Indonesian Food Festival

My friends all know how much I like Oakwood so when an opportunity came for me to try out their ongoing promotion, the Indonesian Food Festival at the Oakroom, it was too good to just pass up.



They flew in Oakwood Jakarta's Executive Chef, Deden Suherman so this is a great chance for us Filipinos to try authentic Indonesian dishes without having to travel there.



I sometimes wonder why their cuisine hasn't been embraced as much as their other Asian counterparts when their dishes are very similar to ours. Back in Singapore, the Indonesian food stall that opened up recently has been our daily lunch choice.

Admittedly, while Satay is probably their most well known dish, I am not a fan. Give me the peanut sauce but leave the satay behind. I had the Tahu Asi (Stuffed Tofu) for my appetizer. Being a tofu fan, I loved this.



For the main course, I had the Rendang Daging (Beef Rendang) and as with any rendang the spice level had to be toned down a little. The beef was very tender and very flavorful. If my aunt was here, she would be very happy cause she would no longer be limited to preparing rendang out of a ready-made mix. I also particularly loved the baby potatoes, anything baby potatoes and I'm happy.



We also had the Soto Ayam, it's chicken in clear broth. This is my friend's lunch staple back home and is very tasty and light.



The Mie Goreng (Indonesian Fried Noodles) which is similar to pancit canton, sadly, I never got to try. I was too full and I had to leave room for dessert.



For my sweet tooth, I had the Es Cendol (rice flour and jackfruit with coconut milk).



I also had the chance to meet the Executive Chef who was very gracious and humble. A very big thank you to Oakwood for the wonderful dinner and an authentic Indonesian experience right here in Manila. Now it's time for me to hit the gym before heading to the beach.



This special promotion is happening only until the 21st so do give it a try.

Oakwood Premier Joy~Nostalg Center Manila

Last year, after our Beijing trip, Oliver arranged a hotel stay for us at the relatively new Oakwood Premier Joy-Nostalg Center in Ortigas.

Location:

I didn't know that Oakwood has already opened up in Ortigas in a pretty convenient location. It is but a few steps away from two major malls, the Podium and Robinson's Galleria. Starbucks and 7-11 are also very near if you suddenly need a caffeine fix.

The hotel has two entrances similar to the Discovery Suites as it also houses several offices. The entrance along ADB avenue is the hotel's where you can access the malls. The other side is the office entrance where security is a bit tighter. You can exit out of here to go to Ortigas Park where rows and rows of restaurants are available even late at night.



One thing you would immediately notice from the moment you step in the lobby is how nice the hotel smells.

Room:


We booked the Studio Room (the cheapest) and since it is a serviced apartment, it comes with complete apartment amenities.



Immediately facing the door when you enter is the kitchen which is fully equipped with an oven, a microwave, and kitchenwares.











The kitchen then looks out to the couch and the bed.





Behind the tv console is a small hallway with sliding mirrored closet doors and shiny closets.





You can use this area to get ready as the bathroom is also right by it.



The shower area also doubles as a sauna. Very cool!




To the right of the tv console is a small desk. There is a sliding door right by it which reveals the laundry area. Since we had lots of dirty clothes from our recent trip, we made full use of the washing machine and the dryer.



We were also given a fruit platter when we checked in. I'm not sure if it's part of their standard welcome or if it's because Oliver got us a special rate. (I forgot to take a picture of the platter but you can see it in the picture below on the counter top).



Apart from the very complete room, there are three things which I especially liked about Oakwood:

1. The slippers - very fluffy and comfortable.

2. The floor to ceiling windows which is just amazing to look at when you're getting up in the morning.



3. The soap and shampoo.



Hospitality:

Everyone was very helpful and friendly. We headed straight to the hotel from the airport and since our room won't be available for a few more hours, we waited at the lobby.



We were also wanting a quick shower and they allowed us to use the shower area of the pool which was as nice looking as the rest of the hotel. It's not a big deal but the little gesture was much appreciated. I also had a problem with the lock of my luggage and three staff approached me to help me pry it open right there on the lobby. It was a bit embarrassing but again, the attention they pay to their guests helps in making you feel very welcome.