Here it is! I saved my favorite part for last–the food. If you read my first entry about the recent Yoga Retreat I had at Atmosphere Resorts and Spa, I mentioned I would write a completely separate post on the food they served. I find it rather challenging to recall all the memories of dining at the resort only because I could barely do it without salivating (excuse me) and dreaming about my next food trip there. But yes, the taste and how deliciously rich their dishes were are clearly embedded in the memory bank of my tastebuds.
The place has always served healthy dishes, I looked at their regular menu to see how different it was from the recently launched, green-sleeved one. If they hadn’t come up with the Healthy Living Menu, vegans would still have options (other than salads of course). But just like in every other aspect, Atmosphere likes to push the envelope when it comes to nourishing their guests.
In May, they launched the Healthy Living Menu: a full roster of dishes that cater to the needs of vegans and vegetarians, people with Gluten intolerance, people who are on high-protein and/or low-carb diets and even those who only consume raw vegan food. Call ahead and inform them of your dietary requirements and they’ll gladly accommodate your requests.
The team running the kitchen like it was a spanking new Ferrari is led by Executive Chef Denver Wickenhauser. Probably one of the most creative people I know, Chef Denver does not back down to challenges in the kitchen.
The Healthy Living Menu was a project he worked on with The Sanctuary manager (and my teacher at the retreat), Rae Collins. Rae has always lobbied for healthier options to serve those who visit the resort for retreats. And after thorough planning and research, a great selection of entrees eventually became available daily to all Atmosphere’s guests.
With the abundance of fresh produce in their area, it’s probably easy to whip up the vibrant, tasty salads on their menu (which, I’ve all tried, by the way). I was crazy over the simple Evergreen–a mixture of raw greens with blanched Green Beans, Kale leaves and Broccoli, topped with tofu. 
But what if you’re not a salad person? Oh you’d be surprised. Options ranged from light to hearty entrees and vegans can have a full three-course meal, which seriously filled me up each time. Servings are huge and generous and for someone who had a big appetite, I thought the two-course meals I had at lunch was already A LOT and I had to share the third course (my dessert) with Nic at dinner every time. THAT FILLING.
During the retreat, they also began to offer a Healthy Breakfast menu which included Vegan Pancakes (made of bananas, quinoa and brown rice), Tofu Scramble, Oatmeal with soy milk, Quinoa and Apple Pot, etc. I believe after all the positive feedback they got, the Healthy Breakfast Menu is staying for good. Yay! The sugary cereals have lost the spotlight.
The verdict: I wish Atmosphere delivered to Manila. Just kidding (no, not really). The place is a gem! I haven’t had vegan food THAT DELICIOUS in so long. They actually beat my favorite restaurants here in Manila. The price is not bad at all either with prices ranging from P300-P700. Every dish was so well-thought-of and carefully crafted.
TIPS
- Check out the blue menu (regular) and you’ll find stuff you can veganize. A favorite is the Curried Vegetables in Young Coconut, choose to have them change the rice to Quinoa and you’re good!
- Not staying in Atmosphere? You can still dine there. The food is worth the trip and the view of the ocean at day or the beautifully lit surrounding areas at night make for the perfect ambience.
- Lastly, have the Tomato, Orange and Raspberry Gazpacho as appetizer and the Cacao, Cashews and Seeds for dessert!
Check out my full experience through my blog entries about the recent Yoga Retreat I had at The Sanctuary:
Atmosphere Resorts and Spa is located at Maayong Tubig, National Road, Dauin, Negros Oriental, Philippines. Learn more through their website: www. atmosphereresorts.com
