The word urban is closely attached to this premiere location, Fort Bonifacio. I believe it’s known to be the hippest, the coolest and even the yummiest area in the metro. Where all the new finds are, the Fort is the place to be. In my own little circle, I hear my colleagues and friends do their food trips or simple hangouts at Fort. Seems to be the top of mind for them.

When I think of reasons why we are all attracted to Fort, I get to a conclusion that maybe it’s because of the accessibility to where people work at and the fact the place looks brand new, as if pollution and traffic are still mild compared to other cities in the metro.

Building your business at this area is very clever especially if you’re one of the firsts. Speaking of firsts, F1 Hotel is the very first hotel in the district. No need to tell them but they knew pretty well where they’re positioning themselves. Really clever! I don’t know if you noticed this hotel but in my case, I’m always seated at the passenger’s seat. While the driver is busy driving, I’m busy navigating or observing the buildings or sceneries on the road. F1 Hotel caught my eye since it’s the first hotel I saw situated in Fort Bonifacio. Ever since I saw the building, I wanted to drag anyone just to go inside and check out this new hotel.

The first time I visited F1 Hotel was for a Dove event at Fort. As one of the Dove Girls, we were dressed and made up at one of the suites of F1. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to try their food that time. Our time was limited to hair & make-up plus styling our clothes for the Dove event. After months of being busy, I was given the opportunity to visit F1 Hotel again.

Now this time, to do what I love… to Eat!

Now it’s a privilege to share with you my evening at F1 Hotel’s Cafe.

The bread corner impressed me even if it was a small corner pushed at the side of the buffet. All my favorites are there…

My chosen cheeses – Brie, Kesong Puti and Gouda 

Brie is best partnered with any flat or rye bread. Sometimes, it’s tempting to include in my grocery shopping cart all the time.

Using local and fresh farm fruits as ingredient shows support to our local farmers who work endlessly to have a livelihood for their family. Through this dish, I can see how Chef Sau Del Rosario is trying to lift up Filipino cuisine using local ingredients, like mango, that’s available in the Philippine market.

Flavor wise, it has that touch of mango zest in every tiny bites of salmon belly.

One big fish! Mahi-Mahi or Dorado gave a better taste to what Chinese normally pick at Chinese restaurants, steamed lapu-lapu in soy sauce. Its meat didn’t give me a hard time to eat as it was manageable to remove the fish bone.

I had more expectations in getting my share of F Cafe’s Turkey. The meat tumbled over being dry and dull. As if the meat isn’t Turkey at all. All chefs know how tricky it is to cook one whole Turkey for Thanksgiving. I guess the chef that time overlooked on it and wasn’t able to test the moisture and right amount of heat that should be done to cook a perfect Turkey.

Signature of F1 Cafe is their Bagnet. The unhealthy side of F Cafe brings you their Bagnet. No need to prove how unhealthy it is, but for those who aren’t conscious of how much oil or fat you eat, F1’s Bagnet suits you well.

Don’t think Chef Sau is from Ilocos because of his famous bagnet. Chef Sau is F1’s Kapampangan head chef. From his background itself, you know he’s not just a foodie but a chef who came from a province with abundant delectable Filipino recipes. He knows what Filipinos look for. And with his international background as a chef who traveled across Europe several times, he incorporates European flavors with our local cuisine.

As you all know, a buffet experience is incomplete without my ever dearest favorite food, Salmon Sashimi.

F1 Cafe is not limited to Filipino food only. Go Japanese at F Cafe by trying some of their very own sushi rolls and other raw foods.

Even though I was too stuffed from my heavy dinner and had little space for desserts, I still pushed myself to the limits. Had to inject more sweets into my system just to get to give my taste buds a little feel of sweetness from F Cafe’s dessert table.

Not to miss out? It’s their Creme Brulee!

Practically speaking, businessmen want the convenience of staying in a hotel that is within the business district. Being situated at the Fort is the best, if you look at international or foreign standards. For me, main Makati area is too crowded with unpredictable heavy traffic. The surroundings of Fort gives every visitor a lighter feel, not to mention the numerous restaurants and hangout spots to visit. It is wise for a businessman who is visiting Manila to stay in a hotel at the Fort, or F1 Hotel in short. The place is not only convenient but the food absolutely passes international standards.

Thank you to F1 Hotel for inviting me over dinner.

Your hospitality and great company is much appreciated. 🙂

Current PROMOS you might wanna try…

If you frequent the Fort area, then it’s about time to check out the very first hotel of the district, F1 Hotel.

Go ahead and try F Cafe!

Let their experimental and classic Filipino cuisine fill up your appetite.

Cheers,

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Location: 32nd Street, Bonifacio Global City

Contact: (+632) 928 9888 or (+632) 908 7888

Website: www.f1hotelmanila.com

Budget: PHP1,100++

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