Wednesday 24 August 2011

Spices: Beurre Blanc

We were supposed to dine at another restaurant in Resorts World but upon seeing that not a single soul was dining there, we ended up in Beurre Blanc. A French - Mediterranean restaurant that means 'White Butter'.

Beurre Blanc

I loved the interiors of this restaurant, it has a very casual classy homey vibe. There was a goddess fountain in the middle of the dining area, the huge painting on the ceiling was definitely an eye catcher and the wall papers around provided a certain kind of warm and cozy feeling.



There was a buffet table set up but I opted to go ala carte. Complimentary warm slices of baguette and butter was served.


Baguette and Butter

The French Onion Soup was satisfactory. Though it has generous amounts of onion strips and cheese in it, the broth tasted like boullion cubes. The soup would have tasted better if only they used real beef broth.


French Onion Soup Php220


The Grilled Portabello Mushroom was simple and delicious. Portabello Mushrooms atop a crunchy baguette topped with arugula and slivers of cheese lightly dressed with a balsamic reduction. It was dressed with just the right amount of balsamic vinegar to compliment the mushrooms and not over-flavor it. Also, I really liked the crunchy bread at the bottom, it added texture to the whole dish.



Grilled Portabello Mushroom Php395

When the Three-Cheese Ravioli was served, I notice how shiny the cream sauce looked as I got a whiff of the wonderful earthy smell of truffle oil. The ravioli tasted great, the pasta still has a bite into it and the cheese pockets complimented the cream sauce well.


Three Cheese Ravioli Php395



The resto sells wines from different regions both old and new world. It also has a wine bar where one can order by glass.
Wine Cellar
Wine Bar

Though I only got to try out a few of their dishes, Beurre Blanc was a wonderful surprise. I would go back to try out more of their dishes.




Beurre Blanc
Address: 2nd Flr., Newport Mall, Resorts World Manila
Tel Nos: +632 8364342

Sunday 21 August 2011

Sights: BAGAC, BATAAN's Old Charm - Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar

Upon entering Las Casas, I felt like I was being transported back to the past. Old houses greeted our sights as guards and usherettes in full uniform welcomed us.

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar

A picture with the staff in full old traditional uniform.

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is a musuem/resort that boasts of houses and mansions from the 18th to the 20th century Philippines. The owner, Mr. Acuzar has a penchant for old house and he has been going all over the country in search for the old marvels. In total there are 27 heritage architectures, each house has its own story and history. For an entrance fee of Php 600, you'll get to be toured around the vicinity.






The tour guide told us that these reconstructed houses contained twenty to sixty percent of the original materials that came from the actual house. Whenever Mr. Acuzar spots an old house that he likes, he'll buy the house from the said owner. They carefully tear the house down piece by piece then transport the pieces back to Las Casas. The said pieces were used to rebuild the house in its original form.




What's so nice about this place is that you can actually rent a whole fully furnished Casa and stay for a night or two. Inside you'll be able to re-live the old times as the furnitures and fixtures are replicas from the past.



The Casa below is now under construction to be built into a hotel in the future.



The tour also includes a peek inside some of the houses. Everything was sophisticatedly done to make you feel that you're living in the past. From the ceilings, chandeliers, walls, paintings, mirrors and furnitures, everything was a marvel to behold.

A Replica of an Old Bed

This house had a 'stop-over' area for ladies who were wearing big and heavy gowns to take a short rest before heading up to the living area. 


I was amazed on how intricate the carvings were on the table.


A huge hall with baroque style columns.


Beautiful Mirrors hanging on the walls.



Replica Paintings of Fernando Amorsolo.




A reproduction of an old living room.





There were also different sculptures standing around the grounds depicting children playing traditional Filipino games.






There was also a mini-museum housing different antique collectibles.

Old Photographs

Antique Radio

Old China Set

Facilities include a kid's swimming pool resembling a batis (spring) , a beach, a river for boat riding and fishing.

Swimming Pool 

River

Filipino Mythical Creatures Found on the Bridge


Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is an awesome place to behold and experience. I was at awe on the attention given to every small detail in building the resort. Its definitely a blast from the past!



Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar
Address: Bo Pag-asa, Bagac, Bataan
Tel Nos:  (+63 2) 332.5338, (+632) 355.3032
Website:  www.lascasasfilipinas.com