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

Cebu Secret Chows: The Suite Room -- Cebu's Newest Boutique Restaurant by Casa Verde

         Before anything, this post was meant to be published two weeks ago but my camera got lost along with the precious photos of the glorious food so I had to ask for some photos from mi amigo, Mustachio. 

         I was invited to an exclusive lunch at The Suite Room last month. I've heard of this place somewhere before but the only clue I had about it was that it was by Casa Verde. I never really found out if it was already operational or where the location was.

         

         So, I was very excited about this invite as though I were unraveling a mystery. It's going to be a long post but it's worth the read, I promise!

         The Suite Room is located at the Ramos branch (the pioneer branch) of the famous home-grown Casa Verde. It's a separate extension, just a little room that could comfortably accommodate 12 people. Apparently, it had already been open for service since Sinulog (which is in January); but that day, we had the first dibs on the new menu.

[photos above from The Suite Room]

         

          As soon as you open the door, you instantly find yourself in a hotel suite-furnished room. It was lavish and classy, and perfect for intimate meals. It had all the works -- plush upholstery, classy wooden tables, a faux fireplace with a huge flat screen TV above it, a dresser with a gorgeous mirror, and even a headboard of a bed at the wall behind the upholstered counter to top off the suite room effect -- and everything was custom-made.

          This concept was inspired from the owner's travels. The setting might immediately give the impression of a pricey menu but Casa Verde stands by its principle of giving AFFORDABLE quality; so, expect the menu to be reasonably priced. Personal service is provided and food is served in fine dining fashion but guests are not required a strict dress code. They make sure to let you sit back, relax, and enjoy the comforts of a simulated check-in to a suite room.

          We were welcomed with -- to our delight -- hotel bedroom slippers. Geared up with our slippers, we then embarked on a 7-course gastronomic expedition of their new menu. 

  FIRST COURSE        
Salads

Mixed Green Salad w/ candied walnuts and strawberry vinaigrette

Caesar's Salad

Thai Prawn Fresh Spring Rolls

         I tend to favor Asian flavors more than any other cuisine but all the salads were excellent. I could taste the anchovies in the Caesar dressing and I loved that the greens were delicately coated and not drenched.

          The Mixed Green Salad is perfect if you want a light salad. I loved the candied walnuts and the tart strawberry dressing added just the right acidity.

           The Thai Prawn Fresh Spring Roll was generously filled with vermicelli, carrots, turnip, cilantro, and a tender, sweet prawn.

SECOND COURSE
Soups

Prawn and Beef Noodle Soup

Cream of Mushroom

Pumpkin Soup

         I had the Prawn and Beef Noodle Soup first (Asian, told ya). It had a siding of pickled cucumbers and carrots which you MUST add to the soup. It was the most interesting one, bursting with flavors -- sweet, salty, and sour -- playfully teasing the palate all the while in perfect harmony. The cream soups were also smooth and fine. 

THIRD COURSE

Appetizers

Meatballs in Stewed Tomato Sauce served w/ bread

Cajun Style Skewered Shrimps 

Sweet & Spicy Chicken Wings Asian Style

             These were the best meatballs I've ever had. They were juicy and cooked just right -- not underdone and not overdone. The Cajun style shrimps on the other hand were also tender and sweet. The chicken wings were well... chicken wings. I'm not a fan of pineapples in savory dishes.

FOURTH COURSE

Sandwiches

Chicken Salad Sandwich

You know what this is ;)

Tuna Salad Sandwich

               Since The Suite Room is open all day, you can snug up in a corner with their sandwiches or tacos if you want some peace and quiet. I wished they served healthier sandwiches though. 

(belly about to burst at this point and expecting main course is next but then...)

FIFTH COURSE

Pasta

Spaghetti and Sausage in Tomato Sauce

Spinach & Ricotta Cheese Ravioli in Tomato Cream Sauce

Bacon and Mushroom in Pesto Cream Sauce

Shrimp Fettuccine in Alfredo Sauce

          You can hate me for this, but you really can't bring me to finish a whole plate of carbonara. I'm just not the cream sauce type; but I don't mind having cream-based sauces as long as they're not purely cream -- such as, pesto cream! So, my pick among the pasta we tasted was the Bacon and Mushroom in Pesto Cream. I love ravioli but somehow, theirs didn't feel right. It was a bit too hard for me. I like the kind that slips in the mouth and bursts open with a smooth, rich spinach and ricotta filling.  

And finally...

SIXTH COURSE

Main Course

Pan Fried Salmon in Citrus Butter Sauce with Mushroom Risotto

Australian Beef Striploin Steak

Australian Beef Rib Eye Steak

Fresh Corned Beef w/ Horseradish Sauce

1/2 Citrus Herb Roasted Chicken

Skewered Surf and Turf with Cajun Butter

Pork Kalbi

Baked Cream Dory

          Oh boy, the main course was like a spectacular firework one after the other. The steaks were impressive and on the lighter side, my fave is the salmon with risotto... I'm at a  loss for words.

(surpassed glutton level right here... but my favorite course is just too good to pass up on!)

SEVENTH HEAVEN COURSE

Dessert

Frozen Caramel Macchiato

Green Tea Ice Cake

RAINBOW CAKE!!!

*photos by Mustachio (thanks so much for the awesome photos!)

         Finally, surviving that huge wave of courses, the last men standing were just me and Mustachio. I initially didn't know how to feel about dessert anymore whether it was punishment or reward. When the cakes arrived, I transformed into a masochist more than happy to meet punishment. The Suite Room's Frozen Caramel Macchiatto and Green Tea Ice Cake were absolutely perfect. And the plain white frosted cake I noticed in the chiller was actually a RAINBOW CAKE! That cake I used to see in Instagram photos from Manila or elsewhere. Oh joy! Definitely felt like sliding down a rainbow into a pot of gold. 

              It's seriously been a while since I've had a meal as great as that. Though the meal was a long one, it was a smooth ride. Servings were hearty, plating was beautiful and most importantly, they all tasted as good as they looked. Best of all, the most expensive dish on the menu is only P450 and that's already a steak!

          If you order a la carte, the servings are mostly big; but if you feel like splurging on a meal, you can get their set menu which consists of soup, salad, entree and dessert for only P500. You can also rent out the whole room for just P5,000 consumable for 3 hours. This is definitely one of the coziest places in town. 

Reminder: Reservation is highly recommended. 


*This is a Cebu Secret Chows segment. Check out the page on my homepage's menu bar for the complete list and more posts like this. :D 



The Suite Room
69 Lim Tian Teng St. Ramos, Cebu City

Contact:  (032) 254 0508
               thesuiteroom@casaverdecebu.com

Operating Hours:  11 am - 10 pm  DAILY

"To know Cebu, eat Cebu! :D"

oink oink, 

Babe for Food

- your BFF in Cebu dining

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

*no drinks included

HAPPY HOLIDAYS, FOODIES! :*

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! :)