Fresh Catch: Novotel Manila Araneta Center Serves Up a Healthy N Sustainable Special Seafood Set

Fresh from the recent launch of the third edition of Sustainable Seafood Week, Novotel Manila Araneta Center keeps the momentum going for the sustainable seafood movement...

As part of its commitment to sustainable seafood and zero-waste under its unique Planet 21 initiative, Novotel Manila Araneta Center offers diners the day's freshest catch with its sumptuous Healthy N Sustainable Special Seafood Set at the GourmetBar by Novotel starting April 21 until May 20, 2018. It's a timely advocacy that underscores the urgent need to review our environmental impact on marine resources by increasing awareness and making smarter choices. Novotel Manila Araneta Center does its share with its Planet 21 initiative, a global corporate program underlining its commitment to active and sustainable participation for positive hospitality guided by its principle of protecting the planet. It's a noble cause, and about time too...

That day, Executive Chef Michael Schauss explained each new dish in the novel Planet 21 initiative (for more on the Sustainable Seafood initiative by AccorHotels, see my previous post, Sustainable Seafood and a Sunset at the Seawall Garden and The Freshest Catch for the Third Straight Year at the Sustainable Seafood Week Launch).

The Planet 21 initiative by AccorHotels focuses on sustainability, and food remains at the core of the program. One of the pillars of the program is Novotel Manila Araneta Center's commitment to offering healthy and sustainable dishes with the finest and freshest locally grown and sourced ingredients prepared with a conscious effort for zero-waste. Sourcing fresh produce from their very own El Dorado Farms and sustainable seafood from Meliomar, Inc., diners can enjoy the masterfully executed dishes made with the finest ingredients. This approach is reflected from the very start of the preview with a refreshing glass of Tealicious (P 350)...

...a sweet blend brewed with fine tea infused with vegetables and fruits. It's a perfect introduction to Novotel Manila Araneta Center's Planet 21 advocacy, and it tastes good too.

Diners can also experience Novotel Manila Araneta Center's brand of Sustainable Mixology with a duo of soothing cocktails served at The 6th Pool Bar & Lounge like the Papa Doble (L) with Don Papa Rum, calamansi, citrus and basil infusions or the naughty Spicy 6th Sling (R) with Belvedere Vodka, melon, and chili.

At the preview, guests were treated to a sumptuous seafood feast with the Healthy N Sustainable Special Seafood Set (P 1,400 net), with individual dishes also available a la carte. The long procession of servers kicked off our feast with the first course...

...starting with an Amuse Bouche of Sustainable Spanner Crab Tortellini (P 320) with Novotel Manila's El Dorado Farm Carrot-Saffron Veloute. Elegantly plated, it's the perfect starter to an all-seafood feast at Novotel Manila Araneta Center.

The soft yet firm tortellini bursts with fresh and clean briny notes from the succulent spanner crab filling, capped by the sweet and nutty carrot-saffron veloute. The flavors of the ocean come through with each bite, followed by sweet notes of the earth made with farm-fresh produce from El Dorado Farms.

Our feast continued with another elegant starter, the Line-Caught Seared Tuna with Organic Avocado Ceviche (P 320) and Novotel Manila's El Dorado Farm Vegetables and Herbs. The clean flavors of the line-caught tuna is immediately apparent from the first bite, laying a briny sweetness on the palate followed by the sweet notes of the farm-fresh vegetables and herbs.

For the third course, a rich and hearty Bisque from Mangrove Crown Prawns (P 320) was served, with the thick broth poured separately to complete the presentation of the dish. The broth itself delivers bold and deep flavors, enriched with the briny notes of prawns. Just perfect.

For the main course, we were served the Sustainable Grilled Herb-Marinated Trevally with Creamy Spinach (P 630) and Vine-Ripened Tomatoes from Novotel Manila's El Dorado Farm on Sweet Potato Puree, pure freshness on a plate.

The delicate notes of the fresh trevally come through followed by a whisper of smoky hints from the grill, and perfectly finished by the fresh flavors of the creamy spinach, the nutty sweetness of the sweet potato puree and the intense tartness of the vine-ripened tomatoes for contrasting yet balanced flavors. It's a dish that celebrates both sustainability and freshness, with intense yet clean flavors. Each course in the Healthy N Sustainable Special Seafood Set can be traced back to when and where it was caught, down to the name of the fishing vessel. Knowing where your seafood comes from gets you in the right track on making smarter choices.

The Healthy N Sustainable Special Seafood Set ends with an indulgent dessert, the Mango Passion Fruit Cheesecake (P 250), a decadent finish to a perfect seafood feast at Novotel Manila Araneta Center. You can enjoy the day's freshest catch as a special set menu for only P 1,400 for a five-course feast, or order a la carte. It's all about making smarter choices, and Novotel Manila Araneta Center's Planet 21 initiative lets you participate in a worthy and timely cause while enjoying the freshest flavors...

The GourmetBar by Novotel is located at the ground floor of Novotel Manila Araneta Center, General Aguinaldo Avenue, Araneta Center, Quezon City or call 990-7888 for inquiries and more information.

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