Solaire Resort and Casino: The international experience

I've been yearning to go and see for myself the grandeur people talk about whenever I hear Solaire. I was witness to reports when it had its $1 million opening last March 16 with no less than President Benigno Aquino III gracing the event. I knew it was only a matter of time until we get to experience its extravagance. 

As I stepped inside, it's as if the pages of magazines on features about Macau and Las Vegas sprang to life. The high ceilings were adorned with majestic chandeliers with colors reminiscent to Manila Bay's infamous burst of sunset. This I noticed immediately that's why I was surprised to read from Megastyle that the resort and casino's interiors were actually accented with the "waves and water of Manila Bay" and was inspired by contrast of "the sun of Northern Spain blending into the air of Southern France." 

The grand carpeted staircase leading to the VIP Gaming Areas is so eye-catching it's like a celebrity of its own with people making sure they take a picture of it (or with it). A little more walk around the place and you'll notice how spaciousness is a luxury of its own. 

By numbers, Solaire prides itself with its 295 gaming tables, 195 on the main floor (which we got to see) and 100 in the VIP area (obviously we didn't get to reach this since we're no VIPs), plus the 1, 200 slot machines. According to media reports, these numbers are at par by Las Vegas' standards. 

Finestra

Solaire, for now, houses seven restaurants all headed by world-class chefs. Our group chose Finestra which is best for my taste since it serves classic Italian food. There we had our good friend Mar Verdan's despedida and to say that the whole dining experience was a special treat would be an understatement. 

The word "Finestra" means window in Italian but the restaurant itself will give you, not only a window to peek on Italian dining, but more like an entire trip to taste the finest of Italian cuisines from mozzarela cheese to classic bloody red wine.

I wish I took note of that one pasta among the three that we ordered because that was the best tasting for me so far. I remember it was at the bottom of the menu so you can just check it our or ask their courteous staff for the spicy one. 

From the list of pizzas, my pick was their Margherita Bufalina with tomato, buffalo mozarella and basil. The crust was gummy and chewy which is what I always look for in pizzas. Another pick for the group is the Prosciutto with aged Parma ham and Tellagio cheese.

I didn't get to main courses but a friend told me it would be a total sin if I don't go back and try Roasted Branzino and Prawns but I think I'd like to try their sardinian lamb chops. 

The star of Finestra's dessert is definitely their 24 karat chocolate fondant. From real 24-karat gold on top, the warm chocolate oozes from the middle as you slice this precious little devil. It was definitely a heaven for chocolate lovers like me. 

Also, I had the Tiramisu Solaire but I wasn't as impressed compared with what I had with other Italian restaurants before. 

To simply put, I guess I really fell in love with the way Finestra exudes that fine genuine Italian flavors and experience in the midst of the bustling crowd of Manila. This sets the bar, not only for Italian restos, but for the rest of European ones entering the country. 

What's next?

It is truly a game changing move with the opening of Solaire. Entertaining and dining will never be the same from here on. When Mike French, Solaire's Chief Operating Officer proudly said "there's really no reason to leave Manila anymore" I didn't immediately buy it. But when I saw the caliber of goods Solaire offers, I think it was indeed a genuine claim, not only by businessmen, but for ordinary Filipino patrons as well. 

But what am I excited for as the next phases of Solaire slowly unfolds?

I almost wet myself when I heard it features a 1, 800 seater lyrical theatre which can accommodate Broadway shows. I also can't wait to see the brands which will be part of the retail mall to be opened in the next phase. Also, I can't wait to try Strip Steakhouse headed by Canadian chef, Chef Trevor Macleod on our next visit. 

What else can I say? Maybe you should just visit Solaire next and go international with the experience. 

(Apologies for the quality of the photos. They were taken using only my iPad mini and Blackberry phone)