Avenue Plaza Hotel's Afternoon Tea

Avenue Plaza Hotel is lauded as the most awarded hotel in Bicol. This is undeniably true as they continue to innovate their products and services in a way they can accommodate each and every Bicolano and guests to Experience The Good Life. Last September 16, the famous Afternoon Tea was re-launched. It was the first Chef's Table exclusive event for the Luxe Club Members. Key personalities in Naga and bloggers also graced the event.

How did the Afternoon Tea get so famous? It was also of the same month last year when the first ever Afternoon Tea was introduced to us Bicolanos with only one set which is the Classic (read about it HERE). The Afternoon Tea became very popular and in demand.  There were even days when the three-tier trays gets all out in one afternoon. 

Then there were three. After two months and just in time for Christmas, two new sets were added, the Signature and Exquisite set. The new lovely sets added more to the curiosity of the people. (Read more about it HERE). The Afternoon Tea became like a culture especially to many Nagueños. With this re-launching of the Afternoon Tea, one could expect more from the former three sets. 

Avenue Plaza Hotel invests in people. Isn't it amazing when companies really invests in remarkable people? With the new sets of Afternoon Tea, comes the new Chefs of Avenue Plaza Hotel. They may be new here but the decade-old experiences of these two people will very much suffice as to why the pastries are close to perfection. 

I believe we will be expecting more from the new Executive Chef. His expertise will surely blow as away.

 I need not say more about these two remarkable chefs.  Just look at their experiences and achievements.

This guy was connected to Starbucks Philippines, take note of that. 

From Left-Right: The new Classic, Exquisite, Signature

My first plate of pastries during the event.

Now let's head on to the new sets of Afternoon Tea. Remember, each set is even good for four (or more) persons depending upon your appetite and your companion's too. For group gatherings and get-togethers, I have always reiterated that this is a good option rather than having coffee especially from international brands plus a slice of cake or any other pastry. The ambiance at the Avenue Plaza Hotel is always for the win, it is like a fundamental gesture of the hotel for you to feel at home. This you won't get in a crowded coffee shop.

Afternoon Tea is available daily at the Cafe Plazuela of Avenue Plaza Hotel from 2PM to 6PM. Each set is served with a hot pot of your favorite Twinnings tea. For inquiries and reservations call (054)4739999.

CLASSIC (P580)

Coffee Panna Cotta, Mudcake, Baba Au Rhum with Pistacchio, Boston Cream Cake

Double Chocolate Cookies, Oatmeal Dates Cookies, Avenue Minie Ensaimada, Apricot Dreams

Quiche Lorraine, Chicken Mango Crepes, Bacon, Lettuce & Tomato Sandwich

Compare it with the old Classic set HERE

Please don't ask me anymore if they taste good because basically I love pastries and they all tasted good for me. But if I were to describe the sweets and pastries, they are all heavenly with unique textures and taste that will be complemented by your choice of tea. Highlighted pastries are my personal favorites. 

EXQUISITE (P620)

Carrot Wallnut Muffin, Mini Brioche Filled with Ube, Mango Yoghurt Terrine, Macapuno Pie

Revel Bars, Mocca Paris Brest, Ube Almond Macaroons, Fruit Tart

Swan Liver Mousse, Croque Monsieur, Smoked Salmon Sandwich 

Compare it with the old Exquisite set HERE

SIGNATURE (P680)


Silvanas, Macademia Cranberry Tart, Double Chocolate Pudding, Cream Cheese Brownies



Butter Scotch, Cinnamon Swirl, Profiteroles, Scones



Ham, Cheese and Salami Sandwich, Chicken Empanada, Quiche Florentine

Compare it with the old Signature set HERE

The QUICHE FLORENTINE is probably the pastry that I got so intrigued in. I tried guessing the main ingredient but I failed after asking Chef Paul about it. The main ingredient is SPINACH. To be honest, I have never tasted anything like it and I just love it!

PRICING. If you were able to compare the new sets of Afternoon Tea from the old ones, there's a significant increase in number of pastries and sweets per plate. The experience of Chef Paul is incomparable, his creations will amaze you. There is a slight increase in the prices of the Afternoon Tea. Let me tell you why. The prices of the previous sets of Afternoon Tea was a PROMO RATE, meaning, discounts can't be availed by anyone. This time, Luxe Club members can avail of the discount as well as senior citizens. Now better start convincing your parents/seniors to visit the Cafe Plazuela for an Afternoon Tea. 

A closer look

SHARING THE "EXPERIENCE THE GOOD LIFE". It was already the Penafrancia holidays and we had relatives from Ilocos Norte and Cavite  who traveled a long way to celebrate with us. Three days after the launching, we surprised them to Avenue for an Afternoon Tea. We ordered the Classic and Signature set. Since the Luxe Club card is a blessing, I did not hesitate to use it for the Afternoon Tea to avail of the discount. We were at the Umbria-Poolside of the hotel and catching up with my relatives has gone really interesting and sweet as we indulge in the heavenly pastries. Extending the "Experience of the Good Life" to your loved ones who you only see once in a blue moon is really heartwarming.

This is the other kind of tray of the Afternoon Tea

Here are some of the photos they took while enjoying the poolside of the hotel.

My cousin, Febie.

Avenue now has additional fans from Ilocos Norte and Cavite. 

For the nth time, THANK YOU BIG TIME Avenue Plaza Hotel, Sir Allan Cu, the General Manager, Sir Jerome, the Marketing Manager and Ms. Apple of SoleSearchingSoul.com and the rest of the staff of Avenue. You all played a big part in nagacitydeck's growth in the social media from the beginning up until today and for that I am always grateful. More power and God bless!!

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Cafes in Naga: Bear Cups Patisserie

WARNING: CUTENESS OVERLOAD. A new bear themed pastry and cake shop recently opened at the ground floor of ADC hotel. Just like the Eight Spices restaurant, this new shop is also under the management of the hotel. Feast your eyes as we enter a haven of teddy bears. But before that, let's travel down to your memory lane. I believe most of us has had at least ONE teddy bear held in our arms right? Just a thought of teddy bears makes us smile what more when we see and touch them.

"ANG CUTE!!!!" this will probably be a common statement for the first timers here. 

THE NAME: Bear Cups Patisserie. The magic touch of teddy bears gives as magical comfort whatever our age may be. So why a bear themed pastry shop? Apart from the owners reasons (that I still do not know yet), I think the following reasons will suffice.. Teddy bears eases existential angst especially during our childhood years or maybe until your age now. It also represents our child-like innocence and sometimes reminds us of special people who gave us the teddy bear. Teddy bears also tops the list as a gift to remember special occasions aside from flowers. So teddies brings out the child in us. 

SPECIALTIES: Cakes and patries. They also serve breakfast meals, salads, coffee (hot, iced, frapp) and the like. 

LOCATION: Ground floor of ADC Hotel, Magsaysay Avenue, Naga City

Date of Visit: April 22, 2014

STORE HOURS: (I have to check again but weekdays and weekends differs)

BUDGET: Light snacks will cost you around P55 - P150 the lowest. For a more satisfying stay, it will be around P250 up.

view from the lobby

view from the lobby

the menu

Toys, candies, gums and whatnots. For sure your kids will not go home empty handed, so bring a little extra cash.

The baristas corner

THE PLACE: Bear of all sorts is what you'll see. Everything on display is for sale. The dominant colors of white, pink and blue radiates when the chandeliers are turned on. Warm color fills the room when the pendant lights are also on. Visually cozy because of the bears on display. Since they are for sale, you can't actually hug them all you want during your stay. I think that's the missing part of the place, the opportunity to hug the bears all you want. Hygenic reasons and comfort while eating, these are the only reasons that I can think of perhaps why there are no teddy bears that you can cuddle lol. Since you can't hug the bears during your stay, I was actually expecting a couch, but there's none. A set or two might just pull it off to become cozier. Don't get me wrong, the dining tables are fine because it matches the tree-like woodwork on the side. 

Adorable teddies hanged.

Collectors will surely be delighted. Bear Cups Patisserie is not only for children but also for the young at heart.

Would you care to adopt a bear?

Guys, bring your date to Bear Cups patisserie!

Makes you want to hug them!

Dear parents, be sure to bring a little extra money because if you have your kids with you, chances are they will convince you to purchase those cute little accessories on display or even adopt a bear. 

Background music is also relaxing, suits the ambiance just fine. If you want a quiet time to relax rather than stay at a overcrowded coffee shop nearby, well then this is an option. And oh, ambiance wise? It's a little bit similar to White Bean Cafe without the teddy bears. On the second floor of the building, there's also another coffee shop, The Pro Chef's Office. 

Choco Nutty Frapp

 Hot drinks starts at P40. Iced drinks starts at P70.

Hot Chocolate Marshmallow Madness

Chef's Salad

 Cheesecakes starts at P119 to P139. Cupcakes starts at P55.

There's still a lot more to taste. Bear Cups Patisserie will definitely be on my list where I can concentrate in updating nagacitydeck. See yoo soon Bear Cups!

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Afternoon Tea: Two New Lovely Sets

Cafe Plazuela of Avenue Plaza Hotel I believe, is one of the many reasons why they have been receiving a lot of awards both from the local and international tourism scene. The Afternoon Tea  as part of what Cafe Plazuela offers, has been a common past time and leisure to a lot of Naguenos and guests after it was introduced a few months ago.

*UPDATE* September 16, 2014 - Avenue Plaza Hotel re-launches the famous Avenue Plaza Hotel. CLICK HERE

While most of us Filipinos are fond of eating the usual baduya or simply pugon with butter alongside softdrinks or coffee, Avenue Plaza Hotel introduced us to a whole lot of "experiencing the good life" through different perspectives. From fun filled activities to skill building sessions, musical presentations across genres to food adventures from around the world. The Avenue has been always providing us not only an alternative but a journey of experiencing the good life right in the comfort of our city.

If there's a saying that "it's sweeter the second time around", the two new lovely sets of the Afternoon Tea is a testament to that. The first set is known as the Classic (3rd from left). You can read my previous post about that HERE. 

Feast your eyes! Everything is beautifully presented both in plating and how the cakes and pastries were made. The "looks" of the sets will not deceive you, for everything is really palatable and next to perfection. Everything you see on the plates are cooked / baked with passion by the Chefs of Avenue Plaza Hotel. The sets along with the its name, carries a different personality or taste that anyone of us will be able to appreciate. But if you have this "love for food", don't forget to try all the sets to satisfy your craving for food adventures. 

The Classic set consists of the following

From bottom to top layer:

Smoke Salmon Sandwich and Clubhouse Sanwich

Banana Chocochip Cupcake, Avenue Ensaymada, Walnut Muffins

Blueberry and Marble Cheese Cake, White Panacota Vanilla, Chocolate Cake, Tiramisu

More pics by layers on our previous post HERE

Only P342 good for 2 to 3 persons (or more).

The two new sets are just as lovely as the first set, only that they are more special this time.

The Exquisite set consists of:

From bottom to top layer:

Pork Barbecue Quesadillas with Tomato Salsa

Chocolate-Coffee Cupcake, Cinammon Twist, Cream Puffs

Chocolate Sponge Caramel Shot, Triple Rush Chocolate Cake, Orea Cheesecake, Lemon Cake

The Avenue Signature set consists of: 

From bottom to top layer:

Grilled Chicken Panini, Mini Beef Burger

Tomato and Cheese Scones, Apple Crumble, Nutella Eclairs, Fruit Tart

Truffle Chocolate Cheesecake, Pistachio Sansirval, Banana Cream Pie, Red Velvet Cake

Give your self, your friends or your family a treat once in a while. Price ranges from Php 580 to Php 480 down to Php 340. What you see is what you get, no other hidden charges once you get the bill. The alternatives are here and it's up to you to choose. I know, you along with your company have a certain taste for cakes or pastries, but I bet you'll find it hard to choose which set will you order first. But then again, you are always welcome to come back and enjoy the rest of the sets (over and over again) or until you have tried all three.

Now here's another favorite from Cafe Plazuela, the Avenue Ensaymada. This will be perfect for the holidays as gifts or for Noche Buena. Available in Box of 6 and 12. For bulk orders make sure you order a day before you intend to purchase. Freshness guaranteed! 

So if you are running out of gift ideas, why not give them a gift certificate of any of the Afternoon Tea Sets, the Business Lunch (a menu which we will also feature soon) or a box of the Avenue Ensaymada. Or perhaps a night stay at the hotel or Olympia Gym membership. By the way, we Bicolanos can avail of the 25% discount on published room rates with Avenue Plaza Hotel's Hometown Specials Promo. For more details about the gift certificates and Hometown Specials Promo just call (054) 473-9999.

I enjoyed the company of the other bloggers and social media 'influencers' last Friday the 13th. Just like what Ms. Sam Brown said that Friday the 13th was a lucky day for us. Thank you Sir Allan Cu for pampering us and Ms. Apple, for making us always feel so at home whenever we are at the Avenue. Hats off to the two amazing Chefs of Cafe Plazuela who we personally met and spared us a few minutes of their busy 'kitchen time'. (apologies, I forgot their names hehe)

Remember, afternoons are better with tea and company only at the Cafe Plazuela of Avenue Plaza Hotel. So come visit and enjoy the afternoon tea, the holidays are here to stay with your friends and loved ones. Cheers to Avenue! More power!

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