Molecular Mixology and Cocktails on Spoons with Dine and Learn at Niu by Vikings

A cocktail served on a spoon? You can learn that and more with the innovative Dine and Learn program by Vikings...

Vikings recently launched its unique Dine and Learn program geared toward culinary students and other culinary groups with the aim of nurturing future generations by sharing skills and knowledge from its trained  chefs. And you can enjoy the sumptuous buffet at Niu by Vikings while learning too...

That day, the featured Dine and Learn session was Molecular Mixology, with the marketing team and bartenders of Niu by Vikings demonstrating some of the latest and modern techniques in mixology with a molecular gastronomy spin. Serving cocktails on a spoon can be fun, and it's easy too. 

The program showcases the expertise and talent of the culinary teams from the different branches of Vikings providing an interactive hands-on experience to supplement the skills of culinary students and other groups. And arranging one is easy, simply choose your Vikings location and contact the marketing team of Vikings (details below).

The session begins with how to make the proper Blowjob, the iconic shooter with its blend of Bailey's Irish Cream, Kahlua, and vodka, topped with whipped cream. The layering techniques were demonstrated with the use of a spoon while gently pouring the different components of the shooter. The classic shooter is built slowly, layer by layer, and enjoyed in one shot. 

But the most exciting portion of the Dine and Learn session at Niu by Vikings involved creating small caviar-sized balls, with a process called Spherification. Inspired by techniques created by Ferran Adria and his groundbreaking work with molecular gastronomy, the unique culinary process transforms liquid into spheres resembling fish roe. And it's surprisingly easy and simple. All you need is a dropper, some powdered sodium alginate, a cold solution of calcium chloride or calcium lactate gluconate. And don't worry, no need to recall your chemistry classes, the bartenders at Niu by Vikings make it easy for you to create your cocktail spheres.

Once you have the proper yield, your cocktail spheres are ready to serve. Like some sort of ancient alchemy, the cocktail droplets transform into soft yet firm spheres right before your eyes. The bartenders at Niu by Viking prepared two sets of spheres, including their signature Cloud 9 (L) and Mojito-flavored spheres (R). You can take it as is, popping the caviar-like balls to release the cocktail in your mouth...

...or spice up the usual Mojito with a spoonful of Mojito-flavored spheres. With each sip comes a few spheres delivering intense flavors as it pops inside your mouth.

You can also create larger balls with the spherification technique, like these playfully inventive shooters of Mojito and the signature Cloud 9 cocktail of Niu by Vikings. Having a cocktail in a spoon instead of a glass is definitely a new experience, with each ball bursting inside your mouth releasing the rich flavors of your favorite cocktail.

After another round of Mojito with Mojito-flavored spheres settling at the bottom, it was time for lunch...

...and Niu by Vikings has one of the most impressive and elegant buffet spreads in the metro, elevating your buffet dining experience. My feast at Niu by Vikings begins with Asian flavors with assorted Dimsum...

...followed by even more Asian flavors with Beef Pendang paired with Lechon Rice, Chicken Asado and Deep-Fried Squid Rings. At Niu by Vikings, you can always take your time and enjoy at your own pace, and that's the best way to approach any buffet.

A few slices of premium New Zealand Leg of Lamb studded with garlic and rosemary completed my feast at Niu by Vikings (for more on the buffet spread at Niu by Vikings, check out my previous post here at http://dude4food.blogspot.com/2014/10/a-new-dining-experience-at-niu-by.html). Thinking of impressing your friends in your next cocktail party? Sign up for a session with Dine and Learn at Vikings, and enjoy a sumptuous buffet as well. For more information on the unique Dine and Learn program of Vikings and their line-up of culinary sessions, simply email to vikingsmarketing@gmail.com or visit www.vikings.ph.

Niu by Vikings is located at the SM Aura Skypark right across the Samsung Hall. 26th Street corner McKinley Parkway, Taguig or call 478-3888 for inquiries.

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