Brunch Redefined at Mireio's Luxe Sunday Brunch

When brunch transports you to a far away place, you know it's special. And it happens every Sunday at Mireio...

Raffles Makati's signature Provencal inspired restaurant, Mireio, takes you to the sun-kissed south of France with its famed culinary heritage and vibrant flavors in a lavish brunch like no other. It's Sunday brunch transformed and redefined with a sumptuous and elegant well-curated feast, from garden-fresh salads to fine European cheeses and charcuterie all the way to the day's freshest ocean harvest and savory selections from the carving station, each masterfully executed with a refined continental flair. And now, you can have the option of supplementing your dining experience with an endless pouring of Moet & Chandon Imperial Brut Champagne, fine wine and handcrafted signature cocktails. It's an experience that's both grand and luxurious. It's the Luxe Sunday Brunch at Mireio...

The sun truly never sets at Mireio. With its panoramic floor to ceiling glass walls, the elegant interiors are draped in natural light bouncing off the pristine white table linens and graceful white marble recreating the eternal summers of Provence. That distinctive blue tint, which I call the Mireio Light, gives the rustic space an ethereal glow warmed by the personal and attentive service of the staff. And the man at the helm of Mireio makes sure it stays that way.

A native of Provence, Chef de Cuisine Herve Clair brings not only the flavors he grew up with, the famed culinary heritage of southern France, but a wealth of experience gained from stints with world-acclaimed Chef Alain Ducasse in various Michelin-starred institutions (for more on Chef de Cuisine Herve Clair, see my earlier post, A Provencal Lunch with Chef de Cuisine Herve Clair at Mireio). Mireio is now his stage for classic Provencal and continental cuisine, and it shines bright every Sunday just in time for brunch with the Luxe Sunday Brunch at Mireio.

You can tell, Chef Herve Clair fits right in with Mireio's Provencal-themed culinary style (for more on Mireio's Provencal inspired cuisine, see my previous posts, Old World Colonial Elegance and Provencal Flavors: A Weekend at Raffles Makati and A Taste of Provence at Mireio from three years ago). For only P 2,750 per person, you can embark on a culinary journey to Provence and indulge in rustic Provencal and European style continental cuisine and even come back for seconds. And thirds. 

I remember my first Luxe Sunday Brunch at Mireio, a memorable one, and I'm pretty sure this second round would be equally special (for more on my very first Luxe Sunday Brunch experience at Mireio, see my previous post from last year here at Elevating The Brunch Experience at Mireio's Luxe Sunday Brunch Buffet).

It's a Sunday. Why not have a refreshing tipple with the Luxe Sunday Brunch Beverage Package for the upgraded rate of P 4,200 per person and enjoy a selection of fine wines including crisp whites, bold reds and a delicate rose. Or why not have some champagne for that luxe touch? Better yet, leave it to master mixologist Paul Perez to prepare some refreshing handcrafted cocktails to end the week right (find out more on Raffles Makati's cool cocktails at Long Bar on my earlier posts, Old School Still Rules: Inspired by Classics at Long Bar and Create It. Name It. The Cocktail Collab at Long Bar).

The talented mixologists at Raffles Makati's Long Bar created five signature cocktails for the Luxe Sunday Brunch, including the tart Froze (L) with rose wine, vodka, lemon juice and berries puree and the classic Bloody Mary (R). Other cocktails include the Agrum'tonic infused with spices, the Campari Spritz and Mireio's Punch.

The signature cocktails add that celebratory vibe to your Luxe Sunday Brunch at Mireio. A sommelier provides the perfect pairing with an impressive array of fine French wines as well as Moet & Chandon Imperial Brut Champagne. Nothing like some bubbly for brunch. Another round? Absolutely.

Chef Herve Clair adds his own personal touches to the Luxe Sunday Brunch at Mireio with his favorite aperitif, Ricard, a bold and flavorful yet potent anise and licorice-flavored pastis to open up your palate. It's the little touches that add authenticity to make your dining experience at Mireio's Luxe Sunday Brunch special.  

After a few pre-brunch drinks, it's time to navigate the impressive spread at Mireio's Luxe Sunday Brunch starting at the Salad Station. You won't find the usual offerings of mixed greens, Mireio goes beyond that drawing inspiration from classic European flavors with its sweet and nutty Roasted Pumpkin Salad with Gorgonzola and Roasted Walnut...

...and the perfect summer salad from Nice, the iconic Nicoise Salad with delicately seared cubes of fresh tuna, French beans, Nicoise olives, shallots and potatoes mixed with garden greens draped in a rich olive oil based dressing. Like many dishes from Provence, the classic salad follows strict rules maintaining tradition. And you'll find that here at Mireio for a taste of Provence. But if you want a Caesar Salad, they have that too.

That day, the Salad Station also featured other unique salad variations including the rich and creamy Mozzarella Salad, Tomato Confit, Lemon Confit with Arugula (L) and flavorful Vegetable Sticks (R) with tasty vegetables and cheese on a skewer.

Over at the Salad Bar, I spot an old favorite...

...the Lobster Custard, intricately served in an egg shell. It's been one of my personal favorites at the Luxe Sunday Brunch, and an absolute must-try for those trying Mireio for the first time. Velvety smooth and creamy with the briny notes of succulent lobster, it's the perfect introduction to Mireio's culinary style.

But there's more. We were served tasty little bites of Foie Gras and Truffles on Toast (L) with its deep and earthy notes that just paired well with a glass of champagne, even a Bloody Mary. And if you want even more tasty nibbles, head on over to the Cheese and Charcuterie Station where you'll find savory starters like Pork Terrine and Liver Pate (R).

The Luxe Sunday Brunch at Mireio showcases an impressive array of gourmet European cheeses and charcuterie, from the traditional hard cheeses like Gruyere and Tomme de Savoie...

...the the Comte Cheese made from unpasteurized cow's milk from eastern France...

...to the sharp Spanish Manchego for your own personalized cheese plate (L). A tasty trio of Goat Cheeses (R), from the traditional to the flavored variants coated in rich spices and nuts, were also laid out on the impressive spread. It's this wide variety of cheeses that make the Luxe Sunday Brunch at Mireio special. 

Pick up some fresh-baked artisan bread and a few wedges of soft cheeses like the Pont-L Eveque and milky Camembert...

...along with some premium charcuterie and your Luxe Sunday Brunch is off to a great start. 

And just like the cheeses, the charcuterie selection is equally impressive featuring French Bayonne Ham sliced paper-thin...

...Salami (R) and Smoked Salmon from the Salad Station. It's tempting to load up, but then again, just go with the flow. It's Sunday, and a feast like this is the perfect way to cap the week. And no, you don't need to rush. At Mireio, you can take your time and go at your own pace. 

So take it slow and enjoy as there are more choices to try and savor like the Chorizo and Landjaeger, a semi-dried sausage from the Alsace region with German origins. 

Mireio then goes back to its roots with the savory French Saucisson with its bold, salty notes that's perfect with another glass of wine... 

...along with deep and dark red, almost purple, Bresaola Air-Dried Beef with its distinct musty notes. The cheese and charcuterie selection alone takes you to all corners of the European continent. And that's just for starters.

On one side of Mireio, diners will find the Risotto Station (L) where you can have a bowl prepared a la minute with Porcini Mushroom, Truffle Paste or Oil-Aged Parmesan with Chives. Not far away is the Tartare a la Minute Station (R) offering fresh salmon, tuna, tanigue and beetroot and other vegetables...

...for that perfect bowl. The salmon with dill and parsley tossed in a citrus dressing was both refreshing and flavorful, you'll want another.

But it's the Bouillabaisse Station with its fresh seafood that caught my eye. One of the most iconic of Provencal dishes, this hearty fish stew is said to represent the very essence and soul of Provence with its rich flavors. The briny sweetness of plump prawns, fish and mussels form the base of the traditional stew at Mireio with the addition of potatoes, herbs and spices adding even more layers of flavors. 

Your bowl is prepared a la minute, so you get it fresh and hot with all the delicate flavors at its peak. The mildly tart broth complements the sweet and briny notes of the seafood. Just perfect. Lore, legend and tradition surrounds this fabled stew, and one sip of the richly flavored broth sends you away to the port of Marseille in the south of France.

At the Egg Confit Station, the Foie Gras Espuma or soft boiled egg with foie gras foam is an indulgently rich dish for a truly luxe Sunday brunch experience. The creamy soft boiled egg lines the palate with its velvety smooth texture capped by the nutty notes of the foie gras. Can there be anything more decadent than this for brunch? You'll find so many more equally indulgent offerings at Mireio's Luxe Sunday Brunch.

Like this elegantly plated Salmon Benedict, masterfully executed by the chefs of Mireio. At Mireio, each plate becomes a palette of colorful flavors. Then, you are just about ready for the savory mains...

...starting with the selection of the day's freshest catch including succulent Crabs...

...plump Manila Clams and Elephant Clams, Tiger Prawns and New Zealand Black Mussels...

...and Slipper Lobsters just for good measure.

Simply pick your seafood and tell the staff how you want it prepared, and the dish will be served by the time you finish your second serving of Bouillabaisse or Foie Gras Espuma.

At the Carving Station, the savory selections are just as tempting with slow roasted Leg of Lamb...

...and just in case you're wondering where's the beef...

...feast your eyes on the Wagyu Prime Rib.

If you need to satisfy your craving for some pork love, no worries.

The Porchetta, with juicy pork capped by a lightly crisp layer of crackling should do the trick.

Just where to begin your epic feast becomes a strategic matter, you'll need to come up with a plan. Another plate of cheese and charcuterie should help you finalize your plan of action. Then, it's all systems go with a plate of Slipper Lobsters and Mussels lightly sauteed in butter and garlic...  

...followed by another, this time with lemon garlic sauce. The firm texture of the seafood selection is a sign of its freshness, with each bite releasing a burst of sweet and briny notes.  

And don't forget the crab and tiger prawns...

...with more of that garlic butter to bring out the flavors of the seafood without overwhelming it for that perfect finish.

If you still have room, the Wagyu Prime Rib completes your luxe dining experience at Mireio.

Perfectly grilled to medium rare with a juicy pink center, you don't need to add any sauce to this slice of premium beef. A pinch of rock salt and nothing else, with a side of buttered French beans completes this dish for me.

No luxe brunch is complete without dessert. And Mireio offers a decadent selection of French desserts from assorted Macarons in a variety of flavors...

...to intricate Almond Berries Tarts...

...French Eclairs...

...and Dark Chocolate Eclairs.

How about some Dark Chocolate with Tarragon?

Just grab a plate, and you'll be smiling on your way back to your seat. I guess desserts really make everything better. Like that Salted Caramel and Dark Chocolate & Baileys.

What makes Mireio the perfect spot for Sunday Brunch is its intimate vibe without the usual crowds. And the friendly staff completes that final link to another memorable dining experience at Mireio. The well-curated selection of the lavish spread, the elegant yet cozy feel of the place and the attentive service of the staff. It all adds up to the luxe vibe of Luxe Sunday Brunch at Mireio. It's Sunday brunch redefined with an elegant spin. Only at Raffles Makati.

Mireio is located at the 9th Floor, Raffles Makati, 1 Raffles Drive, Makati Avenue, Makati. For more information and reservations, call 795-0707 or email mireio.makati@raffles.com. 

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