First Class Cinema Experience at SF Cinema, Bangkok

I wish for a time when the South of Manila would have its own luxury cinema with enormous seats, unlimited popcorn and drinks, as well as impeccable service.

In 2010, my sister and I were in Bangkok and on our last day, we experienced first class cinema service at SF Cinema at Centara Grand.  

We were amazed at the whole set-up.  The dining area for first class cinema goers looked like the lobby of a chic hotel or club.

The food was limited to hors d'oeuvres and pastries but the presentation left us speechless.

That's my sister enjoying the couch.

Our complimentary non-alcoholic drinks were served by the cinema staff.

I chose to have the mini burger and pasta dish.

We only had twenty minutes before the movie started so we had to rush into the cinema.

The seats were huge....

The cinema staff informed us we can have unlimited popcorn and drinks.  We only had to ring a bell near our seats to call them...now that's first class service.

Overall, we enjoyed the movie (Dear John), the dining lounge and the cinema.  It was truly worth its   price of 700 baht per person.

Buffet Time at Acaci in Acacia Hotel

I was curious to try out the buffet spread at Acacia Hotel.  I invited my friend to drive up all the way to the South for this.

The buffet was located on the mezzanine floor which was quite airy and spacious.  We had reservations at 11:00 for the lunch buffet.

The interiors were totally modern.  

We especially liked the upholstered chairs.  

Service was a bit slow considering that we were the only diners in the first hour of the buffet which is from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm.

The buffet costs Php 1,086 with one round of iced tea or pandan drink and comes with coffee or tea.

We lingered over the appetizers and sushi area.

I tried 4 out of the 5 dishes below.  I'm not fond of spicy dishes which is why I avoided the Kimchi (see upper left of the photo below).

The salmon sashimi was very fresh while the tuna sashimi was a tad dry.  I had second servings of the salmon sashimi.  The steamed shrimp was quite good as well.

A taste of Italy was offered in the parma ham and perfectly ripe honey dew melon.  When the melon is this ripe, the salty flavor of the parma ham is enhanced.

Being a salmon aficionado, I likewise tried the smoked salmon with dill sauce which was up to par with other hotel buffets.

My first plate consisted of different appetizers...

The entrees included pork sisig, beef slices, roast chicken, steamed fish, pasta and the carving station featured lamb.  

They also had a mongolian station which I failed to try because I was so full from the appetizers station.

For dessert, there's a halo halo station, chocolate fondue and various pastries.  I especially liked the brownies and the strawberry mousse.

Out of 5 stars, I would give this buffet a 3.5.  The ambiance made up for the lackluster taste of some of their dishes. We went on a Thursday and according to their staff, the dishes they serve are changed on a daily basis.

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Acaci Buffet @ Acacia Hotel

5400 East Asia Drive corner Commerce Avenue

Filinvest Corporate City,

Alabang, Muntinlupa City

Tel. No.  720 2000

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Aboy's Restaurant

After our stop at Pendy's, we headed to Aboy's Restaurant which is located near the old airport in Bacolod.

The glass counter on the far right area of the photo is where they keep seafood, pork and chicken which are cooked upon ordering.  The covered pots is where the cooked dishes are and you can simply choose a dish and have it brought to your table.

This place can hold large groups of families and tourists.  Their air conditioning works pretty well too.

Aboy's is very Filipino in terms of design aesthetics.  The tables and chairs are made of wood and the framed items depict different sculptures that has significance to the Philippine culture (i.e. religion, festivals, etc.)

For the washing stations, they used 3 spherical water jars made of baked clay or terra cotta.

 

For me, this place serves the best grilled dishes in town.  Here's what we ordered....

Ensaladang talong with tomatoes and salted egg

Squid fat - my mom's favorite!  (110% cholesterol)

Grilled blue marlin - my favorite!

 Grilled scallops - another family favorite!

 The Sinamak is Bacolod's very own vinegar concoction. 

 *A must try for those who love spicy condiments

We ordered a few more dishes (steamed fish, pork liempo and buttered shrimps) but in my haste to try everything, I wasn't able to take pictures.

For the drinks, we had fresh buko juice and sago't gulaman.

It was definitely a filling meal.  Our bill amounted to PhP2,000++ for 5 adults and 2 kids.  It was quite reasonable considering the quantity of food we ordered including 10 cups of rice, drinks for everyone plus ice cream for the kids.

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ABOY'S RESTAURANT

Golden Field Commercial Complex, Bacolod City, 

Negros Occidental, Philippines, 6100
Email: aboysrestaurant@aboysrestaurant.com

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