Celebrating a Special Day at Cafe Mary Grace
We recently celebrated Khairon's 32nd birthday at Mary Grace, located at SM MOA. It was a special occasion, as it was also our first meet-up together with his partner. The evening turned out to be a great conversation-filled night, and yes, it was our first double date.
SEATING We had a pleasant dining experience at Mary Grace. The seating process took around 5 minutes, but we were eventually offered a cozy couch to sit on.
SERVICE The service was exceptional, with TIN and HOMER standing out for their attentiveness and initiative. They took good care of us and were willing to accommodate our request to change our order. When we discovered that the rosemary rice contained garlic, which our birthday boy doesn't eat, Tin quickly changed it to plain rice. We appreciated their prompt response. They also kept our water pitcher refilled throughout the meal.
FOOD The food was delicious, and I particularly enjoyed the MARY GRACE CAESAR SALAD with big chunks of chicken. The DORY PASTA & SAFFRON CREAM was amazing. It was a set meal together with SMOKED HAM WITH ALMONDS, CRANBERRIES AND BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE SALAD. I am not a fan of the vinaigrette, but they enjoyed the rest of the dish. Given that we had already eaten a lot at Landers before coming to Mary Grace, it was impressive that we could still enjoy the food. The drinks (PEACH GLASS AND MANGOD SHAKE) were refreshing The dessert was a highlight, the SIGNATURE MARY GRACE MAMON- it was similar to Goldilocks' mamon/ chiffon cake topped with generous amount of whipped cream and strawberry sauce, reminiscent of the Belgian waffle from Starbucks.
PRICE As expected, the prices at Mary Grace are on the higher side, which is consistent with its reputation as a popular restaurant among affluent patrons and Titas of Manila. However, there are affordable set meal options available. If I hadn't been full from our double date lunch, I would have ordered again the USDA Choice Cut Rib-eye Steak, which is priced at ₱2984 (good for 2-3 to share)
AMBIENCE The ambience was, as expected, exceptional. All Mary Grace branches are known for their excellent interior design, and this location was no exception. The iconic flying birds and butterflies, mirrors, and overall décor created a picturesque setting that was truly...
Read moreMary Grace is a delightful dining spot located in Mall of Asia, known for its cozy ambiance and delectable offerings. One of their standout dishes is the classic grilled ensaimada, a Filipino pastry that is grilled to perfection, resulting in a slightly crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior. Paired with their extra yummy hot chocolate or sikwate, a traditional Filipino hot chocolate made from tablea or cocoa tablets, this combination is a match made in heaven.The grilled ensaimada at Mary Grace is a must-try for pastry lovers. The bread is light and airy, with just the right amount of sweetness, while the grilling adds a unique twist that sets it apart from traditional ensaimadas. Each bite is a delightful mix of flavors and textures, making it a perfect treat for any time of day.The hot chocolate or sikwate served at Mary Grace is the perfect accompaniment to the grilled ensaimada. Rich, creamy, and decadent, it is the perfect balance of sweet and bitter, with a deep, chocolatey flavor that warms you up from the inside out. Paired together, the grilled ensaimada and hot chocolate or sikwate create a harmonious blend of flavors that is sure to satisfy your cravings.In addition to their grilled ensaimada and hot chocolate or sikwate, Mary Grace offers a variety of other dishes and beverages that are worth trying. From their hearty soups and salads to their flavorful pasta dishes and sandwiches, there is something for everyone on their menu.Overall, Mary Grace is a charming restaurant that offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, delicious food, and excellent service. Whether you're looking for a quick bite to eat or a leisurely meal with friends, Mary Grace is the perfect place to relax and indulge in some of the best grilled ensaimada and hot chocolate or...
Read moreThe service needs improvement. When we dined in, the café was around 95% full. There were plenty of staff, but it felt like they were sticking to really specific roles. I asked one staff member for an order slip, and he just told me to wait. A different staff member eventually brought it over. Same thing happened when we asked to have our leftovers packed, it took talking to three different staff members before someone finally took care of it.
They told us upfront that the food would take 30 minutes, and it did, so no issue there. But when we asked for the bill, it took another 20 minutes just to get it.
Later that day, we came back to order one item for takeaway. Again, we were told it would take 30 minutes. I followed up after 40 minutes with someone who wasn’t in uniform (maybe a manager or franchise owner?), and suddenly the order was there but no one had packed it yet. 😂 As a customer, we don’t really know the difference between staff roles or uniforms, so we don’t know who to approach for specific requests. It would really help if their team were more flexible with responsibilities, not everything has to be so rigidly assigned (unless someone’s still in training or an intern).
Even though the café wasn’t completely full, and there were a lot of staff around, the service still felt slow and a bit disorganized.
That said, the food and atmosphere are great, definitely worth coming back for, but I hope the...
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