Buddha Bar

Sumptuous summer sizzlers

By Earl D.C. Bracamonte

After successfully mounting its Shanghai Nights revelry, ushering in the Equine Year of the eastern zodiac, Buddha Bar Manila (BBM) entices both gourmets and gourmands to its new food fair. Simply dubbed “Weekend Lunch Grill,” the weekend binge offers delectable meats & eats to satiate any craving.

Enjoy sumptuous summer treats in this internationally-renowned bar, lounge & restaurant that has attracted Manila’s discerning epicures for its enthralling atmosphere and unique culinary creations marked with a modern Asian flair.

BBM takes weekend dining to a whole new level as it includes in its lunch menu a delectable feast of fresh catch and mouthwatering ribs and barbecue fare all grilled to perfection. The grilled main courses come with a refreshing round of lychee iced tea.

“Manila loves food, music and the nightlife. There are lots of fashionistas and beauty queens around. And there are lots like these party people in the world. BBM is a franchise of the original Paris outlet that espouses the ‘Eat-ertainment’ concept. There are 15 volumes of CD music we’ve been playing here where you can get a copy from our boutique inside.

“Our deejays and chefs tour in all our properties. You’ll love our lights, lounge and resto bar. For the Philippines, we made the theme baroque with happy interiors in reds and Zen details. Like other Buddha Bars worldwide, you’ll notice the high ceilings.

“We have a grandiose entrance because we are considered the event spot in the whole country. We are not a club but a resto, bar then lounge; serving good food, cocktails and music. And food is always served at the middle of each table. Our bestsellers include the Wagyu beef, Chilean sea bass and our chicken salad. Wednesdays is Ladies Night with unlimited champagne from 9 pm ‘til midnight. On Monday nights, everybody from the diplomatic post gets a 50 per cent discount!” shared business development director Nabil Souhail.

A wide array of new appetizers, starters (tossed salad, ceviche, maki & sushi, hot dishes, starch & veggies) and desserts are served in an intimate buffet spread. Those with sweet tooth must try their signature desserts like the all-time fave Chocolate Sesame Pralines or the newly-concocted Pastille de Maniile that’s filled with cashew and mangoes. Yummy! Paired with a signature Buddha Bar beverage, diners get to choose their favorite grilled main course; may it be seafood, red meat or game.

Happening every Saturday and Sunday starting April onwards, the smorgasbord treat opens at 11 in the morning ‘til 3 in the afternoon. Wine lovers can also have their fill of their favorite vintage in the drink-all-you-can “Ultimate Wine Experience” every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday nights.

Treat yourself and enjoy world-class gourmet cuisine in a swanky cosmopolitan setting like BBM. Located at Picar Place along Kalayaan Avenue in Makati City, diners can simply call for table reservations through tel. no. 856-6859 and 856-6719 and/or email info@buddhabarmanila.com.

The brand opened seventeen years ago in Paris. To date, there are thirteen other Buddha Bars across the globe that includes Macau, Morocco, St. Petersburg, Cairo, Qatar, Budapest, Prague, Singapore and Manila.