I love staycations! It’s something that I consider a break, an activity where I could be distant from work (not really far actually). Ending December 2014, we visited a five star hotel/casino located in Clark Pampanga called WIDUS (with-us) Hotel Casino & Resort. And what better way to do an staycation is to be with friends, right!?
Nothing beats a trip outside the city with great friends to tag along, It really does make a trip more memorable.
(Click here to know how to commute to Widus Hotel Casino & Resort)
Lunch date at #contisph before heading to Clark, Pampanga. With @_motherhenn @earthlingorgeous @ruthilicious @enricogdc ___________________________________ Visit www.nognoginthecity.com
We met at Contis in Glorietta 2 for lunch. I was’nt expecting that we are just few (akala ko kasi madami kami eh), we had a bountiful lunch coupled with some fun talk with friends. We left Conti’s around 3pm and expectedly arriving at Clark by 4:30pm, but unfortunately the heavy traffic cause by the holiday rush made our arrival a bit late.
We actually plan to swim on our arrival but because its a bit late already, we decided to postpone it till the next day. Got my keys along with this personalised items. Yay! Now let’s take a look at my room.
At first, I thought i’ll be sharing the room, but was happy to know that I’ll be all by myself. My room is located at the 5th level of tower two.
What I love about the room is its very spacious, it got the necessary things one should need plus a veranda for a nice view in the morning.
Its always nice to see a welcoming note place on the tables and beds. I got a complimentary fruits as well. The bathroom got a nice glass window for the television view, Hot and cold shower, checked, toiletries, & fresh towels, checked!
And lastly a fast and very reliable internet access for a week, suited specially if you plan to extend or to stay longer at the hotel.
Special Dinner at Salt
After everybody was already settled, we headed towards Salt for a special dinner prepared by Widus Restaurant Executive Chef Johnny Rodriguez. Each pacing is paired with wine, unfortunately, I’m not an alcohol drinker so instead I was given a different set of drinks. Thanks Chef!
Heres an Asian Tuna Tartare paired with Lychee Martini: Sashimi grade yellow fin tuna tossed with grated ginger, wasabi, coriander sesame sees and scallions.
For starter, we have Truffled Ravioli, which is house made fresh ravioli with french goat cheese, white truffle oil, basil pesto and dried figs.
From the farm to your fork Watermelon Salad thats consists of Sweet watermelon cubes with Feta cheese and topped with baby organic arugula drizzled with rosemary balsamic reduction. I like the combination of the sweetness of watermelon balance with the saltiness of the cheese.
Deconstructed braised beef soup is eaten as how you would want to eat it. Thou it is suggested for you to mix everything else inside the bowl of soup. You can get the freedom create your own mix. The Deconstructed braised beef soup is with tender braised beef served with beef consommé and freshly made noodles.
The main, Seared Mahi Mahi, Pan seared Mahi Mahi filet with shitake-potato risotto and basil-cherry tomato oil. I asked Chef Johnny what’s Mahi-Mahi, and he said that it was his favourite fish, easy to deal with thats why he frequently uses it in his cooking.
Capping up the dinner with a sweet ending, Almond Tuille, airy meringue topped with strawberries and kiwi with passion fruit puree. Everybody gave two thumbs up to this dish.
Chef Johnny Rodriguez by the way is a Mexican-American who have been in the Philippines for quite some time. His been a year old now in Widus and been working in Thailand and Indonesia before. He prepares all the menu in three restaurants found at Widus (Salt, Prism, Malt). Soon, he plans to open up a steak house for fine dining and fancy eating experience.
AMENITIES
WIDUS HOTEL AND CASINO CLARK is a perfect place whether you plan for an adventure, activity-filled vacation, business meetings, weddings and other social or corporate events. Currently having two towers that consists of 233 modern Asian inspired hotel rooms.
We did a short tour of the amenities that can be found at Widus. We first visited the casino but unfortunately, cameras are prohibited in the area. Malt is located inside the casino, it serves drinks and finger foods too. Heres a photo of us using my (amazing) selfie stick. Side story: Everybody brought something to review and I only got a selfie stick.
Located in a separate building (you can either walk or ride a shuttle) all different functions can be located perfect for big events or even small gatherings.
PRISM LOUNGE
Last stop for the night is a visit at Prism lounge, while they are enjoying their drinks, I am feasting the delicious Sisig. I left Prism lounge an hour earlier than the rest. We still got lots of activities for tomorrow and I’m exicted to see what Widus looks like in the morning.
Click here for the 2nd part (Pool, Breakfast and more fun at Widus!)
