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.    

 

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

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! :)

The Philippine Master Chefs at the Marco Polo

                September flew by so fast and now it’s time for the next theme of Marco Polo Plaza’s Culinary Journeys at Café Marco. I am proud to say this is my most awaited event of the year at the Marco Polo. This is because my local culinary icons, celebrity chefs father and son tandem, Chefs Gene and Gino Gonzalez are back! They are the guest chefs I look forward to most every year because I’ve personally watched them live in action in the kitchen when I was an intern. They are the heavyweights in the culinary industry, having several awards as individuals and with their restaurants. Not surprisingly enough, they never fail to pull out some magic from their sleeves every time they’re here.

(from left) Chef Red, Chef Gino and Gene Gonzalez, Chef Toto Erfe 

                This year’s theme is Culinary Impressions of China. Common as it (Chinese cuisine) sounds, don’t be prematurely disinterested just yet. It’s not traditional Chinese cuisine (not that it’s bad) but an adventurous contemporary take, making you feel like you’re dining with an emperor. With the Philippine Master Chefs Gene and Gino Gonzalez, anything they get their hands on is a spectacular show for the eyes and a party in the mouth. It’s their 6^th visit but their tricks never get old! :D

                I’ve never had a complete and perfectly satisfied culinary journey at the Café Marco as this. And by that, I mean smooth sailing from appetizers to dessert! Here are some of the gems I had a taste of in the buffet:

APPETIZERS

Chilled Tofu with Century Egg

                   Slices of soft silk tofu swimming in a broth with century egg and topped with a beautiful medley of pork floss, chopped cilantro and an edible orchid, "Dancing Lady". This melted in my mouth and slid down my throat like I had a spoonful of fairy dust. And what's more awesome is, it's low in calories! Oh yesss. :D  

Seaweed Salad with Century Egg 

                       Three kinds of seaweed of which I could only identify guso (that thick branched seaweed), with slivers of jellyfish -- my favorite Chinese cold appetizer. The textures were playful, having smoothness, crispness and chewy.   

Cold Spicy Noodles

                      Probably the only cold "palabok-like" noodles I ever enjoyed, with strips of pork belly. It was a substantial and creamy noodle dish.  

Lechon with Chive Cake



Ox Tripe Salad

DIMSUM

Red Curry Dumpling and Pork & Lemongrass Dumpling

                 Both dumplings were heaven in the mouth and matched perfectly with their dipping sauces. The pork and lemongrass dumpling went with the sweet and sour Vietnamese vinegar dip (right side on the sauce plate) and the red curry dumpling which was soupy like xiao long bao went with the raspberry soy dip. I wouldn't stop popping these in my mouth if I had a bottomless stomach.          

MAIN DISHES

Wok Fried Beef with Wolf Berries

                  Tender slices of quality beef with a rich, savory sauce. Again, if I had a bigger appetite, I'd have more. 

Boat People Noodle

                    I don't have much clue about the name but this was also really good. The shrimps were fresh, sweet and easy to eat. 

DESSERT

Asian Marshmallows (Coconut and Green Tea)

Asian Crème Brulees (Coconut, Green Tea, Ube, Muscovado)

Mandarin Orange Roll

                 Would be interesting to throw some of those marshmallows into a cup of hot chocolate to jazz it up. And the orange cake, oh wow, it looks so luscious yet it isn't an irritable sweetness at all. It's a light chiffon cake with a balanced flavor and aroma from the oranges; a must have! 

                  I've said it already and I'll say it again -- I enjoyed every single dish of Chef Gene and Gino's creations. Even if I was quite late for the buffet, with only a few minutes left til the closing time, none of the dishes seemed to be degraded with exposure time. 

            That's not even the complete menu. There will be a variety of dishes from Chef Gene's menu as the promo runs along the week. You don't wanna miss this. Culinary Impressions of China will leave a lasting impression of invigorated palates on anyone who gets a taste. Catch this from Sept 28-Oct 7. 

the babe with (from left) Chefs Gino and Gene Gonzalez and Toto Erfe

Café Marco

Marco Polo Plaza Cebu

Cebu Veterans Drive, Nivel Hills,

Apas, Cebu City 6000

For reservations:     (032) 253 1111 loc 8353

                              mpplaza@marcopolohotels.com

Follow them on:

Twitter -- @5StarInCebu

Facebook -- facebook.com/marcopolocebu

You can also visit their website for ongoing promos: www.marcopoloplazacebu.com

“To know Cebu, eat Cebu!” :D

oink oink,

Babe for Food

-  your BFF in Cebu dining! :)