Go Mad for Lobster at Edsa Shangri-La Manila's HEAT

Lobsters. All you want. Any way you want it. And every Friday, you can indulge in an epic lobster feast for dinner...

Edsa Shangri-La Manila's HEAT goes Mad for Lobster every Friday for dinner with an impressive spread of fresh lobsters prepared just the way you like it. Craving for lobster? It all starts here at Edsa Shangri-La Manila's HEAT...

Edsa Shangri-La Manila's sumptuous lobster buffet is definitely one of the metro's impressive buffet spreads, and it's an on-going theme every Friday at HEAT. Overflowing with the freshest catch, HEAT's Mad for Lobster is also one the metro's ultimate dining deals and experiences not to be missed. Seriously.

The station chefs proudly raise live lobsters for diners to see (for more on Edsa Shangri-La Manila's HEAT, see my previous posts on their impressive spread served daily here and their new dishes here), with each live station featuring different ways to prepare this coveted crustacean. Sweet and spicy, layers of rich flavors from a blend of Indian spices, or simply baked with cheese or sauteed in butter, it's your call.

And just seeing the variety of fresh lobsters at Edsa Shangri-La Manila's HEAT is already an experience in itself.  

And there's lots of it. Spread throughout HEAT's spacious interiors, one can find massive displays of fresh lobsters. At the central station near the Salad, Cold Cuts and Cheese, and Sushi Stations, one can find mounds of fresh lobsters on ice, as you hold back the urge to dive right in. But then again, just give in, pick up a plate and go with the flow...

The impressive selection of fresh lobsters include the bright orange Maine Lobster, or the Boston Lobster with its distinct pair of large claws from the US East Coast...

...the meaty and succulent Pacific Lobster...

...and the smaller yet flavorful and brightly colored Palawan Lobster from down south. The extensive selection also featured Slipper Lobsters, Rock Lobsters, Japanese Lobsters, Tiger Lobsters, and Bamboo Lobsters, along with a variety of lobster tails in different sizes to complement the regular buffet spread at HEAT.

But before you begin your lobster feast, go for some fresh salads at the Salad Station, a comforting bowl of soup and noodles at the Soup Station, or some freshly prepared sushi and sashimi at the Sushi Station (L) and try some Lobster Rolls, Maki, and Cones (R).  

Each live station at HEAT features different preparations with lobster, prepared ala minute, like the Singaporean-style Chili Lobster Tails at the Asian Station...

...the classic Lobster Thermidore at the Carving Station...

...and Lobster Tandoori with Indian spices and seasonings from the Asian Station. Steamed, grilled, baked, stir-fried, whatever way you want it, the chefs at the different stations are ready to prepare your lobster dish just the way you like it. And there's more. Executive Chef Tobias Unger and his team of specialty chefs have created a whole repertoire of lobster dishes including Lobster Risotto and Lobster Paella.

My lobster feast at Edsa Shangri-La Manila's Mad for Lobster dinner buffet began with a trio of fresh Boston Lobsters, delicately steamed and poached in butter, with a side of lemon butter sauce.

Imported from the cold waters of the American East Coast, the tender yet firm and succulent Boston Lobster delivered a fresh snap with every bite, releasing a mild briny sweetness complemented by the rich notes of the lemon butter sauce. And it's easy to pick the lobster meat from the shell, a sign of freshness. With lobster this good, all you need is a lemon butter dip.

Then, I go for Baked Pacific Lobster topped with creamy bechamel sauce and cheese, a recommendation by the chef, and perfectly executed by HEAT's skilled station chefs.

The mild notes of the delicate lobster are punctuated by the rich and creamy layers of bechamel and cheese for balanced flavors. Inside, layers of bright orange lobster roe add to the richness of the dish.

My lobster feast continued with Palawan Lobsters sauteed in butter and garlic, with the fresh and clean notes of the lobster highlighted by the rich flavors of the butter and garlic. The mild flavors of the lobster still comes through, without being overpowered by the richness of the butter and the distinct nutty notes of the garlic.

And don't pass up on the Slipper Lobsters, sauteed in butter, garlic, chili and spring onions. The delicate sweetness of the lobster pair well with the spicy kick of the chili and spring onions. And if you're up for another round of lobsters, go ahead. You can also indulge in HEAT's regular buffet selection, just in case.

Cap your lobster feast with HEAT's equally impressive and indulgent desserts at the dessert station. Freshly prepared churros with thick Spanish style chocolate and some fresh seedless grapes end my feast on a high note. A wide variety of the freshest lobsters, prepared in an infinite number of ways, Edsa Shangri-La Manila's Mad for Lobster is the only lobster-themed buffet at this time in the metro. And it's impressive. Edsa Shangri-La Manila's Mad for Lobster Dinner Buffet is priced at P 2,415 net person every Friday at HEAT. And that's a pretty cool deal with its extensive selection of fresh lobsters. And for a minimum P 5,000 single receipt, diners can even get the chance to win lunch or dinner buffet for two, unlimited iced tea, and a cool lobster souvenir.  Jumpstart the holiday season with an indulgent lobster dinner...only at Edsa Shangri-La Manila's HEAT. 

HEAT is located at the Lobby Level, Edsa Shangri-La, Manila, Tower Wing, 1 Garden Way, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City, or call 633-8888 ext. 2740/2741 or email heat.esl@shanri-la.com for reservations.

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