leeks and Crab Ravioli soup

the main dish - USDA Angus Prime Rib Eye

Foie Grass Terrine

the best steak I've tried so far, USDA Angus Prime Rib Eye with Purple Potato Puree, Aromatic Vegetables and Green Peppercorn Sauce

Meanwhile, relive the magic of Christmas as Discovery Suites Ortigas brings you a celebration inspired by the enthralling atmosphere of a circus dubbed as Cirque du Noël at Discovery Suites Ortigas. They kick started the festive season with a tree lighting activity which happened last 25 November 2015 that transformed the hotel into a unique Christmas circus. Spread the yuletide cheer with holiday gifts and goodies from different booths stationed on the lobby that runs ‘til 6 January 2016.

dessert buffet!

Pastry Chef Alvin Lucero doing the dessert buffet

lotsa chocolates and macaroons at the dessert buffet

Praline chocolates and strawberry

Dessert Buffet - assorted pralines, chocolates covered strawberries, chocolate tart, duo of chocolate mousse, chocolate creme brulee, chocolate macaroons, decadent chocolate cake and fudge brownies.

And the best part of every celebration is that we can liven up the festivities with delectable food offerings I’ve mentioned above by Chef Anthony Raymond that will surely delight your families and friends. Enjoy 22 Prime’s 4-course meal featuring Double Smoked Bacon Turkey Roulade and USDA Angus Prime Rib Eye for only Php 2,000 nett and is available from 16 December 2015 to 1 January 2016; 12:30 PM to 10:30 PM.

Mixologist Consultant Enzo Lim and Corporate Chef Anthony Raymond

For those who want to celebrate the eve of Christmas in the hotel, 22 Prime offers a carving of Prime Rib Eye and Holiday Turkey with decadent pastries for dessert priced at Php 2,300 nett.

Holiday room packages are also available when you book on 1 to 30 December 2015 and 1 to 31 January 2016. Delight in a dreamy suite complete with living and dining areas to set the stage for an intimate gathering, not too far from the familiar setting of a home. Rates start at Php 5,000 nett in a Junior Suite inclusive of breakfast buffet for 2 persons.

Discovery Suites Ortigas holiday offers are already a steal as it would surely make your Christmas season full of festivities while enjoying the comfort of staying in one of their suites with your love ones. See you there!