Christmas on the Line

At Traders Hotel’s Latitude restaurant, everything is literally laid on the line.

A significant number of rows and lines characterize its interiors. The carpet on the way in has a pattern of different-colored strips. Inside, the floor is of elegant black and white stripes. Along the sides, a horizontal wood-finished band cuts across the walls. However, the best line to watch out for is the one that streaks across the menu.

The 150-seat restaurant’s name isn’t just for the ambiance. The a la carte menu boasts of different dishes from five countries found along the same latitude as Traders Hotel. These countries include the Philippines, Guatemala, Mexico, South Africa, and Thailand.

Take a bite of African Piri-Piri Prawns (tiger prawns marinated in herbs and spices, fried and served with vegetable relish), Guatemala’s Nuevo Latino Escabeche (pan-fried grouper doused with a sweetish sauce), Mexican Beef Burritos (tortilla filled with chili beef and beans and topped with salsa), and Thailand’s Gaeng Pah Gai (chicken with vegetables and Thai basil in a red curry paste).

This Christmas, there’s another line to watch out for. Traders Hotel is serving a string of Yuletide-themed recipes for its esteemed guests.

Chef Mark Mulder, Latitude’s executive sous chef, is making sure everybody’s in for a sumptuous time. “Our recipes will add to the excitement of our diners. This is our way of giving back,” he said.

Families, couples, and friends are invited to celebrate Christmas Eve at Latitude with a special dinner buffet of international and holiday selections coupled with a glass of red or white wine.

They also have Christmas-themed pastries, perfect for those who want to feel the spirit of the season through their tummies.

The holiday pastries, taken best after the buffet meal, are likewise prepared by the competent chef who received an Excellence Award from the Disney Cruise Line back in year 2000.

After Christmas comes the New Year revelry, so the year ends with a bang for the hotel’s diners. Latitude is also offering a “New Year’s Eve Dinner Buffet” with sparkling wine. After the fireworks are over, there will be a brunch buffet on New Year’s Day, best for families welcoming the year together.

Chef Mark cheerfully points out, “We did some research on how to create the Yuletide sense in the recipes and I’m thrilled that we’re offering something big this Christmas.”

Price shouldn’t be a problem for diners. The special buffets are priced at P1,200 per person. The countdown to 2010 party is even cheaper, P880 per head to enjoy the “New Year’s Countdown” at the hotel’s Lobby Lounge. This means instant access to two drinks and appetizers while watching classy bands perform live.

Latitude, open daily from 6 a.m. until 11 p.m. for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, is located at the ground floor of the Traders Hotel at 3001 Roxas Blvd., Pasay City.

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