In celebration of Philippine Coffee Month, Holiday Inn & Suites Makati sets out to explore the many ways this much-loved brew can be enjoyed
Written by Vida Gabe
Photos by Vida Gabe and courtesy of Holiday Inn and Suites Makati
For many people, coffee is a necessary part of daily life: something to start the day or serve as a quick pick me up to rev up our engines. But there’s more to coffee than a cup of liquid fuel. This October, in celebration of the Philippine Coffee Month, Holiday Inn & Suites Makati shows everyone how coffee can be enjoyed beyond that single cup (or two or three) we usually have.
Last October 4, Holiday Inn & Suites, together with the Philippine Coffee Board and the International Women’s Coffee Alliance, unveiled to the public a special menu for coffee lovers at the hotel’s various dining establishments.
“Our guests enjoy the coffee we serve in the hotel and we are proud to say that it is 100% Philippine grown,” says Holiday Inn & Suites Makati Hotel Manager Andy Belmonte, who shares that the hotel uses premium Arabica from Sultan Kudarat. “We have always served locally-sourced coffee and will continue to do so as we do believe in the local industry and we want to do our part in the sustainability of local farmer efforts.”
Holiday Inn & Suites’ offerings range from a selection of coffee-infused dishes at Flavors Restaurant, to specialty coffee concoctions at Citron Cafe, to specially-prepared coffee cocktails at the Oz Bar. At Flavors, dining guests can try out steaks or roasts flavored with coffee rubs or sample lighter fare such as the Grilled Chicken Salad with Coffee Vinaigrette or the Chili and Coffee Mango Zesty Quinoa Salad. For dessert, a Mocha Velvet Cake or a Cappuccino Truffle Brulee Cake provides the perfect finish to a great meal.
Citron Café, on the other hand, offers a selection of iced coffees to their menu with refreshing option such as the sweet and minty Mojito Coffee, which makes use of muddled mint with espresso and syrup, topped with whole milk; the Hanoi-inspired Coconut Coffee, which blends rich coffee with condensed milk and coconut cream; and the Lemon Coffee, which makes use of espresso brightened with fresh lemons, syrup, and soda water for that extra citrusy zing.
Citron Café coffee drinks.
Finally, those looking for stronger drinks can sample the cocktail selection at the Oz Bar: Affogato, a single shot of espresso shaken with vodka, Kahlua and crème de cacao liqueurs, and poured over vanilla ice cream; Bailey’s Affogato, regular affogato with an added shot of Bailey’s liqueur; Barako millionaire, a shot of espresso blended with Bacardi, Fundador and condensed milk; and the Chocolate Espresso Martini, a shot of espresso shaken with vodka, Kahlua liqueur, chocolate syrup, and ice.
Those who want to discover new savory and sweet offerings made with the distinct coffee bean can enjoy the special menu at Flavors during the entire month of October. Their breakfast buffet is only P1284 (net) daily, while the lunch buffet is at P1675 (net) from Monday to Saturday. The dinner buffet is net priced at P1675 (Sunday to Thursday) and P1900 (Friday and Saturday). Brunch buffet every Sunday, meanwhile, is available for P1900 (net).
Savory selections using coffee-flavored rubs or sauces highlight the humble Philippines coffee bean.
Holiday Inn & Suites Makati is located at Palm Drive, Ayala Center, Makati City. For more information, please call (632) 909-0888 or visit makati.holidayinn.com.
