As the yuletide season wraps the city in its warm embrace, the Dusit Thani Manila becomes a spectacle of festive cheer, its lobby a canvas of Christmas splendor. Stepping into this holiday haven, one is greeted by a towering Christmas tree adorned with the most charming of ornaments: teddy bears and reindeer decked in the classic holiday hues of white, red, and gold. It's a sight that promises magic and nestled within this enchanting setting is a culinary treasure waiting to be discovered—The Pantry.

My eyes were immediately drawn to the entrance of the hotel, where a treasure trove of holiday gifts beckoned invitingly. Among the sea of presents, the selection of chocolates stood out, promising sweet delights for every taste. The allure of these sweets proves irresistible to a chocolate aficionado like myself. Amidst the assortment, my quest was specific—I was on the hunt for the rich, indulgent taste of dark chocolate. And then, as if by magic, there it was: a bar of exquisite dark chocolate studded with tart cranberries, a perfect balance of flavors waiting to be savored. A mental note was made to return and claim this decadent treat as soon as our gastronomic adventure at the hotel's The Pantry concluded.

Then we made our way to where The Pantry awaits, its blue signage a beacon to the hungry and the curious. The moment you cross the threshold, you're transported into a world of the magnificent Christmas village display that immediately captivated my attention. (first photo above) The sight of the mini train gracefully weaving its way through the enchanting scenery was truly a sight to behold. At that moment, I couldn't help but feel a childlike sense of wonder and joy as I immersed myself in the magical view before me.

As our culinary adventure reached its end, fortune smiled upon us. Our dining saga took an unexpected turn. What began as a routine request for the bill morphed into an extraordinary event. Upon summoning the staff, we were met with an inquiry about any existing memberships that might afford us a discount. Upon learning we had none, the staff member briefly disappeared, only to return with a mysterious slip of paper. With a gracious smile, she presented us with a discount voucher—a token she was unable to utilize personally or extend to her kin.

Driven by curiosity, I probed into the history of this unexpected boon. The staff member, with a gleam in her eye, shared that it was an incentive she had earned. Amidst the bustling crowd of diners, why us? It was a puzzle why she had singled us out to inherit this unexpected gift. The reason remained an enigma, cloaked in a shroud of delightful mystery.

As we processed the magnitude of our good fortune, a wave of appreciation enveloped us. Our pleasant lunch was now elevated by this stroke of serendipity, propelling our dining experience to remarkable heights. It's in these serendipitous encounters that we're reminded of life's capacity to sprinkle a little magic into the mundane. Departing from the restaurant with our hearts light and smiles broad, we carried with us the memory of a lunch buffet transformed into an indelible tale by a whimsical twist of fate. It was a gesture of pure kindness, a sprinkle of Christmas magic that made our experience at The Pantry not just a meal, but a memory to cherish.

Priced at P2,088 per head, The Pantry is open for your lunchtime cravings from 12:00 am to 2:30 pm. So, if you find yourself wandering in Makati, looking for a cozy elegance and a taste of buffet cheer, you might want to try The Pantry in Dusit Thani Hotel. and perhaps if you're as lucky as we were, a place where a little miracle awaits.

Note:  I'm still feeling under the weather, but rest assured, I will be sharing the YouTube video with you once it's ready.