Looking for a romantic
place for your next date? Try dining with the awesome view of Makati’s skyline
as your backdrop.
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| Firefly Roof Deck Bar is on the 32nd floor of City Garden Grand Hotel in Makati. |
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| View from the top |
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| Ovelooking at Leonardo's in Antipolo |
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| Overlooking at Sky Ranch in Tagaytay |
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| Overlooking at Leslie's in Tagaytay |
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| Overlooking aboard Sky Eye in Tagaytay |
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| Overlooking at ZooRI |
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| Overlooking at Filipino-Chinese Friendship Pagoda in San Fernando, La Union |
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| Overlooking at Sky Deck Bar in Intramuros |
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| Overlooking Sentosa in Singapore aboard a cable car |
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| View from Crimson Hotel in Alabang |
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| Overlooking the rest of Singapore |
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| Overlooking view from Sto. Rosario Memorial Park in Taytay |
Since Hubby will still be going to work for the rest of the day, Firefly seemed to be a great choice because it is just right across from his workplace. The perfect place to celebrate our
7th weddinganniversary!
Firefly Roof deck bar is located on the 32nd Floor of City Garden Grand Hotel at the corner of Makati Avenue and Kalayaan Avenue.
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| Image Source: Google Maps |
Firefly offers a combination of European and Asian cuisine. It opens from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. It serves a Euro-Asian dinner buffet for Php 800.00 per head, net of taxes, and no service charge. Buffet is served at 6:00 to 10:00 pm from Monday-Thursday and 6:00 to 12:00 pm on Friday-Sunday. And since Firefly is at the 32nd Floor, you’ll be having dinner with the breathtaking view of the Makati skyline as your backdrop. What could be more romantic than that?
Here are my ten thoughts on what kind of a dining experience
Firefly Roof Deck Bar has to offer:
The Hotel Lobby
As I mentioned, Firefly Roof Deck Bar is a bar and
restaurant located in City Garden Grand Hotel. You will need to access it using
the hotel’s guest elevators which is right at the heart of their hotel lobby. Upon
entrance to the hotel lobby, I was welcomed by a cozy yet elegant vibe. The color theme is a mixture
of brown, gold, a touch of white and black. The walls are all wood and the couches
spread around the lobby are in off-white color which accentuated the interior
design.
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| Lobby highlighted by the golden glow of the backlighted wall |
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| White couches accentuate the wooden interiors |
Their front desk is on one side of the lobby facing both
entrances (one facing Makati Avenue and one facing Kalayaan Avenue) and is
highlighted by the golden glow of a backlighted wall. Front desk officers are all
wearing a teal uniform that compliments the wooden interiors. Gold accent
lights are everywhere which added elegance to the place.
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| Entrance facing Makati Avenue in front of I'M Hotel |
Hindi masyadong kalakihan ang lobby nila compared to other
hotels. I have always loved the lobby of Manila Peninsula and I was at awe of how
big and grand Crimson’s lobby is.
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| Crimson Hotel's grandiose lobby. |
City Garden Grand’s hotel lobby pale in comparison in terms of grandeur and size. Pero ang pinakapanalo sa lahat ay ang bonggang
chandelier that drops down from the high ceiling to a few feet above your
head. I think it is made of capiz combined with some glass crystals, bulbs and
some LED lights. Basta ang bongga! Scene stealer siya lalo na sa mga nag-aabang
ng elevator.
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| Dropdown chandelier is really a scene stealer |
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| A touch of elegance and class. |
The Elevator Ride
I am not very fond of elevators, so I was really thankful
that I only need to ride one elevator all the way to the 32nd floor. Hassle kasi
kung lilipat pa. All their elevators served every floor, but the wait is not
that long. Mabilis and efficient naman hindi tulad sa ibang building that I
have been to.
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| Elevators service all floors. |
Keycards are required sa guestroom floors pero sa mga
service floors like the restaurants, function rooms, grand ballroom and the
roof deck, no keycards are needed. Madali mo naman ma-identify which floors are
exclusive for guests only kasi color-coded ang buttons sa elevator. Metallic
silver buttons for guest floors and solid black buttons for service floors. Katabi ng mga button iyong scanner where you will tap the key cards.
Claustrophobic kasi ako kaya hindi ko masyadong bet ang mga
elevator rides. I was just a little scared kasi that time wala akong kasama
paakyat from Ground Floor to Roof Deck. Buti na lang may hotel staff na sumakay
from the 10th floor. Well-ventilated naman iyong elevator at hindi masyadong
magalaw hindi kagaya ng ibang elevators na kapag nasa higher floors na,
mararamdaman mo na talaga na nakikipaglaban siya sa gravity. Pero in fairness
sa elevators nila, hindi nakakahilo at nakakabingi. I’ve experienced sa other buildings
kasi na nabibingi ako once we’ve reached the 30th floor and above.
The Roof Deck Pool
Pagdating ko sa 32nd floor, I expected an enclosed hallway, but
I loved the big glass walls that welcomed me. Iyong overlooking view agad ang
bubungad sa iyo. It is indeed a relief to feel the natural city breeze kissing
your cheeks after that claustrophobic elevator ride. Then I heard water
flowing.
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| Roof deck pool |
When I stepped out of the glass confines of the elevator
hall, bumungad agad sa akin ang roofdeck pool nila. The pool is exclusively for
guest use only pero pwede ka namang mag-hang out sa mga lounging chairs if you
want to enjoy the view and the sound of splashing water. The view of the pool
really won me over. Kahit pa hindi naman ganun kalakihan iyong pool compared with
other hotels, it will totally be perfect for an evening dip.
The Bar Entrance
Katapat lang naman ng pool area ang Firefly. Dalawa lang
naman silang establishment dun so you really would not miss it. Medyo naghanap
lang ako sana ng receptionist or staff standing at the main entrance of the bar
that would assist me. Pero wala at that time. Although, wala pa naman masyadong
tao when I arrived at marami pa namang bakanteng table, I wanted to know sana
where would be the best view. I ended up seating at the smoking area tuloy kasi
dun medyo may tao.
When I was seated, wala pa ring lumapit sa akin. Wala yatang
nakapansin na nakapasok na ako. Pero sige na nga, baka busy lang ang
mga staff maski konti lang naman ang tao that time. I waved my hand to call the attention of a service staff, so I can ask for a
menu. When a staff approached me with the menu, atsaka ko palang nalaman na smoking
area pala ang napwestuhan ko. I asked to be seated to a non-smoking area with
the best view. The staff escorted me towards the other side of the dining area.
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| Menu for ala carte orders |
Once settled, I ordered a drink kasi maghihintay pa naman
ako kay Hubby. The view was great from where I was seated iyon nga lang the place
is not rain-proof. Noong nagsimulang umambon, I took it upon myself to transfer
to the nearest table na hindi abot ng angge. May bubong naman iyong pwesto ko
pero kasi umaangge kapag umuulan.
Open-air Dining
I was expecting an air-conditioned dining area with glass
panels that will serve both as a wall and a window. But that is not the case
with Firefly. Although, indoor naman siya kasi may bubong naman iyong dining
area, hindi siya enclosed and air-conditioned.
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| Glass and metal railing which served as both walls and guard rails |
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| Open-air dining |
Ang tanging enclosure niya is iyong glass and metal railings
that served both as guard rails of the roof deck and chest level walls of the
restaurant. From chest level pataas, open na kaya tagus-tagusan lang sa buong
dining area ang hangin. Hindi ko matawag na fresh air because this is the Makati
Central Business District we are talking about where fifty percent of Metro
Manila traffic is concentrated.
Simple Interiors
Simple and modest lang ang interiors ng restaurant. Pagpasok
mo sa main entrance nila, bubungad agad sa iyo ang bar nila on the right side with
tall chairs. Sa kaliwa are rows of table and chair set up. More tables and
chairs as you go inside. The open kitchen and buffet counter are right across
the bar at the other corner of the dining area.
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| Bar area |
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| Simple interiors |
The smoking area is at the right side if you are facing the
buffet. It has the view of Makati Avenue going towards J.P. Rizal, Rockwell
Center, and the rest of Mandaluyong. Sa left side naman ang non-smoking area
where you will see the view of Makati Avenue going towards Ayala Avenue. Perpendicular
to your view is Buendia Avenue going to Manila. Kita rin sa side nito ang
Manila Bay and Roxas Boulevard.
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| View from the smoking area |
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| View from the non-smoking area |
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| The intersection of Makati Avenue and Buendia Avenue |
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| Overlooking towards Manila |
The color theme is a combination of black, silver, and gray.
The dining area is very spacious. Hindi ko alam kung yung open area malapit sa
bar nila is for dance floor purposes or for band or DJ purposes. I didn’t ask
kasi hindi naman ako mahilig sumayaw. Mas importante sa akin ang pagkain at
view.
Great Ambiance.
Nung umpisa hindi ako masyadong na-impress sa ambiance. I
expected more from a hotel restaurant. Pakiramdam ko kasi nasa ordinaryong bar
lang ako sa Timog or Tomas Morato. Pakiramdam ko may ibang restaurant pa around
Makati Avenue that could offer a greater ambiance than this.
Pero naging judgemental lang pala ako masyado. Turns out, masyadong
maaga pa kasi nung dumating ako. Maliwanag pa ang paligid kaya hindi ko pa
masyadong na-appreciate. But when night falls, ayan na. Mas naging exciting na.
Accent lights and mood lights were opened. Pero enough lang to highlight a few
corners.
The main spectacle that completed the ambiance are the
glowing lights of the buildings nearby with the black sky on the background.
Kapag tumingin ka sa baba, you will see the dotted red and yellow lights of
Makati’s rush hour traffic. Kapag tumingin ka naman sa malayo, you will see the
twinkling lights of establishments surrounding the city. When you look up, you
will see the stars, although hindi ganun kadami that night.
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| Mesmerizing view |
It was amazing. It was awesome. Napatulala ako. As in. Nakalimutan
kong nagugutom na pala ako.
The Food
Ang sabi nila buffet will be served at 6:00 pm. Akala ko
naman someone will approach us to tell us that the buffet is ready. Pero since
wala pa ring lumalapit at gutom na kami, I decided to call one of the staffs
and asked. Apparently, dine in guests are still allowed to order ala carte
kahit may buffet. Kaya siguro hindi sila nag-inform na open na ang buffet kasi
most of the guests na nakita ko, hindi naman lumalapit sa buffet counter. I was
expecting na nag-aantay rin sila ng buffet pero hindi pala. They ordered ala
carte pala.
Well, since we went there for their buffet, might as well
try it. Medyo konti lang ang choices nila for buffet. Four main entrees lang
ang dish nila which includes vegetable, fish, chicken, and pork. Walang beef
entrees. They have choices of maki. They have choices of salads. They have rice
and pasta. They offer bread and soup as well.
Medyo nalungkot lang kami ni Hubby kasi ang konti ng food
choices. For Php 800.00, we expected more dishes sana. The presentation was not
that fabulous din. Nothing special except for the paella and lechon kawali
which is the main highlight of the buffet. Iyong iba, nasa chafing dish lang na
may plastic na cover. Sana ginandahan naman iyong set up to compensate for the
lack of food choices. If not for the spotlights, pakiramdam ko kumakain lang
ako sa canteen ng office or school.
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| A choice between plain rice or adobo rice |
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| Pasta for the day |
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| Veggie and fish entrees |
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| Chicken Katsu Curry |
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| For paella lovers |
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| Putok-batok to die for! |
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| Japanese option |
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| Condiments on the side |
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| Whatcha gonna do with the dessert? |
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| Make your own salad |
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| Bread and pastries |
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| Soup for the soul |
Pero masarap ang pagkain. I enjoyed their carbonara, bagnet,
and the katsu curry. The pinakbet did not impress me kasi I find it so
typical to be included in a hotel buffet. I know it goes well with the bagnet
pero I would still choose
Naimas’ pinakbet over theirs. The salads are great
though. Hubby enjoyed it so much. I tried some of the little sandwiches and
enjoyed their tuna sandwich.
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| Buffet is 💖. More food choices please. |
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| A little bit of everything |
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| Hubby's salad fix |
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| Loved the pasta and little tuna sandwich but not that little burger though. |
For dessert, I enjoyed the fresh watermelon slices. The
pineapple is too sour for Hubby’s liking, but the papaya was great. I also had
some of their cake slices. I ordered a cup of Earl Grey tea to match.
Additional order ito and is not included in the buffet. Walang drinks na kasama
sa buffet.
Pricing and Service
If we are to base it all on the food choices, medyo mahal
ang Php 800.00. Masarap siya, oo. Pero kung pagkain at pagkain din lang, hindi ko masasabing
sulit. There are other buffet restaurants that could give you more food for
less than Php 800.00 at may drinks nang kasama. You can go to
Guevarra’s
instead. Dun maraming Filipino dishes, unlimited drinks, at maraming dessert
choices din. Ambiance is great too.
But again, medyo napatawad ko ang presyo dahil sa view. I really
am a sucker for overlooking kaya medyo umokey na ako sa presyo. Pero it wouldn’t
hurt if they could add up more dishes to their buffet para naman mas maging
sulit ang experience total tipid naman sila sa kuryente dahil hindi naka-air-con
ang restaurant.
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| The view made it a win. |
Sa service naman, naging accommodating naman na ang mga
staff in the long run. I saw a staff already manning the entrance when we left.
Mabilis din naman ang orders and attentive naman na sila sa mga call outs ng
customers. Wala ring service charge for the buffet so I’m okay with their
service.
The Open Kitchen
Another thing I also loved about this is the open kitchen.
Kita mo talaga sa glass panels ng buffet counter kung paano nila niluluto ang
food. You can even watch them prepare their customer’s orders. Kung mahilig
kang magluto or is very into culinary arts, you will enjoy watching their chefs
in action. Again, hoping for more food choices.
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| Open kitchen |
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| Kitchen action |
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| Chef at work |
In a nutshell…
I enjoyed the whole experience. It made our anniversary special.
I enjoyed the view, the food, and the company. I do recommend it as a great place
for a date. If the buffet is too much for you and your budget, you can always
order ala carte and spend less than a thousand pesos for a meal for two.
We haven’t tried their sisig, but I’ve seen some customers
ordering for that. Hubby said we should have tried it pero kasi parang masyado
namang common na ang sisig. You did not go to a hotel just to order sisig. We
could have just gone to Gerry’s or Dencio’s or Kuya J’s instead.
Their pasta is great too. Na-enjoy ko ito sa buffet and I
noticed na marami ring umo-order ng ala carte nito. Napansin ko rin na big servings
naman ang ala carte dishes nila.
You may also prefer to stay by the poolside after dinner. Hubby
went to the washroom, so I get to hang out there for a while as I wait. The
sound of water is so calming and relaxing. Kung naupo ako sa lounge chairs malamang
hinila na ako ng kaantukan dahil sa sobrang kabusugan.
We’ll definitely go back here again some time. Or on the next
special occasion. Firefly Roof Deck Bar, for me, is a win!
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