How many of you graciously walked down the staircase in Sofitel Hotel Manila that leads to the Spiral Buffet? I know very well how it felt like striding down the staircase (ah, like a debutant?) because that’s where my mom and I walked down when we had our first dinner in Spiral. Haha. Yes, we did. 🙂
That was in 2011. Four years after, I was back in Spiral. I have been to several events in Sofitel but never did I experience dining in the new Spiral – not until last month.
Sofitel Team invited me to try the new Spiral buffet – and I was truly honored/delighted/touched to receive such invitation! Imagine, there was no need to wait for discount deals from group buying sites – all I needed to do was show up and say the magic words – “Reservation under Dave *****”. (I really had to censor the last name because he might get bombarded with requests!).
I was escorted to a 4-seater table, and soon came Ms. Jane (former E-Commerce Executive for Sofitel) and Dave (new E-Commerce Manager for Sofitel). I have previously met the two during the Oktoberfest Media Launch and I was too excited to have lunch with them. We were also joined by Ramon (Veitura’s Marketing Officer).
But before the big lunch, Ms. Jane showed me around the new Spiral..
THE NEW SPIRAL
It is bigger than the old Spiral buffet boasting with 21 Dining Ateliers – Salad and Appetizer, L’Écailler, Sushi Sashimi, L’Epicerie, Hot Japanese, French Stove, Rotisserie, Wood fired Oven, Churrasco, North Indian, Asian Noodles, Peking Duck Oven, Steam Baskets, Chinese Wok, Filipino, Thai, Korean, La Boulangerie, La Patisserie, Chocolaterie and Creamery.
I am sure you have read reviews and raves about the new Spiral buffet from different blogs, so let me just share with you some insiders info that Ms Jane had shared with me.
buffet area of Spiral
Wow (just wow!) I am truly impressed with the new Spiral Buffet – from the floor layout, food presentation, facilities, and service (from chef, to trainees, wait staff and executives) – I only needed to have a taste of the delectable dishes to give this place an A+. Where did I go first? I had Indian food!
While I enjoyed my plate of curried dish and flat bread, I took the chance to ask about the story after the storm surge and typhoon Pedring hit Manila and Sofitel.
Ms. Jane proudly shared the story of the team’s dedication. She shared that the morning after the storm hit the hotel, the staff came in to work, showing dedication to help and facilitate quick clean up. The team showed positivity, some of the staff would even sing while doing their work and helping the management. They never asked questions about their compensation or the status of their employment – they just do their job as if it is business-as-usual. They showed concern to the hotel as if they are part-owners. The top management was even more supportive to the team – and in Novemver 2012, the new Spiral re-opened.
I marveled at the story behind the more luxurious Spiral where I was that afternoon. On my second (and third plate – which I failed to take a picture of), we talked about other different topics that the meeting felt like a lunch date with friends (especially if you found out that you have common friends!).
Thank you so much Dave, Ms. Jane and Ramon for having me! Special thanks and love to Ms. Blessy! 🙂
Spiral Buffet Manila
Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila,
CCP Complex Roxas Boulevard Pasay City
(02) 551 5555
hhttp://spiralmanila.com/
https://www.facebook.com/SpiralManila
