Babe for Food: buffet

Showing posts with label buffet. Show all posts

5/13/16

Vikings Luxury Buffet: The Vikings Are HERE!

It’s been so long since I’ve felt excited about eating in a buffet—probably for two years now. Buffet restaurants have been popping up in Cebu but most of them just don’t hit the spot for me, besides the fact that I do not like putting myself in a situation where I have to eat too much just to “get my money’s worth”. However, I’m the type of diner who enjoys variety over quantity and so the reason why I would consent myself to a buffet is just to satiate my interest in the different dishes I can taste rather than filling myself up.

But, well, Vikings changed the game. Since I was invited to the food tasting before the opening (my previous post), somehow my enthusiasm for this food service style was revived. I was totally looking forward to the grand opening as I was writing about the food tasting. Remembering all the excellent food that we had gave me high hopes for a much better buffet output in town.

The Vikings Are Coming! Vikings Luxury Buffet in Cebu

The long wait is finally over, Cebu! The largest buffet restaurant in the country is opening its doors on May 10, Tuesday at SM City Cebu.

Vikings Luxury Buffet offers you a buffet dining experience parallel to hotel buffet standards—a buffet that does not sacrifice quality for quantity. Something to note about Vikings is also that each branch is unique owing to different interior designs and special dishes inspired from its locations.

Taking a Trip to Candyland at Fairmont Makati's Spectrum Restaurant

Hello, dear readers! Sorry for the unannounced hiatus. I was buried in books since I graduated last March to study for my board exam. To cut to the chase, the exam was on August 20 & 21 in Manila and by God's grace and mercy, I passed!!!

Within the time I was away from the blog, I stayed in Manila for a month to review for the board exam. This was my first time to live independently and it was a great experience. Though I was supposedly there for serious matters (yes, some serious shopping here and there), I was blessed to have friends and relatives who made sure to make my stay enjoyable, too. I met up with the KTG, the best group of food and lifestyle bloggers in the country - my new foodie family. Thanks to Richie the Pickiest Eater, I left Manila dreaming of Candy Land from the sweetest buffet I ever had – the Sweet Sunday Brunch at Fairmont Makati’s Spectrum Restaurant.

Part of my independent life in Manila involved commuting all alone. I actually enjoyed this because it gave me a better experience and view of the city and the truest sense of independence. So, my memorable Spectrum experience actually began with my journey to get to Fairmont Makati. I was staying in Quezon City and had to commute all the way to Makati. It was my first time to travel that far by public transport.

To my relief, I somehow found myself in Makati safe and sound. Arriving at the grandiose buffet was definitely a more than welcome reward for my determination to commute and having had to ask several security guards for directions. :))

As I stepped into Spectrum, I couldn’t stop gushing over the luxurious spread of overflowing fresh seafood, salad greens, LECHON, rib eye steak at the carving station and of course, the most outrageous dessert buffet I’ve ever seen. It was such a privilege to be invited to share this special lunch with the KTG and the Fairmont marketing team! Meals are always made happier when shared with people who thrive on the same passion – good food.

So, here it is, feast your eyes and appetites on the Sweet Sunday Brunch of Spectrum at Fairmont Makati…

Post Earthquake Staycation at Moevenpick Hotel

I’m sure we Cebuanos have all been shaken by the earthquake and wish to retreat immediately to somewhere we can feel safer and calmer, especially when our own homes don’t feel safe enough. I’ve been having palpitations since the incident and still sleep in my parents’ bedroom until the aftershocks will finally stop – and it still hasn’t. But of course, I shouldn’t be one to complain since the Boholanos have it worse. :(

Luckily, Moevenpick Hotel came to my rescue. A few days after the earthquake, they offered me an overnight stay for two with breakfast along with a few of my blogger friends – Kristine Roa and Joven Morales of thestylecebu.com, Doyzkie and Edd Buenaviaje of iluvcebu.com, Marco Paulo Diala of philippinestreetfashion.com and lamikaayo.com and Mustachio! This was such a timely blessing since it’s only been two months since my first hotel staycation invitation at Bluewater Panglao. And I’ve been so stressed from the semester that just ended. So, I took the opportunity to tag along my old friend as my roomie, Jamaica of Through Jamaica’s Eyes, who also happens to be a budding travel blogger. She writes about her travels in Europe, Asia and the Philippines and gives genuinely helpful tips. I strongly encourage you to visit her blog. You’ll enjoy it! :)

Moevenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu is a branch of the international upscale hotel management and company Moevenpick Hotels & Resorts. It is actually the new management and international hotel chain that took over another international hotel chain we formerly knew as the Hilton Hotel. Of Swiss heritage and headquartered in Zurich, Moevenpick Hotels and Resorts is represented in 23 countries with 78 hotels, resorts and Nile cruisers currently in operation. Committed to sustainable environments, Moevenpick Hotels & Resorts has become the most Green Globe certified hotel company in the world.

Chefs United: The Best of Marco Polo

Marco Polo Plaza Hotel's Culinary Journeys at Cafe Marco is a monthly sojourn of exciting flavors that one should look forward to. What with special guest chefs from other cities and countries sharing their signature creations giving Cebuanos and tourists an exclusive opportunity to taste these, there's always something to look forward to at the Marco Polo.

Having realized as I wrote this post that I've been consistently invited to this series for more than a year now, I feel so blessed and fondly recall my most favorite of the series when they featured a separate extension of Filipino street food to the regular buffet for January 2013.

I somewhat mentioned that they fly in guest chefs from other cities or countries. This time, they finally feature their own brigade of sous chefs, under the supervision of Ms. Jessica Avila, who have been running the hotel's award-winning dining outlets. This edition is called "Chefs United".

I have personally worked with these guys as a culinary intern back in 2009 and it makes me feel so proud and happy to see them succeed and achieve this recognition. It's about time they shine because I can attest that they are the hands behind each block of dish that has built a concrete institution that is the renowned gastronomic experience only Marco Polo can offer in Cebu City.

THE REUNION! :D
[photo by Marco Polo Plaza Cebu]

My excitement was brewing as the chefs were presented in a parade with each of their masterpiece in their hand. Each one was then asked to give a brief description of their dish. My eyes glittered and I was so ready to pounce at the dishes just at the sight of them.

Without further ado, here are the masterpieces…

(from top to bottom, left to right) Embutido by Chef Cornelio Tolo, Baked Pasta in Pumpkin by Chef Riz de Gamo, Beef Teppanyaki by Chef Ricky Monares, Chicken Tikka Masala by Chef Juanito Abangan, Lengua Burgundy with Coconut Wine by Chef Macario Escorra, Pata Tim by Chef Carlos Dingding, Beef Rendang by Chef Roseller Camomot, Paella Valenciana by Chef Nestor Alcoseba, Ricotta Cheese Strudel by Chef Rodelio Galvez, and Bourbon Basted Barbecue Ribs by Chef Luigi Mangubat

As soon as we settled down in our seats, the first dish brought to the table was a huge platter of assorted sushi rolls by Chef Corneli Tolo, Sous Chef of the Garde Manger (Cold Kitchen). Oh yesss, that Uni Sushi Roll (first thing I grabbed) was a winner. I seriously felt it calling me. ;)

The rest of the dishes then started pouring in continuously. The highlight of the night has definitely got to be the chefs gracefully serving us their creations. It felt very personal and heartwarming as if the chefs were feeding us themselves.

Chef Carlos Dingding and Chef Juanito Abangan serving some dimsum made by Chef Carlos Dingding -I loved this!

Each dish was certainly special in its own way - a masterpiece, and rightfully so. You could really taste the passion strewn all over it by the crafty hands of these artists. Some really did surprise me and a number were captivating. Unfortunately, there were some dishes that I missed to taste but my personal favorites would have to be the Beef Teppanyaki, (the sushi is a given), Lengua Burgundy, the dimsum and the Pata Tim. :D

Chicken Tikka Masala by Chef Juanito Abangan

And then dessert by Executive Pastry Chef Rodelio Galvez: Ricotta Cheese Strudel with Ube Macapuno Ice Cream. I loved that this dessert was not too sweet at all. The savory ricotta cheese was a great match with the sorbetes-like ube macapuno ice cream. It was substantial yet light.

Ricotta Cheese Strudel w/ Ube Macapuno Ice Cream

This was also a night that changed my life because it was my first time to genuinely appreciate bean curd pudding, locally known as "taho". And this is exactly one of the best parts of food tasting - developing the palate. I have attempted several times to appreciate this on the streets but it just couldn't befriend my tongue. I could only tolerate two sips the most. And finally, after twenty-two years, I have come to terms with this fellow. This is probably the healthiest street food in the country (as long as you cut back on the brown sugar syrup) and it was just majestic, steaming from a mobile cart. It seriously caught my heart at the first spoonful - smooth, fine, warm, subtly sweet. This delicate creature melted in my mouth and smoothly sailed down my throat. From that point, spoonful after spoonful mechanically found its way up to my lips and I delightedly savored each one. Indeed, sometimes the most heartwarming dishes are the simplest ones.

Bean Curd Pudding a.k.a "Taho"

That said, this edition of the Culinary Journeys is now one of the best of their series to date. I would really recommend you folks not to miss this. There's so much more in store for you, dishes I have not tasted that you may get the privilege to.

Congratulations to all the chefs and Ms. Jessica Avila for a truly interesting and successful edition!

Chefs United is ongoing at Cafe Marco until September 29. For reservations and inquiries, visit Marco Polo Plaza Cebu's website at www.marcopoloplazacebu.com or refer to the contact details below:

Marco Polo Plaza Cebu

Cebu Veterans Drive, Nivel Hills

Lahug, Cebu City 6000

Contact: (032) 253 1111

Email: info@marcopoloplazacebu.com

Facebook: facebook.com/MarcoPoloPlazaCebu

Twitter: @5StarInCebu

"To know Cebu, eat Cebu! :D"

oink oink,

Babe for Food

- your BFF in Cebu dining! :)

6/11/13

Cuisine of the Century

Tomorrow, we not only celebrate the 115 years of freedom that was bought with a price -- the blood of our fellow countrymen -- but also, the undying cuisine of our heritage. There's no better place to celebrate this national event but at the Marco Polo Plaza Cebu, Miele Guide's 5th Best Restaurant in the Philippines, as Cafe Marco's Culinary Journey brings us to the comfort of home where we can have as much of lola's cooking with Cucina del Siglo (Cuisine of the Century). Cucina del Siglo showcases perfected recipes passed on from generation to generation with the guidance of culinary guru Ms. Jessica Avila, Marco Polo's outstanding F&B consultant.

The media launch for this, of which I was invited to, required a Filipiniana chic dress code. I literally went on panic mode but I know mom always has something for me to borrow. FYI, my mother dear is the original Lady Gaga. She has an outrageous wardrobe, accessories and shoes collection that I believe Lady Gaga only copied from. I usually prefer a casual fashion sense but this event encouraged me to dress up because they were raffling off an overnight stay for two at the hotel to the best dressed guest. Well, I'm always up for a challenge so I took my chance.

Wrapped up in an abaca top and a full length golden skirt with matching accessories, I marched up to the feast that awaited me (and the other guests). It was a melodic welcome with Cebu Normal University's choir at the grand staircase of the lobby.

Ms. Jessica Avila with the CNU choristers in the backdrop

Ms. Jessica Avila, the humble and honorable woman, never fails to credit the culinary team that she works with at the Marco Polo. I've also worked with these guys as an intern here before and they really are a great team. They are the running force of Marco Polo's delectable dishes.

Ms. Jessica Avila with Marco Polo's Culinary Team

So... What do you think of my outfit? :D This photo was taken by the F&B Manager himself, Mr. Stephan Wieprich. I'm honored! :)

There are a lot of heartwarming, nostalgic dishes you'd enjoy in this spread. I personally loooved the pancit luglug, rellenong manok, bacalao and pinakbet!

Pancit Luglug

Bacalao

Pinakbet

And of course, a Cafe Marco visit is never complete without a serving of their malicious cookies. :D

Malicious Cookies

I forgot all about the suspense of the prize for the best dressed guest with my little feast. And lo and behold, I went home a winner!!! YAY! Thank you so much, Marco Polo! I'm treating my parents with it. They chose two best dressed guests. The other prize went to Ms. Chinggay Utzurrum. And since they also liked two other guests who dressed for the occasion, they gave out malicious cookies as consolation prizes to two other ladies.

the babe with Doyzkie and Reymond Buenaviaje of iluvcebu.com and Marco Polo's marketing heads, Ms. Manna Alcaraz, Ms. Yumny Mariot and Ms. Kyra Cabaero

Catch Cucina del Siglo at Cafe Marco from June 7 - 16! For inquiries and reservations, call 253 1111 loc 8245 or email mpplaza@marcopolohtels.com. Visit their website at www.marcopoloplazacebu.com. For real time updates, like their Facebook page at facebook.com/marcopolocebu or follow them on Twitter at @5StarInCebu.

6/7/13

New Executive Chef and Pastry Chef at Waterfront Mactan

The crude perception of people for chefs is that they are usually "under-educated"; understandable, because it is after all, only considered a vocational skill. Anyone can be a chef, regardless of college degree. In fact, a lot of executive chefs were formerly stewards (not flight stewards, this kitchen term is for dishwashers) and a lot of them never had formal education for the field. With all due respect, experience almost always proves to be a better teacher than the books -- best example would be our own mothers and grandmothers who always seem to effortlessly whip up magically good food from their own home kitchens. There are, of course, chefs who actually went to culinary school or have a degree or something but later discover or realize that their heart belongs in the kitchen. Bottom line is, chefs are not to be intellectually underestimated just because some of them don't carry college degrees.

I had the honor of meeting the new Executive Chef and Pastry Chef of Waterfront Mactan when I was invited for lunch. It was my first time to visit the airport hotel and try their buffet at Cafe Uno.

My interest peaked when I found out that the Executive Chef, Stephen Del-Amen, holds a degree in Nutrition and Dietetics. Finally! Someone who went along the path that I'm trying to pave for myself! Not to my surprise, the mindset we have in common is favored to thriving in the kitchen contrary to the stereotypical RND (registered nutritionist and dietician) who works in a hospital or gym. He applies his degree on the dishes or menu that he creates by considering the nutritional factor for these. Now, isn't that a plus for the guests at Waterfront Mactan? They won't have to worry as much with their food selections at the buffet or even room service. I definitely noticed this in the lunch buffet we had, especially at the appetizer section. I particularly enjoyed the red rice salad.

Of course, let's not forget the delectable desserts that complete a meal. These complements are created by the Pastry Chef Neil Vaño, who was a Service Associate under the leadership of renowned Pastry Chef Gabriel Garcia. True enough, I saw traces of Chef Gab artistry in his desserts at the buffet. And of course, they not only look good, but they taste good as well. I find it intriguing (and I'm a bit jealous) that most acclaimed pastry chefs are men. I mean, real men. Machismo and dainty tasty pastries don't seem to go hand in hand but it sure does work after all. Cue in Cake Boss! I've read once before that studies have shown that men are apparently more creative than women. So, don't be surprised to find architects or engineers in the pastry kitchen.

from left: Executive Chef Stephen Del-Amen, Pastry Chef Neil Vano

With this new tandem at Waterfront Airport Hotel & Casino Mactan, the gastronomic offerings are sure to be interesting. Waterfront Mactan also has an affordable and convenient Pastry Package for pastries to be ordered for meetings and gatherings. Pastries & breads range from only P25 - P120 nett! Discounts can also be availed for a minimum order of:

20 pieces - 5% off

21-30 pieces - 10% off

above 30 pieces - 15% off

*Orders must be made 24 hrs before pick-up date.

For more information, log on to www.waterfronthotels.com.ph.

Waterfront Airport Hotel & Casino

1 Airport Road, Lapu-Lapu City,

Cebu 6015 Philippines

Contact: (63 32) 340 4888

(63 32) 340 5862

Email: wahc@waterfronthotels.net

2/8/13

The Return of the Grand CHOInese Eat All You Can

Choi City is the first and only Chinese resto in Cebu I've been to that has divine dimsum. I declare this resto to be a Chinese outlet right out of a hotel because the service and food quality are at par with hotel standards.

Choi City offered a shabu-shabu and dimsum eat all you can last year and due to public demand, the two favorites in Chinese cuisine are back for the feasting at the same price -- P398! Such a reasonable price for such a grand feast! When I say grand, I mean GRAND. Expect to find 11-15 kinds of impeccable dimsum! Anyone on a Chinese craving spree can indulge in this grand feast until June 1, 2013. The feast is inclusive of bottomless iced tea, unlimited jasmine rice with a special sauce and dessert!

If that's not grand enough, Choi City also gives you a chance to win an iPad mini whenever you dine during the Grand CHOInese lunch promo.

Choi City is now also available for catering needs for any special occasion. There's no other reliable caterer for the perfect dimsum and Chinese cuisine you want for special occasions, especially for Chinese clans in Cebu. With the same great service and food Choi City brings from the resto to your occasion, you can be assured of a smooth and successful reception or party.

Choi City catering ensures that they serve quality food by going the extra mile of cooking on site. Both host and guests can then enjoy freshly cooked, warm food the way it should be. Chinese New Year is right around the corner so book that catering now to experience the best of Chinese New Year on a plate!

*photos from Choi City

Choi City Seafood Restaurant
South Arcade, Banilad Town Centre (BTC)
Banilad, Cebu City

Contact: (032) 239 0800, (032) 239 0999

Facebook: ChoiCitySeafood
Twitter: @choi_city

12/25/12

Nothing Like Christmas at the Marco Polo

Oddly this year, I didn't really feel the Christmas spirit when the celebrated day was approaching. But when I was invited to visit the Marco Polo for the festive buffet at Cafe Marco, Christmas was all over the place. I felt a warm welcome from all the beautiful and lavish decors and of course, the food! Actually, it felt nostalgic. This is the place to be if you want a great Christmas feast. You'd think Santa was your host!

The highlights of this festive buffet are the Glazed Ham, Stuffed Turkey Roll, and Chicken Relleno. My, oh my, these babies are not to be taken lightly. They're so good you'll want to keep going back for more. A personal favorite is the Chicken Relleno. Nom nom! :D

Marco Polo's very own glazed ham

Stuffed Turkey

Chicken Relleno
(sorry, the photo doesn't do it justice at all... but it's sooo good!)

And of course, if you know me well, dessert is my favorite part of the meal. The dessert station was just so eye-catching! It was my first time to see a display chiller decorated with edible ornaments such as these! The station was also adorned with chocolate santa's and gingerbread houses. My favorites here are the mango crepe and leche flan! I never miss a slice of leche flan whenever I'm here.

For the festive season, Marco Polo has the most festive ensaymada's. Soft, moist, creamy, fluffy... and colorful! It's a fruit cake kinda ensaymada. Perfect as gifts. :D

The buffet includes free flowing coffee which has a perfect match -- THE malicious cookies! I do not know why they are called so but I guess because these secret, notorious cookies are to die for. You'll never have enough of these. You can even get them freshly baked upon request and you can order them for takeout. I bought some to give to my friend for her birthday. :)

So, I've pretty much mentioned a lot of dishes you shouldn't miss at the Cafe Marco this season. If that's not enough to get you going there, I don't know what can. That's not all that's happening at the Marco Polo though. Here's a schedule of events you might want to spend with your family and friends at the Marco:

Christmas:

Cafe Marco

Dec 25 - Lunch & Dinner buffet: P1,699 nett per person

w/ free flowing drinks

Dec 26-30 - Lunch buffet P1,099 nett per person

Dinner buffet P1,499 nett per person

*no drinks included

Blu Bar & Grill

At 1,000 feet high, indulge in a luxurious festive set dinner with wine pairing on Dec 25 for P2,800 nett per person.

New Year's

Feast on the buffet at Cafe Marco and get a complimentary entrance to the New Year's Countdown and spectacular fireworks display at the Grand Balcony.

Cafe Marco & Lobby Lounge

Lunch buffet: P1,099 nett per person

Dinner buffet: P1,799 nett per person

*w/ free flowing drinks

El Viento

Al fresco buffet dinner with a live band Serendipity for P1,799 nett per person with free flowing drinks.

Blu Bar & Grill

Celebrate New Year's at greater heights with an unmatched view of the city and fireworks. Set dinner with wine pairing at P3,800 nett per person. Music by Royal Plus band.

Grand Balcony

This is where the party's at! Join the fun with popular band Leandro Zayco and Patiqueros as you dance the night away and gaze at the fireworks for only P600 nett for walk-ins with a free glass of sparkling wine.

Jan 1

Lunch buffet: P999 nett per person

Dinner buffet: P1,299 nett per person