A Peek at Mario's New Chef's Creations

A new line of signature dishes promises a whole new dining experience at one of the metro's revered institutions...

Mario's introduces its new line of special dishes, the Chef's Creations, featuring steaks, seafood, and pasta for a limited time. The infusion of new dishes is a welcome addition to complement the existing menu for a refreshing new dining experience at Mario's. Here's a quick peek on some of the new Chef's Creations at Mario's...

Since 1971, Mario's has established a reputation that has withstood the test of time, with timeless classics of Spanish-inspired cuisine and premium steaks enjoyed for generations (for more on Mario's and their signature line of dishes, see my previous post here at http://dude4food.blogspot.com/2013/06/a-weekend-brunch-at-marios.html). At Mario's, one can always expect a comforting familiarity and consistency, but Mario's kitchen has been busy creating a new line of potential favorites. The new menu includes seafood dishes like the Baby Prawns in Creamy Curry Sauce (P 650), served on a bed of soft and fluffy steamed white rice. The plump prawns have a fresh snap, releasing a briny sweetness complemented by the rich and creamy curry sauce that just pairs so well with the rice. It's a refreshing light option that's also satisfying and filling.

And there are even more seafood options, including the Broiled Halibut with Chunky Mango-Tomato Sauce (P 900), served with mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables. The premium halibut is perfectly cooked, with the light crisp layer of skin contrasting with the fork-tender and creamy halibut. The mango-tomato sauce, with chunks of real mangoes, add a burst of tart and sunny flavors to complete the dish.

Another excellent and flavorful seafood option is Mario's new Blue Marlin with Stewed Tomato, Basil and Olives (P 575), served with linguine aglio olio. The delicate flavors of the grilled marlin are perfectly complemented by the tomatoes, olives, and basil, adding a Mediterranean touch to the dish. The firm al dente noodles, drizzled with nutty olive oil, is the perfect starch component of the dish, rich and flavorful without overpowering the delicate notes of the marlin.

Pasta dishes include the new Penne with Arugula-Cashew Pesto Cream and Grilled Chicken (P 350), a hearty and comforting dish with tender chicken and a pesto cream sauce enriched with cashews. The creamy pesto and grilled chicken combine for rustic flavors, a complete meal on its own.

For heftier appetites, you can opt for Mario's new Roast Pork Tenderloin with Grilled Apples (P 550), served with vegetables and mashed potatoes. I've always loved the combination of pork and apples, with the sweetness of the apples pairing well with the mild notes of the lean pork, and this dish is another example of the winning pork and apple combo.

But if its steak you want, go for the new Steak Madeira (P 675), served with creamy penne, spinach, and shiitake mushrooms. The rich wine-based madeira sauce adds a richness to the steak, complemented by the nutty and savory shiitake mushrooms and the creamy pasta. As with all steaks served at Mario's, the steak is perfectly cooked, tender and juicy bursting with bold beefy notes in every bite.

It's always comforting to know that you can find your reliable favorites at Mario's, but it's also great to know that Mario's kitchens are constantly creating even more new dishes to refresh your dining experience.

Mario's is located at 191 Tomas Morato Avenue, Quezon City or call 373-0360 0r 415-3887 for inquiries. You can also visit their website at www.marios.com.ph.

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