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Showing posts with label spanish buffet. Show all posts
Showing posts with label spanish buffet. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 4, 2017
SPANISH FOOD FESTIVAL at the DIAMOND HOTEL in MANILA

 FESTIVE and SEXY. Two words that came into mind as I walked into DIAMOND HOTEL'S CORNICHE. For the week of APRIL 3 to APRIL 9, a SPANISH FOOD FESTIVAL would greet guest as they enter the hotel. The drapes and the decorations all shout red. Something passionate and very striking for the senses.
 At CORNICHE, the new Spanish Executive Chef Franciso Javier Coque brings out different dishes that he has enjoyed and loved ever since. The spread is a mixture of delicacies from different region of Spain.
 When one says Spanish Cuisine, Filipinos tend to see it as something familiar. Being under Spanish rule for roughly 300 years, Filipinos have integrated the different flavors that came from Spain into the local dishes. As such, almost everyone loves and is familiar with how these dishes taste like. An excellent way of having a tour of Spain without having to leave the country.
One section of the buffet would offer different cuts of cheese and meat. Among them would be chorizo and parmaham. One could also try the Aguacates Con Langostinos y Salsa Cocktail. A salad like mixture of shrimps and other seafood flavors. Something very simple yet tasty would be the Pan Con Tomate. Tomato paste with oil is placed on top of toast.
 Using familiar ingredients, the chef has produced items that would entice diners to get more. From a well cooked chicken to a stuffed squid cooked with its own ink, you won't go wrong with any bite.Meat lovers would also enjoy the choices of items that could be grilled for your liking. Aside from the salmon and lamb chops, you have to try the different sausages they have.
 Surprisingly, the sausages had depth. Each one has a distinct flavor that could either be smoky or even a little bit spicy.
 When they say SPANISH FOOD FESTIVAL, they weren't kidding. For the first night, they offered a negra paella. Here, they used a thicker fideua or noodle like ingredient to create an amazing dish.
 Furthermore, they have the COCHINILLO ASADO. A stuffed belly that is wonderful with the liver sauce. Filled up with truffled rice, it's a whole meal in itself. The meat was so tender and moist, you couldn't stop with just one serving.
If these aren't enough, the buffet offers an assortment of fresh seafood, Asian flavors, Japanese dishes, a noodle station, and even some Indian and Filipino cuisine.
For dessert, an assortment of Spanish inspired sweet treats were provided. From churros to arroz con leche, one could definitely enjoy their time in this sweet section.
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As the new Executive Chef for Diamond Hotel, Chef Franciso Javier Coque definitely delivered on the different flavors one expect from a Spanish buffet in the metro. For repeat visitors, one need not worry as there is a cycle of dishes that would make sure something new is served daily.

Related Links:

CORNICHE
DIAMOND HOTEL
Quintos St, Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila, Philippines
+63 2 528 3000
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Thursday, July 7, 2016
CAFE ENYE: WEEKEND BRUNCH with Mimosas

There are only two things that wakes me up early in the morning. An episode of Game of Thrones and good food. One weekend, it was the latter that had me get up from my snugly bed and I found myself driving to EASTWOOD.
 Hello CAFE ENYE.
Located in the ground floor of Excelsior and just beside healthy options, this restaurant is unassuming and simple as one could be. Different dishes lined up a makeshift buffet table as friends and family partake on a delicious meal.
To celebrate the weekend, CAFE ENYE hosted a Brunch to get the word out. CAFE ENYE is having unlimited mimosas and bloody mary's for the dining public. Needless to say, I had 7 glasses of these babies and was a little bit tipsy after. This would possible be one of the reasons why I would love to go back. The booze and good food.

Different starters greeted the guests as they embarked on a mini gastronomical adventure. Since alcohol was involved it would be prudent to protect one's self by eating some oily dishes first. Based on studies, oil would coat your stomach lining. Hence, the absorption of the alcohol would slow down and decrease. The Croquettes would be perfect for this. A little addicting, the potatoish gooey middle reminds me of a childhood favorite. For something more heavy, one could go for the PATATAS BRAVAS. Drizzled with Sofrito Aioli and harissa, this one goes well with the mimosas.


A little garlicky, the GAMABAS ENYE STYLE is something shrimp lovers would enjoy. Partner it with the CILANTRO MUSSELS and CLAMS and you would definitely have a pleasant time.

If you are not a rice eater, fret not since CAFE ENYE serves CUBANO. These panini looking sandwiches could either have mahi-mahi or grilled marinated beef. I would go for the latter as the chimichuri and cheese works hand in hand to make it a delicious dish.

A little bit on the middle Eastern cuisine, the CHICKEN MOJO SKEWERS could make your day. Adding the cilantro yogurt on top balances out the spices used to make this dish. 1 cup of rice is not enough.
For Filipino food lovers, the home cured BEEF TAPA from CAFE ENYE would suit you well. Not on the sweet side, these tapas are tender and moist. 

My favorite though would be the SPANISH BREAKFAST PLATE. This is a behemoth and has a plethora of choice viands on top. Spanish style toast, crispy bacon, Spanish Chorizo, backed beans and grilled tomatoes. The chorizo is definitely a must. Adding bacon made this plate perfect.
Aside from the food, the ambiance was laid back and relaxed. This place is a gem hidden in plain sight.
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Simple dishes done right. That is my impression of CAFE ENYE. Knowing that they can deliver delicious dishes is a plus that would make anyone go back for more. Cheers for the weekend.

CAFE ENYE
Ground Floor Excelsior Building,
Eastwood, Quezon City
7am to 1am
Facebook

Note: unlimited mimosas and bloody mary's could be availed
by adding 199Php from the brunch menu during the weekends from 9am to 2pm.

Disclaimer: was invited to this event. wrote this based on my experience.
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Wednesday, April 6, 2016
Diamond Hotel Manila: Spanish Feast for the Senses.

  Diamond Hotel in Manila has been in the forefront of introducing themed buffets in the metro. Currently Corniche, the in house buffet restaurant, is offering SPANISH CUSINE to its diners.

 In celebration of MADRID FUSION MANILA, they now have FIESTA DE SABORES ESPANOLES. A Spanish food Festival serving authentic Spanish cuisine from April 4 to 10, 2016. Priced at Php 2,580 nett for both lunch and dinner, you are assured of delicious dishes that gives you a tour of the world. This time around CORNICHE focused on Spanish Cuisine.
During dinner Chef Edgar Sanuy, a chef with food in his blood and numerous culinary awards including the Chef of the Year 2013 in Hong Kong, toured the media around and explained the Spanish dishes in the buffet. The different Spanish delicacies were specifically chosen to give the diner a wonderful experience.
 You could start off with some small bites just to get your groove on.
Different type of cheese and cured cuts of meat were curated to give that Spanish feel.
Other than that Gazpacho, Green Salad and even this soup version of almond partnered with grapes would definitely titillate the senses. Do not miss the Eggplant Escalivada with pine nuts. It was perfect with the meat dishes.
Opting for ceviche is easy as one tow and three. The staff would gladly make you any seafood version to your heart's content.
A lot of hot dishes were also offered. Croquettes made from mushroom is just the tip of the iceberg.
 Clams were also cooked to perfection.
 Aside from the Cod, Callos or Tripe and chicken legs, the marinated lamb skewers would make your tummy jump for joy.
The main attraction of any night would be this glorious COCHINILLO or roasted suckling pig. The meat is soft and tender while the skin is crunchy.
 A Spanish treat will not be complete without PAELLA. This time around, DIAMOND HOTEL served a seafood version.
Dessert is also another perfect example of why you should give this buffet a try. It expresses the culinary flavors of Spanish Cuisine.

 From churros to a fried pudding bread and even something close to our own version of kakanin or sticky rice.
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If you are into INSTAGRAM Follow me @foodinthebag.
DIAMOND HOTEL in MANILA definitely did wonders to its food lineup with the FIESTA DE SABORES ESPANOLES. Aside from the Indian, Japanese, Chinese, and other stations, the buffet at CORNICHE offers a lot of choices. The dishes were done perfectly. The flavors were simple yet spot on delicious. Cheers.


RELATED LINKS:
Diamond Hotel: Mexican Food Fest


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


Disclaimer: Wrote this base on my experience. Was invited to this event.
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