The (private) table is set

Flame’s “Private Dining” goes beyond mere seclusion. These spaces strike the perfect balance between sophistication and intimacy — making them ideal for special occasions. The goal? To deliver something truly extraordinary.

As experiences become the new currency in hospitality, restaurants are evolving to cater to discerning diners—those who prefer curated menus and quiet elegance over the buzz of crowded dining halls.

Flame, the signature restaurant of Discovery Primea, recently unveiled “Private Dining,” its modern interpretation of the traditional private dining room. These bespoke spaces combine intimacy with sophistication, making them ideal for everything from milestone family celebrations to high-powered business dinners. The mission? To offer guests something exceptional.

Bringing the indulgence of brunch into private dining

Under the leadership of general manager David Pardo Ayala, the launch event showcased what makes private dining at Flame a cut above the rest: executive chef Luis Chikiamco’s expertly curated menus, which embody Flame’s culinary identity—global flavors, premium ingredients, and thoughtful presentation.

We begin with a burrata salad where every forkful feels like spring. The contrast of textures—the soft, decadent interior of the cheese and crisp greens, a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic glaze—makes the salad a sophisticated and satisfying dish.

For the main course, guests can choose between Josper-grilled Canada striploin and Flame’s Eggs Benedict with jamón Serrano. I opt for the striploin—tender, smoky, and grilled to perfection. It’s paired with truffle mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus, and roasted king oyster mushrooms—a harmony of textures and flavors.

For dessert, chef Luis presents the Gianduja Chocolate Bar—a dish almost too pretty to eat. Almost. This rich hazelnut praline is balanced by a scoop of ginger ice cream, offering a delicate finish to an indulgent meal.

“Flame’s Private Dining came about thanks to the continued patronage of our regular guests,” shares David over burrata and a glass of red wine. “Over the years, we’ve created customized culinary experiences for those who made special requests through our F&B team. We wanted to make those options available to the public—not just a select few ‘in the know.’”

Moving in this direction was a natural evolution of Discovery Primea’s hospitality philosophy: “Service that’s all heart.”

Flexible, elegant, personal

One of the defining features of Flame Private Dining is its flexibility. Whether you're planning an intimate gathering for a few friends, a full-venue buyout for dozens of guests, or an event that extends into the adjoining al fresco space, the possibilities are endless. The Urdaneta and Ayala dining rooms can also be fully partitioned for maximum privacy and exclusivity.

“Our vision is to offer guests an experience that feels both effortless and extraordinary. Every detail—from the skyline views to the cuisine and service—is crafted to create moments worth celebrating,” adds David, a Colombian chef who has led Discovery Primea since 2013.

Between David and Esquire’s Rhia Grana across the table, and The Post’s Tanya Lara seated beside me, the conversation flows easily. Food lovers, bookworms, and cinephiles all, our discussion jumps from Flame’s new dining concept to the Netflix adaptation of One Hundred Years of Solitude, to Like Water for Chocolate, to the Emmy-winning series The Bear, and back to chef Luis’s irresistible Gianduja dessert. Though we differ on some topics, we agree on one thing: Gianduja is undeniably softer and creamier than regular chocolate. A perfect ending to a luxe brunch.

While the event highlighted Flame’s private dining possibilities, the restaurant remains open to regular diners daily. Whether you’re stopping by for a casual lunch or planning a special evening, guests can still enjoy Flame’s signature dishes, breathtaking city views, and elevated service. The private dining experience simply adds a new layer of exclusivity—for those who want to celebrate—and do it more intimately.