Eye in the Sky: Spectrum Restaurant: Delectable Dining at the Fairmont and Raffles Hotel

Heard about Fairmont Hotel, the relatively new 5-star hotel in Makati that's paired up conveniently with Raffles Suites. When the opportunity came to pick a celebratory place for my family, I didn't hesitate booking at the Spectrum Restaurant located at the 1st floor of the hotel complex.

While the buffet table is probably half the spread from other hotel buffets, the selections are exquisitely planned and delectably salivacious, and if you think I am writing in cliches, you'd be very wrong. In this restaurant, quality trumps quantity.

With a thematic mantra of "Simply Life", the atmosphere is sedate, relaxed, sophisticated, warm, and far from the circus demeanor familiar in many hotel restaurants, at a price you'd expect from a 5-star hotel. What's better, their staff are attentive without overbearingly obtrusive. It is not cheap, but this is a place for special occasions, like family gatherings or romantic dinner dates with milestone moments.

Ala carte dining is open from 6 AM to 10 PM. There are breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets with corresponding rates (P1,450/P1,800/P2,120 or P2285 for Friday and Saturday dinner). Children 5 years old and below get complimentary plates while 6 to 12 years old pay 50% the regular price. Beverages excluded from these rates. A soda drink will set you back P150/order/person. Do they offer senior citizen rates? Yup, 20%... and that's huge savings. Sometimes, credit card promos offer 20% discounts as well. Call and check before hand. Call 555-9888 ext. 6840 or email at dining.makati@fairmont.com. Call between 9 AM and 10:30 PM. Otherwise, no one answers your call.

Fairmont and Raffles is located beside Landmark in Makati and you can head to the basement for parking. Validate your parking ticket at the restaurant so you don't pay for parking.

I have been to a good number of buffets in the metropolis. This is easily one of my favorites.

This is the Eye in the Sky!