Food News: Diamond Hotel Opens The Lobby Lounge

Diamond Hotel Philippines recently opened the Lobby Lounge, the newest dining attraction offering some of the best culinary treats this side of the city, including Diamond Hotel's signature coffee and desserts.

The Lobby Lounge is nicely tucked in a corner, intimate yet casual, just the perfect place for a leisurely meal,   a cup of coffee or some late night cocktails. Great for business meetings or family gatherings, The Lobby Lounge's culinary offerings are extensive to satisfy any craving, from savory meals and snacks to indulgent desserts.

The Lobby Lounge exudes luxury with its stylish and contemporary interiors, yet there is a warmth and casual feel that is so inviting, just the place for a cup of coffee, a scoop of ice cream or a relaxed meal.

The Lobby Lounge's new interiors are complemented with an updated selection of culinary offerings, and I was fortunate to be invited along with other food bloggers to sample the full range of signature dishes last week... 

The feast began with Truffle Fries for starters, thick cut and crisp on the outside and fried in rich truffle oil. A prelude to even more good things to come.  Off to a great start so far...

Next up were some really amazing Foie Gras Macaroons, sweet and salty, with each bite simply melting in your mouth...seriously good stuff.

Rich and decadent, I never imagined the combination could work so well, and it totally had me after just one bite. This was an experience in itself.  Definitely different, definitely a must try.

Iced Sumibi, a cool and vibrant iced version of the Kohikan Sumibi coffee topped with whipped cream. A premium Japanese brand known for its charcoal roasted sumibi coffee, it's rich and bold flavor works well with the ice and cream, a refreshing drink anytime of day.

Hot Mocha, brewed coffee with steamed milk, a shot of cocoa syrup and topped with rich whipped cream. Rich and full of flavor, best paired with The Lobby Lounge's signature desserts.

Kohi Jelly, cubes of dark jelly topped with ice cream and whipped cream, a refreshingly cool dessert.

And topped with Diamond Hotel's homemade ice cream, it's a perfect sweet treat. The combination of flavors and textures blend well, a perfect medley.

Next came the Smoked Salmon Caesar, loaded with smoked salmon, prosciutto, soft boiled egg and Grano Padana cheese and crunchy croutons. A refreshing salad and a great starter to any meal at The Lobby Lounge.

French Onion Soup, rich beef broth topped with traditional Emmentale. Rich, hearty and comforting, with the cheese and croutons adding texture and richness to this old favorite.

Zucchini Cream Soup, topped with crisp parmesan cheese, roasted tomatoes and basil.

Simply crack the parmesan and let it melt in the soup for that added richness and flavor. This one's refreshingly different, and definitely worth trying at The Lobby Lounge.

Lamb Pot Pie, braised lamb shank with chickpeas and baked to perfection.

Hearty and filling, rustic and traditional, a good lunch or dinner option at The Lobby Lounge.

Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli, topped with sage, brown butter and walnuts. A light yet flavorful meal.

Fresh Tomato Pappardelle Pasta, with spicy sausage, forest mushrooms, sage and goat cheese.

A filling pasta dish with some nice heat, adding a nice little kick. If you enjoy some serious spice and heat, this one's for you.

Slow Roasted Beef Belly with honey roasted baby carrots and  horseradish cream on Red Rice.

Tender, juicy beef belly, perfect for meat lovers.

Bocadillos, Jamon Serrano, chorizo, black pudding and Manchego cheese with a side of fries. The sharp notes of the Jamon Serrano and chorizo makes this a perfect sandwich, a tasty combo with the Manchego and veggies. A perfect snack or a late night light meal.

Spicy Pickled Sardines with cucumber, tomatoes, pickled red onions and lettuce, a cool and healthy sandwich alternative.

Lamb Burger, Moroccan spiced  lamb patty with feta and Parmesan cheese, harissa yogurt, red onions, lettuce and tomatoes.

I've always loved lamb, and this burger doesn't disappoint. Tender and juicy, nicely complemented by the rich and sharp notes of the feta and Parmesan. It's a serious and filling burger, great with a beer.

If you are a fan of Diamond Hotel's The Cake Club, you'll be pleased to know that The Cake Club's signature cakes are also served at The Lobby Lounge. Now that's cool.

The Cake Club's signature cake, the Supermoist Chocolate Cake. The name just says it all...

Hold on, there's more...the Le Royale, a rich and decadent dessert with valrhona dark chocolate mousse, almond meringue, and hazelnut crisps...

...the Guia, a maple and walnut cheesecake, not too sweet, great with a cup of Kohikan coffee.

The Lobby Lounge also offers The Cake Club's popular macaroons, and they taste as good as they look, seriously delicious eye candy.

The Vanessa, pistachio macaroons and fresh strawberries...

...and The Cake Club's best-selling Ispahan, made with raspberries, lychee and rose essence. The macaroons are rich yet delicate, and initially I felt it was just way too pretty to eat, but after one bite you suddenly find yourself going for seconds and thirds. And before you even know it, the macaroons disappear right before your eyes. 

Baked Cheesecake, The Cake Club's signature cheesecake, and a personal favorite, Rich, but not too sweet, a traditional cheesecake best paired with a bold cup of Kohikan coffee.

And finally, the Mont Blanc, made with fresh chestnut paste, Chantilly cream, prunes soaked in dark rum on almond tart. But the desserts don't end here, Diamond Hotel's popular homemade ice creams are next...

Diamond Hotel's famous homemade ice cream, always a hit. With unique flavors like Black Sesame, Azuki (Japanese red beans), Taro Jackfruit, Melon, Apple Pie, Genmaicha (Green tea with Roasted Brown Rice), Coconut Palm Sugar and the ever popular Salted Caramel. Your favorite cakes from The Cake Club are also available in ice cream flavors, like Supermoist Chocolate Cake, Baked Cheesecake, Mont Blanc and Le Royale. Go for a double scoop...you'll definitely go for seconds. The different flavors are also available in one pint and half gallon containers to take home. Cool. 

The Salted Caramel Ice Cream, ice cream perfection in a cup.

The flavors are sharp and intense, a rich and creamy dessert you'll keep coming back to again and again. And again.

With around twelve flavors to choose from, the ice cream selection at The Lobby Lounge is quite impressive.

Choosing one particular flavor can be difficult, but I'll definitely go for the Salted Caramel and the Supermoist Chocolate Cake...

...or maybe the Apple Pie and Le Royale...or the Baked Cheesecake and Black Sesame...tough choices. Seriously. Better yet, have a cup of coffee before deciding...

Ending the feast with Hediard Tea. Perfect. Expertly blended in France following a Russian tradition, the soothing blend includes China tea flavored with lemon and orange. Fruity and aromatic, just perfect to cap a perfect meal.at The Lobby Lounge.

Should you find yourself in this part of Manila, do check out The Lobby Lounge. The menu is extensive, and the service is truly exceptional. Just the place after viewing the famed sunset at Manila Bay or a night at the theater. 

Diamond Hotel's new Lobby Lounge is definitely worth checking out, a new cool place to hang out with friends, family or business colleagues. Special thanks to Diamond Hotel's Twinkle Lacsamana (L), Public Relations Supervisor and Melanie Pallorina (R), Public Relations Manager for an awesome dinner.

The Lobby Lounge is open daily from 7am until 11pm. For more information, you may call Diamond Hotel Philippines at (632) 528-3000. For updates and special offerings, follow Diamond Hotel on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/diamondhotelphilippines and Twitter at http://twitter.com/DiamondHotelPh.

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