Like the restaurant it’s partnering with, Citibank’s dining offer for its clientele exudes an aura of exclusivity and refinement. No 50-percent discount on meals. No buy-one-take-one deal. And definitely not—heaven forbid—a coupon to be presented at the end of the meal.
Instead, from now until July 2015, Citibank platinum cardholders and Citigold clients can avail of a two-hour wine buffet for two at Hotel InterContinental’s Gambrinus Bar, for every P5,000 they spend at Prince Albert Rotisserie.
With a wide selection of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and Chardonnay, the wine buffet is like a fitting reward for Citibank clients dining in Manila’s longest-operating fine-dining restaurant. In addition, they can enjoy live performances of pop, jazz and folk music by a different singer every night.
“It’s all about the experience,” says Citibank CEO and managing director Batara Sianturi. “We understand that our clients want the best in life, whether it’s the best deal or the best products or the best service.”
Logical choice
For this, Prince Albert Rotisserie seems to be the logical choice. Its plush carpeting, dark wood paneling, subdued lighting and tables dressed in immaculate white are the very ideals of elegance. In addition, there’s the well-trained wait staff hovering discreetly around the tables, ready to fulfill diners’ requests.
In the evenings, the romantic mood is enhanced by sweet piano music played by the restaurant’s own pianist.
And, of course, there’s the food. Prince Albert’s signature dishes have become almost legendary. There’s the classic Caesar Salad prepared table-side, with the dressing of lemon juice, olive oil and garlic expertly whisked together in a wooden bowl until it becomes emulsified and creamy, after which it’s tossed with crunchy Romaine lettuce leaves, croutons and bacon bits.
The roasted prime rib is 250 grams of succulent US Angus beef, served with puffy Yorkshire pudding and enriched by a silky red wine sauce, plus baked potatoes with sour cream, chives and bacon bits, and crisp, roasted vegetables—all served with flair in sterling silver Christofle de Paris cloches.
Prince Albert is also probably one of the very few fine-dining restaurants in Manila that serves juicy, extra large Fine de Claire Oysters from France.
Beyond that, diners can even order dishes off the menu, according to hotel manager Christopher Wichlan.
“We can create and customize food for our clientele,” he says. That may include a dessert of five-spice chocolate mousse with orange gelée and Mandarin sauce, for instance, which can be whipped up upon request.
Tradition
Through the decades, Prince Albert has become a tradition for some families. It has seen generations celebrate birthdays, anniversaries and other special occasions. Parents have become grandparents, who now bring not just their children to Prince Albert but also a whole caboodle of grandchildren. And little boys who once dined there with their parents have become young men bringing their own dates to dine at the very same table.
This time, with Citibank’s most recent offer, its clientele can avail of the wine buffet, too, either on the same day or at most 30 days after their qualifying spend at Prince Albert. It’s like a logical progression of the pleasures of fine dining or, another way to look at it, a way of extending their celebration further.
“With this partnership, we are introducing our clients to a unique experience that they can treasure with a family member or a close friend,” says Citi Philippines consumer business manager Bea Tan. “They can take advantage of great food, fine ambiance and a special privilege they cannot find anywhere else.”
For more on this offer from Citi, visit www.citibank.com.ph, or call the 24-hour Platinum Priority Hotline 9959888.