IT may have been named after an expensive Australian wine, but there is more than just wine and cheese at Astralis, although they have an extensive collection of that, too, if that is what you are in the mood for.

On the ground floor of Power Plant Mall along Lopez Drive in Rockwell, Makati City, Astralis, the off-base outlet of Manila Diamond Hotel is a full-service restaurant that also tries to address specific cravings of different diners.

Its clear lines and uncluttered look make it an ideal spot for quiet dining, unwinding at the end of a stressful day, or simply savoring delicious meals prepared by highly competent cooks.

As a full-service restaurant, Astralis brings to residents of Makati and neighboring areas, who may find the trip to Roxas Boulevard rather daunting, Diamond?s signature dishes.

Under the supervision of chef Linda Junio, also the hotel?s catering chef, Astralis serves continental fare, highlighted by bestsellers from Diamond?s different food and beverage outlets.

There are different fish items like Pan-grilled Chilean sea bass; different pastas like the Oriental-style Sato-san?s Japanese Mentaiko Spaghetti; and meat dishes like Braised Lamb Shanks, Grilled US Angus Prime Rib and, of course, the Grilled US Wagyu Rib-eye.

Tapas

The restaurant has a wide assortment of tapas, wine flights (a selection of three different wines bundled at a special price) and set executive lunch served Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Lunch guests can choose between a three-course meal costing P750 or a four-course option at P950.

The cocktail crowd can enjoy the wine and raclette buffet Monday and Thursday, from 5 p.m. Those who want only the raclette part of the buffet pay P390 while those opting for wine only will be charged P650.

The whole package of wine and raclette is available at the discounted rate of P950 per person.

For the sweet-toothed diner, which means practically every single one of the almost 90 million Filipinos, there is an even more irresistible offer?a dessert buffet Friday-Sunday, 4-6 p.m.

Dessert lovers can have six to eight of Diamond?s popular sweets in bite-size pieces. Choices range from the hotel?s own ice cream to the much talked-about ensaymada. On any given day, a customer can have chocolate gateaus, cheese cakes in different flavors, concoctions that make use of local ingredients like coconut and ube, and fruit tartlets.

The selection is so enticing no doubt many people will choose to have a very light lunch, or skip it altogether, to leave plenty of room for the desserts. And why not?

Diamond?s different food and beverage outlets and Astralis also deliver. Whether it is a full party spread or just a selection of desserts that is needed for the holidays, Diamond?s chefs can whip up the desired items. They can also cater parties and events.

Call Diamond (tel. 5283000 and 3053000, fax 5262255, www.diamondhotel.com) or Astralis (tel. 7032688) and let experienced chefs do the cooking for a truly merry Christmas and happy new year.