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Showing posts with label buffet. Show all posts
Showing posts with label buffet. Show all posts
Saturday, December 24, 2016
SHANGRI-LA FORT 'S HIGH STREET CAFE: Holiday Cheers


It's the holiday rush. People left and right are getting together and having parties. Sometimes, it gets a bit busy and it's hard to do things at home and prepare for yourselves. At SHANGRI-LA FORT, they can do everything for you.

This season, SHANGRI-LA FORT'S HIGH STREET CAFE is the perfect place for parties. It's a buffet that has everything that you might want or need. The fact that it comes with the SHANGRI-LA name, means that it is something worthwhile and the expectations will be met.

The quality and choices of cuisine are aplenty in their HIGH STREET CAFE. More than just offering holiday themed drinks and cocktails, they have a gastronomic menu to entice buffet lovers and party goers. Perfect for everyone that fancy a bit of everything.

Seafood are freshly picked and are prepared in different manners. One could go for the decadent oysters and even some shrimp cocktail.

Starting off with some finger foods, one could pick up a wrap. Perfect while waiting for other people in your party to arrive. One could munch on these goodies without the guilt of getting full quickly.
A perfect example would be this brie filled bread wrap that's covered with mangoes. Sweet and sexy definitely a must try from their buffet.
Once everyone is present, the main courses are right there for the taking. More time to chat and eat since everything is prepared way in advance.
Aside from the usual bites, there are some Chinese, Western and even Filipino delicacies that are quite delicious. One could start off with some abalone. Cooked with a sweet touch, this one is perfect with steaming white rice. Furthermore, one could go for beef cheeks as well. These are tender and done in a delicious manner. Very savory and perfect with mashed potatoes.
Since it is the Holidays, they have a bit of crunchy surprises as well. Crispy lechon or roasted pig belly is prepared for everyone to try out. Accompanied by different sauces, you can mix and match for your taste buds.
Another addition to the menu would be the TURKEY. The meat is juicy and tender. It works with the different vegetables and sidings that you may want to try out.
Aside from the steaks, lamb, fish, and other grilled options, the HIGH STREET CAFE also offers some humongous grilled freshwater crayfish.

If there was one thing that you must try from the spread would be the LAKSA. Since the weather is a bit cooler now, this dish would be excellent. The soup is a little bit spicy but tolerable and the flavors are present.
Dessert is well represented in SHANGRI-LA FORT. They have countless cakes and even yule log that is deconstructed. Definitely a must get for that sweet tooth.
In case you find yourself in a bind, go look for CHEF JORIS RYCKEN or his staff. He can whip up a storm and you thank him for everything. Being able to pass on the stress to other people is an amazing way to spend the holidays. At SHANGRI-LA FORT, they can take care of you and your loved ones. No fuzz and no mess.

HIGH STREET CAFE
SHANGRI-LA THE FORT
30th Street, Corner 5th Avenue,
Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Metro Manila
Website of Shangri-la The Fort


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Friday, February 19, 2016
VIKINGS at SM NORTH EDSA: FREE MEAL Every Month

Did you know that VIKINGS will be giving a meal for free once a month for the whole 2016? .... From there, my mouth flew open and wondered if this was true.
On a calm day last January 2016, I visited VIKINGS in SM NORTH.

During that weekday lunch, the place was packing.
It was actually, my first of many visits to SM NORTH's Vikings Branch.
Of course I focused my attention on the carving station of Vikings because to fully get what you paid for, always go for the big guns first in a buffet.
Appetizers were a plenty among with the usual stations you would see in VIKINGS.
One dish that I learned though was that they have a special dish that was recently added. It was VIKING'S version of Taiwanese Adobo Beef. It's like making your own rice topping.
It was also nice for them to give me a birthday cake since it was my birthday the week before.
For the month of JANUARY, VIKINGS had a theme for their free dish. It was ANGUS STEAK. So, all the branches of VIKINGS including NIU gave away steak themed dishes to its customers for free.
You don't really need to worry because they give it in a take out box for you to enjoy on your own free time.
As early as 3pm, people were lining up to get a free dish.
One of the lucky diners that got a free dish.
So how can you get a free meal? Basically, you just need an INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT.

Here are the mechanics:
1) All Vikings Branches will giveaway a special dish* of the month for FREE on February 20, 2016 for the first 100 pax only.
2) Redemption time will be at 3:30 - 4:30. Official line will start at 3:00 PM.
3) To join the food fest, guest must regram/repost the official IG post from @vikingsluxurybuffet on their OWN Instagram account with the complete caption and hashtags ‪#‎VikingsFoodFest‬ ‪#‎EatLikeAViking‬. (Please repost on your Instagram account this particular post)
4) Guest must follow the official Instagram account of Vikings: @vikingsluxurybuffet
5) Present their repost/regram post to the official personnel in charge at his/her preferred store in order to be able to line up.
6) Eligibility to redeem the special dish will be checked upon lining up.
7) Strictly no Instagram post, no redemption.
8) No multiple redemption per store.
For tomorrow, they would be giving out these dishes for free!
Isn't that amazing?

Related Links:

VIKINGS LUXURY BUFFET
SM NORTH
The Block
North Edsa Ave., Quezon City
Metro Manila.


Disclaimer: was invited to this event. Wrote this based on my experience.
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Thursday, September 17, 2015
DIAMOND HOTEL: Corniche's Mexican Food Festival

"What is Mexican Food?" I actually can't answer more than tacos and quesadillas. This had me research a bit and I figured that it is somewhat similar to Spanish and Filipino Cuisine. I guess food does connect society from one place to another. Thankfully though, DIAMOND HOTEL'S CORNICHE is hosting a MEXICAN FOOD FESTIVAL until September 20th. No more theories and concepts but actual food all there to answer my queries.

Aside from tacos and quesadillas, I actually have no idea what Mexican food is all about. Well, I do enjoy the occasional chips and nachos but DIAMOND HOTEL'S CORNICHE made sure to bring in the big guns. They flew in Chef Daniela Romero from Mexico to present authentic Mexican Dishes. Having owned a few restaurants and having a unique culinary past on her belt, I figured she knows what she is doing.

The buffet spread was actually enormous that I could only handle a few dishes. You could start with some TORTILLA SOUP. Adding a bit of sour cream made it perfect.
Surprisingly, it wasn't too spicy and I enjoyed the warmness it brings to my tummy.

You could also get with some appetizers that the chef made. From Pork Carnitas to Pulled Pork Taquitos and Chicken Chimi, I really didn't know what to pick.
 One thing that was familiar though was the Chicken Quesadillas. The chicken was moist and that is a deal breaker for me when it comes to these dishes. I liked how the cheese wasn't overpowering yet it fits in perfectly with every bite. It won't fill you up quickly so more space in the tummy.  This is definitely a must get.

Aside from the pica-pica, I also enjoyed the CAMARONES en SALSA de CHILE CHIPOTLE. In lay man's term, it is sauteed shrimps in chipotle sauce. Chipotle is actually a smokey creamy sauce. I enjoyed munching on the shrimps because one spoonful is never enough!

They also prepared a few hot dishes for us to try. On the left is the PESCADO GUACHINANGO a la VERACRUZANA. This fish fillet dish is served with a spicy sauce along with a plethora of seasoning and herbs. It is really hot so be careful. 
On the right is the BEEF CARNI. Basically, marinated flank steak with pepper beans and chili.

A meat lover's delight would be the QUESO FUNDIDO with NATIVE CHORIZO. Think chorizo and generous serving of melted cheese on top. Meaty and cheesy. All you need now is bread. BUT, I would definitely go for a huge cup of rice too.
Of course, they had a roasting section that housed baked fishes and also this wonderful creation. The SLOW COOKED SHORT RIBS!!!! Deadly Stuff!!! Paired with different sauces, you won't know what hit you. Moist and tender. YUMMY!

 For dessert, they had a few dishes that definitely SCREAM MEXICAN. I can't help but compare Mexican desserts to ours and how similar it is with what we have here.
 From churros, to ARROZ con LECHE to MANZANASALMEN DRADAS to FLAN NAPOLITANA. The Arroz con Leche is your sticky rice with milk that has raisins and a cinnamon flavor. The Manzanasalmen dradas is similar to mini tarts that we have in the province. Yes, The Flan Napolitana is just like our very own leche flan.
 I must also say that DIAMOND HOTEL makes their own cute chocolate that are there for the taking. Every time I would pass by the dessert spread, I can't help but look at these pretty chocolate creations. If I must pick one, the salted caramel (rectangular) is perfect but the Pralinosa (heart shape) is definitely a keeper with its ferrero like flavor.
 An awesome meal ender for a single heart. 


Aside from Mexican Food, they also had Japanese, Indian, Chinese and Filipino dishes in the spread. So basically, this food festival highlighted Mexican Cuisine but still had a lot of choices for you to enjoy. Buffet is priced at 2,550Php nett. Corniche's Mexican food festival would only last until the September 20, 2015 for both lunch and dinner so please don't wait and come on over. 

Did I mention that an authentic mariachi band plays a few tune to get you into that Mexican Foodie Spirit?
Cheers!



CORNICHE
DIAMOND HOTEL
Roxas Blvd cor. J Quintos St.
Manila City, Metro Manila

(632) 528-3000 or (632) 305-3000
Facebook

Disclaimer: Was invited to try the spread. Wrote this based on my experience. Thank you very much for having us.
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Wednesday, June 18, 2014
The Buffet: Grilling and Shabu

Since I am from up north, I would always pass by this restaurant along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City. Every single day that I would go out to anywhere in the Metro, I would see THE BUFFET.
On a Sunday Evening, I met up with fellow bloggers and tried the offerings of this restaurant.
I was actually impressed with the interiors. 
 A grand staircase and some chandeliers greets you as you enter.
Plus private function rooms for parties and other occasions.
 KC of When in Manila and Michy of I am Dekaphobic
 Spot the difference? They are all business.
One round about the place and I believe this restaurant offer the bare essentials one wants and a bit more.
From Japanese Rolls
 To Pizza and having someone make your own pasta.
 
 They also have a bunch of hot dishes from tempuras to oysters.
 
 During certain days, you could also have shabu shabu.
 One thing I liked with The Buffet was their grilling station. 
You get to pick a lot of stuff. From Steaks.
 To Skewered bbqs
 To Bulgogi Marinated Meats which I loved!
One thing that we Filipinos can't live without would be sawsawan or dipping sauce.
 Thankfully, they have a lot of those from Sate Sauce, eggs and other I don't know how to pronounce sauces. They all goes well with the shabu shabu you could make.

It was also unique that this buffet restaurant would offer some dishes on trolleys. 
 Just like the ribs. They go around and ask the diners if they would like a slice or two.

 Because of these and some more, you get to experience choice. Yes they have a make your own salad station to a dessert counter. From crepes, halo-halo, pastries, cakes, and ice cream. Drinks like shakes, iced tea, coffee and hot tea were also available. One thing I would have liked if they could have a sugar free beverage. Something for us trying to loose a pound or two. Although some of the hot dishes needs a little more oomphing, I believe that the price is justified. The service was homey and the staff were interactive.

THE BUFFET
http://www.thebuffet.com.ph/
41 Commonwealth Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City
(02)351-5536 l (02)352-4075

Disclaimer: Was invited to try out The Buffet. Rest assured, I wrote this based on my opinion.
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