A Christmas Feast at Marriott Cafe

Christmas is just a few days away, and with the close of another year, there's just so much to be thankful for this holiday season... 

Marriott Hotel Manila's Marriott Cafe recently hosted a Christmas Thanksgiving Lunch with its sumptuous buffet spread to cap the year on a high and flavorful note, with the promise of even more to come in 2016. Marriott Hotel Manila continues to expand its property and services, and there's a lot to look forward to with the coming new year. But for this day, it was time to take stock and remember the countless blessings, and there's no better way to celebrate the season than with a hearty buffet lunch...at Marriott Cafe.  

Inside the spacious interiors of Marriott Cafe, one can feel the festive vibe of the season with the warm smiles from courteous staff (for more on Marriott Cafe, see my previous posts on their Sunday Brunch Buffet here, the Ocean's Harvest Seafood Buffet here, and authentic Asian flavors from their North Asian Showdown festival here).

After a refreshing bowl of fresh greens from the Salad Station, make a stop at the Fresh Seafood Station where you can find plump Mussels and Clams, as well as fresh Shrimps and Prawns...

...including fresh Curacha, or Spanner Crabs, on ice. Have it sauteed in Butter Herb Sauce with garlic or with a sweet and spicy XO Chiili Sauce, or have it baked with cheese or bechamel and chives, it's your call.

At the Japanese Station, you'll find a selection of high grade Beef, Pork, Chicken and an extensive selection of fresh Seafood and vegetables for the Teppan grill.

At Marriott Cafe's Carving Station, premium US Choice Ribeye was served that day, guaranteed to satisfy any carnivorous craving. Time to pick up a plate and sample Marriott Cafe's different offerings from their live stations...

Start with some Tempura from the Japanese Station, light and crisp and fresh from the fryer...

...followed by some Gambas in butter herb sauce from the Fresh Seafood Station...

...and Prawns in XO Chili Sauce, each prepared ala minute by Marriott Cafe's station chefs. At Marriott Cafe, simply choose your seafood and have it prepared any way you like it, and the dish will be served in minutes. The station chefs will also be glad to share their recommendations...

...like the highlight of the Fresh Seafood Station. For the main course, it's definitely time for Curacha, delicately cooked in butter and garlic. Flown in fresh from down south, the Spanner Crabs are huge, with its succulent white meat and crab roe.

The meat is soft and tender, with a whisper of briny sweetness layered by the rich notes of the butter and garlic. Simple, pure, clean and fresh flavors, it's the way to go with the freshest seafood.

Don't pass up on the US Choice Ribeye, with a side of mushroom gravy and grilled vegetables. With its juicy pink center, each bite delivers bold and beefy notes. And if you're up for it, Marriott Cafe also offers other selections from its Chinese Station including dimsum, noodles and assorted roasted meats; savory Pork Binagoongan, freshly grilled seafood and Lechon Kawali from the Filipino Station, and more.

For dessert, choose from a wide selection of indulgent pastries, cakes and homemade ice cream at the Dessert Station, like my personal favorite, Palawan Hazelnut and Dolce Latte topped with pistachios, and the refreshing Coconut Sorbet (L). Guests for the Thanksgiving Lunch were also given a special Gingerbread House (R).

One last round of Spanner Crabs in butter and garlic for the road. Thank you, Marriott Cafe, for an awesome year, and here's to another memorable and flavorful year ahead.

Marriott Cafe is located at Marriott Hotel Manila, No. 10 Newport Boulevard, Newport City Complex, Pasay City or call 988-9999 for inquiries and reservations.

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