QUEZON CITY — Novotel Manila Araneta City is marking its 11th year with a series of changes to its dining program, including a new buffet concept, the reopening of its gelato and bakery outlet, a plant-forward menu and Halal certification for its banquet kitchen.
The hotel recently introduced Freshfinity at Food Exchange Manila, a buffet concept that brings together six culinary stations featuring Indian, Asian, Japanese and Italian dishes, as well as seafood and carved meats.
Freshfinity. Handout
Led by Cluster Executive Chef for Outlets Athena Tuble, Freshfinity features The Maharaja for Indian dishes, Flavors of Asia for dim sum and regional specialties, Sakura Sumi for Japanese fare, Cucina Italiana for pasta and pizza, Brasserie Maison for meat and seafood, and Butcher's Block for carved-to-order cuts.
The buffet also emphasizes locally sourced ingredients and partnerships with Filipino farmers, fishing communities and local producers. Among its suppliers are Meliomar, A2Z, Metro Pacific and Auro Chocolate.
Tuble said the new concept reflects a broader approach to dining that focuses not only on variety but also on discovery, connection and responsible sourcing.
“Dining has always been about more than what is on the plate. It is about discovery, comfort, connection, and the moments we share around food,” Tuble said.
Freshfinity is available Friday dinners and Saturday and Sunday lunch and dinner, priced at P2,799 net per person.
Indulge. Handout
Meanwhile, Indulge Gelato & Bakery has reopened with refreshed interiors and a wider selection of pastries, cakes, gelato and savory baked goods under Cluster Executive Pastry Chef Angelique “Angel” Llantanda.
New offerings include matcha croissants, strawberry ribbon pastries, pain au chocolat and ube cheese croissants, along with Mango Shortcake, Matcha Biscoff Cheesecake and Triple Chocolate Mousse.
The savory selection includes Chicken Adobo Pocket, Longganisa Egg Danish, Buko Danish, Brownie Pain Suisse, Tuna Danish and Coffee Bun.
Plant-forward menu. Handout
At Gourmet Bar by Novotel, Cluster Executive Chef for Banquet Michael Ramos has introduced a plant-forward menu featuring vegetables, grains, legumes and other ingredients.
The menu is part of Novotel's “Four Pillars of Life” campaign, which promotes four aspects of well-being: Eat, Sleep, Move and Meet.
Among the featured dishes are Seared Cabbage Steak with miso cream, furikake and crisp nori; Cauliflower Bibimbap with vegetables, edamame, crispy tofu and sesame gochujang; and a Brown Lentils and Sweet Potato Buddha Bowl with avocado and miso-turmeric dressing.
The hotel has also received Halal certification for its banquet kitchen, allowing it to cater to meetings, conferences, weddings and other events with Halal requirements.
The banquet program includes Indian and Chinese cuisine, with the hotel's Prana Indian Cuisine also offering Indian dishes alongside Food Exchange Manila.