A Spanish Festival of Flavors: Exquisita Comida Espanola at Corniche

It's that time of year when the best of Spain comes to Manila...

Diamond Hotel Philippines celebrates the richness of Spanish cuisine with its Exquisita Comida Espanola, a Spanish Food Festival at Corniche from April 3 to 9, 2017. Read on for a tasty peek of authentic Spanish flavors...

Coinciding with this year's edition of Madrid Fusion Manila, now a much-awaited annual culinary event, Corniche joins the celebration with its own Spanish Food Festival with authentic dishes prepared by Diamond Hotel's new Executive Chef, Francisco Javier Coque, a dynamic Spanish chef with impressive credentials with stints from some of the world's finest restaurants. And just like last year's Spanish Food Festival at Corniche, this year's Exquisita Comida Espanola at Corniche is another must-try dining event at Diamond Hotel (for more on last year's Spanish food festival, see my previous post, Fiesta de Sabores Espanoles: A Spanish Fiesta of Flavors at Diamond Hotel's Corniche).

That afternoon, the staff applied the final touches for the dinner service (L), as Diamond Hotel's new Executive Chef, Francisco Javier Coque (R), made one last round to all the stations for one final check. Not long after, dinner guests began to arrive, and my own memorable Spanish culinary journey at Corniche began...  

...with a refreshing Aguacates con Langostinos y Salsa, the classic shrimp cocktail with its distinct briny sweetness and fresh notes from the avocado and cocktail sauce...

...followed by the classic Mejillones a la Vinagreta topped with a tart pico de gallo.

Start with the Ensalada Mixta, a mesclun of assorted lettuce and vegetables with olives, hard-boiled egg, and tuna belly confit...

...before grabbing a plate loaded with the finest Spanish cheeses including Manchego, Majorero, and Idiazabal, paired with Spanish hams and cured meats like Jamon Iberico, Salchichon Iberico, and Chorizo Iberico. The paper-thin slices of Jamon Iberico offers the classic flavors of Spain with each and every bite...

And there's more, as Executive Chef Francisco Javier Coque presented even more Spanish dishes at the impressive buffet spread. The Pan con Tomate, toasted bread with tomato and olive oil (L) pairs well with the comforting Gazpacho Andaluz (R), a traditional Spanish-style cold tomato soup topped with vegetables.

At the Grill Station, you'll find an assortment of fresh seafood, premium beef and lamb along with savory Pork Chorizo and Spanish Chorizo, ready for grilling...

...simply ask the station chef to prepare a platter with a bit of everything, and it's served to your table fresh from the grill.

The familiar bold and sharp notes of the Spanish Chorizo come through with a flavorful punch, while the milder and delicate notes of the Pork Chorizo lines your palate with a savory richness.

For the mains, Executive Chef Francisco Javier Coque prepared a sumptuous selection of rustic and homestyle Spanish dishes, including the Lapu-Lapu con Salsa Verde Almejas Esparragos, a delicately light yet creamy dish with tender fish cooked in green sauce with white asparagus and clams with its subtle yet rich notes...

...and the comforting Pollo Al Ajillo Con Patatas Panaderas, a savory chicken dish with baked potatoes. The delicate notes of the tender chicken are kicked up by the creamy sauce for even more flavor.

Nothing like the Gambas al Ajillo, Spanish-syle garlic shrimps, to complete your Spanish culinary journey. The plump shrimps deliver a refreshing snap, followed by its briny notes and the nutty hints of garlic. 

More main dishes were featured that evening. Not to be missed are Executive Chef Francisco Javier Coque's Cazuela de Arroz Caldoso con Mariscos, a hearty seafood rice casserole (L) and the Chipirones En Su Tinta, stuffed squid in black ink sauce (R), tasty and flavorful dishes to complement your Spanish feast at Corniche.

Right beside the mains, the impressive Fideua de Marisco, a noodle paella with squid ink and clams, is another tempting dish with the rich flavors of seafood bursting in your mouth with every bite.

At the Carving Station, you'll find some Spanish-style pork love as well, with the Cochinillo Asado, a roasted whole suckling pig stuffed with truffle rice, with tender and juicy pork capped by a layer of crisp skin crackling. And the truffle rice rounds out all the flavors perfectly. One more slice? Absolutely.

One plate...

...followed by another, Executive Chef Francisco Javier Coque's wide selection of Spanish dishes makes Corniche a must-visit during the Exquisita Comida Espanoles Spanish food festival from April 3 to 9, 2017.

Then, there's the usual selection of buffet offerings at Corniche, with its wide array of live food stations serving Japanese, Chinese, Indian, and Filipino favorites.

The Fresh Seafood Station is another favorite at Corniche...

...where you can enjoy the day's freshest catch sauteed with lemon butter and garlic. Perfect.

Cap your Spanish feast at Corniche with an equally impressive spread of desserts, including a selection of indulgent Spanish desserts like the popular Churros Con Chocolate served in shot glasses...

...and the Crema Catalana, topped with fresh fruit. Don't hold back, just go with the flow as Executive Chef Francisco Javier Coque has even more sinful and decadent tricks up his sleeves.

The unique Leche Frita (L), with its contrasting crispy and smooth. velvety texture is another must-try at Corniche's Spanish food festival, served with a tart compote. The sweet Tocinillo de Cielo (R) by Executive Chef Francisco Javier Coque takes you back to countless childhood summers with its rich and familiar notes.

The Arroz con Leche, a soft and creamy sweet rice pudding, rounds out your Spanish culinary journey and is another must-try dish at Corniche's Spanish food festival.

You can also find familiar favorites at Corniche, including homemade ice cream and the do-it-yourself Halo-Halo at the Dessert Station. Sweet. Happy and satisfied, it's another memroble dining experience at Corniche, this time with an authentic Spanish vibe.

Experience the rich and authentic flavors of Spain at Corniche's Exquisita Comida Espanola from April 3 to 9, 2017 for lunch and dinner for only P 2,380 net per person. Continue your Spanish fiesta of flavors at Diamond Hotel's Bar 27 and indulge in bottomless Sangrias paired with all-you-can-eat Pintxos for only P 1,380 net per person starting 8pm to 11pm from April 3 to 9, 2017 (for more on Bar 27, see my earlier post, High Times Above The City By The Bay at Diamond Hotel's Bar 27).

Corniche is located at Diamond Hotel Philippines, Roxas Boulevard corner Dr. J. Quintos Street, Manila or call (632) 528-3000 extension 1121 or email restaurant_rsvn@diamondhotel.com for reservations and inquiries.

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