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Located at the 45th topmost level of Marco Polo Ortigas Manila, Vu’s Sky Bar and Lounge is redefining the nightlife scene in this side of the metro, offering an unobstructed 180-degree view of Manila. With a nightly lineup of entertainment and musical performances, VU’s is a perfect venue to visit after a busy work day or to celebrate special occasions.

The sky lounge has both an indoor and an al fresco dining area where you can catch the sunset and enjoy a wide variety of beverages and bar items on their menu from happy hour all the way until late evening.

Apart from the remarkable skyline scenery, Vu’s Sky Bar and Lounge is now offering its Aperitivo daily from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. This is a great place to relax and unwind with friends and to socialize over an endless buffet of good food and drinks, before you head over to your main dinner destination. I tried the Aperitivo one lazy weekday afternoon and really enjoyed the gentle breeze at this  colorful and charming setting.

Under the helm of new Executive Chef Alisdair Bletcher, the Aperitivo line up will be given a twist with the addition of salads and tapas that will add to the ultimate dining experience that everyone will get to enjoy.

Start with the refreshing Garden Green Salad topped with your choice of dressing including Aged Balsamic Vinegar and Extra Virgil Olive Oil.

Artisan Breads like these flavored baguettes and Grissini breadsticks are also on hand which you can dip on your choice of sauces or consume with Hummus and Pico Di Gallo.

Various savoury cocktails and canapés can also be found like these Spicy Italian Sausages served on a cocktail glass.

I liked filling my plate with these assorted Cold Cuts including hams and chorizo. These light starters are good enough to whet my appetite but not that heavy to spoil dinner later.

Other flavorful dishes I found include the Marinated Olives and Chili, Salmon Ceviche, a cheesy Quiche, and Marinated Grilled Artichoke Hearts with eggplant and zucchini. 

I’m sure that everyone would be delighted to see this Assorted Cheese Platter at the Aperitivo in VU’s Sky Bar and Lounge. Blue cheese, Brie, and other kinds of cheese are all part of the buffet so you can have all the cheese that you want.

Now what would pre-dinner appetizers be without endless wines? Aperitivo also offers unlimited servings of red or white wine to pair with your selection of appetizers. Imaging brining your date up to this romantic spot above the city and starting the night with wine and Italian appetizers over sunset.

You can also ask for unlimited servings of local draft beer if you are with office mates or the barkada.

Aside from the buffet selection at the Aperitivo, guests can also order from VU’s bar menu which has a vast selection of cocktails, wines and other spirits together with a well-curated line-up of dishes that is a good mix of Filipino, Spanish and other Mediterranean favorites. The Sapphire Road is Marco Polo’s signature cocktail which comes with a citrus blend and a tropical experience.

If you don’t want to go anywhere else after having the Aperitivo at VU’s, then just have dinner here as well. The menu has a lot of very good dishes that can already serve as a light dinner. My favorites are their Beef Salpicao and the spicy Gambas prepared on a hot sizzling plate.

The Aperitivo at VU’s Sky Bar and Lounge offers an alternative dining option for those who want to experience this traditional Italian ritual. The scenery alone at the sky hotel’s roofdeck is already worth the visit. Pair this with endless bubbly beverages and outstanding Italian appetizers and you have a winning five-star combination.

VU’s Sky Bar & Lounge

45/F Marco Polo Ortigas, Meralco Avenue & Sapphire Street, Ortigas Center, Pasig

720-7777

www.marcopolohotels.com