I saw a window of opportunity to treat my dad and stepmom to a restaurant before they flew across international waters and returned to everyday life.
In my heart and head, the special place had to fill the following requirements: near the airport, relaxed, and satiating.
Since it was the end of their vacation and tiredness can easily creep in, I wanted to provide them an experience that was filling but free of the usual hustle, bustle, and hubbub of crowd dining.
After a quick Google search of buffet restaurants in Pasay city (where the international airport is), I chanced upon S Kitchen.
From viewing its website, I was sold that it was a solid pick; although I didn’t know just how much until I experienced it firsthand.
My S Kitchen Experience
I arrived at the Sheraton Manila Hotel and proceeded past the lobby to the restaurant. Near the restrooms and the elevators, I saw the information desk and was greeted by the receptionist who had a welcoming and reassuring smile. She then promptly confirmed my reservation* and ushered me to the dining area.
I settled adjacent to the huge windows and just by the café and dessert stations. The colorful collection of cakes and desserts was so tempting that I almost started my meal with a slice of cheesecake. But I’m happy to report that I went the responsible route:
Then the parents came, and I welcomed them the same way I was — with a bright smile. I then quickly guided them to our table and off to their gastronomical quests they went.
The food and cooking stations lined the walls of the restaurant, placing the long dining area in the middle. Our area was sectioned off by the ‘dessert island’ and so it was a sort of private corner somehow. While the groups of people chatted and laughed in the main dining hall, our company enjoyed our meals in a laid-back fashion.
The food selections were a great mix of international and local selections. I went to the Asian barbecue station to get some chicken satay and Korean barbecue. Then, some stir-fried vegetables, lechon pieces, and a bit of fried rice. I followed these with a lot of seafood and some aglio olio and pesto pasta.
For dishes that the staff needed to cook first or required further preparations, they brought them to our table once the dishes were ready. It was definitely a first for me when it comes to buffet experiences.
I think I only had to mention my table number to them once. When I went to a different food station to get my succeeding dishes that required some prep time, they already knew where my table was, which was superb service in my humble opinion.
For that to happen, someone had to take note of where we were seated. It was such a great experience in that it was relieving; just point to a dish and minutes later, it instantly appears on your table as you comfortably wait, seated. Service indeed.
When it was time for dessert, I decided to bookend my meal with this treat, a customized halo-halo topped with vanilla and langka (jackfruit) ice cream.
While enjoyable to my tastebuds, dairy disrupts my gut and stomach in more ways than one. But since it was a buffet and a special occasion, dairy be darned.
However, it’s because of this bold dietary detour that I had no more room to try their cakes. Their cake display included chocolate mousse, ube cheesecake, and delicate sponge cakes. Sigh.
I realize that I don’t have as many photos as perhaps I should have. I apologize. But I’m an in-the-moment kinda guy.
And speaking of moments, the best one of the entire experience wasn’t actually anything food-related.
After enjoying his plate of grilled and cooked seafood, my dad remarked that the experience was a really good one because they enjoyed the food and were relaxed doing so. Mission accomplished.
When they learned that I had already paid, it put a big smile on their faces. Not that parents obligate children to ‘return the favor’ when they grow old. But if there’s one resounding lesson I’ve learned in life, it’s gratitude — and to grab the opportunity to show it whenever you can.
So I did. And that put a smile on my face as well.
Cheers,
Fork with No Name
*I had luckily reinstalled Eatigo on my phone just the week before. I had it around pre-pandemic times and served as a dependable help in discovering and revisiting food finds while getting great discounts. Long story short, I was able to secure a 50% discount for our meal. 😊