Saturday, October 21, 2017

Five Star A La Carte: A Peek at the New Cucina A La Carte Signature Dishes

New a la carte dishes add another tasty layer to the Forbes Travel Guide Five Star experience at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila's Cucina...


Executive Chef Alisdair Bletcher of Marco Polo Ortigas Manila introduces a new a la carte menu at Cucina offering guests and diners even more tasty options during their visit at one of the world's finest luxury Five Star properties as rated by Forbes Travel Guide for 2017 (for more on the Forbes Travel Guide Five Star experience at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila, see my earlier post, Exceptional Service That Exceeds Expectations: A Forbes Travel Guide Five Star Staycation at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila). Read on for a peek at the new a la carte dishes of Cucina...

No visit to Marco Polo Ortigas Manila is complete without their refreshing signature beverages, including the Earl Grape Tea (L), a soothing iced tea with grapes served in an elegant decanter and the indulgent Silk Road Iced Coffee (R) to set you on the right track.


Rich, creamy and sinfully tempting, the Silk Road Iced Coffee and the refreshing Earl Grape Tea are served in all Marco Polo properties and the perfect pair to start and end a sumptuous meal at Cucina. The all-day dining restaurant offers a versatile dining experience complemented by a well-curated spread of international cuisine with diverse flavors made with the finest ingredients (for more on Marco Polo Ortigas Manila's Cucina, see my recent posts at Rustic and Authentic Italian Flavors at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila's Fiesta Italiana and From Palette to Palate: Art and Modern Filipino Cuisine at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila's Cucina). Executive Chef Alisdair Bletcher adds his signature a la carte dishes to the wide repertoire of tasty options at Cucina, from appetizers, salads, pizzas, sandwiches, main dishes and desserts that are available anytime at the hotel's all-day dining restaurant. Executive Chef Alisdair Bletcher's new a la carte dishes include Grilled Ciabatta with Parma Ham, Buffalo Mozzarella, Semi-Dried Tomatoes, Arugula Leaves, and Basil Pesto; Smoked Salmon, Tomato, Buffalo Mozzarella, and Arugula Leaves Pizza; Australian Stockyard Long Fed Angus Beef Ribeye; Dulce de Leche Cheesecake with Banana Compote, and the flavorful Ginger Ice Cream. New dishes, and more flavors to savor and discover at Cucina...   


Executive Chef Alisdair Bletcher served a sumptuous four-course lunch highlighting the new a la carte dishes at Cucina, starting with the Parma Ham with Grilled Marinated Asparagus Spears, Shimeji Mushrooms and Porcini Vinaigrette. Elegantly plated, the dish delivered bold and refreshingly vibrant notes, from the sharp and distinct flavors of the melt-in-your-mouth Parma Ham, the earthy and nutty hints of the mushrooms, the buttery and delicate sweetness of the asparagus and the tartness of the vinaigrette, each one coming together with perfectly balanced flavors. It's an ideal first-course to open up your palate for even more flavors yet to come...


The comforting White Onion Soup with Seared Scallops, Thyme Leaves and Truffle Oil was then served, with the subtle briny sweetness of plump and succulent scallops coming through followed by the rich and creamy notes of the thick broth capped by the indulgent truffle oil for that flavorful finish.


For the main course, Executive Chef Alisdair Bletcher served his Gratinated Fillet of Chilean Sea Bass with Lemon Parsley Crust on Wilted Spinach Leaves, Mushrooms, Tomatoes, and Pommery Mustard Cream. It's a light, healthy yet flavorful and satisfying dish with the delicate notes of premium Chilean Sea Bass contrasting with the flavors and texture of the lemon parsley crust capped by the bold hints of the Pommery Mustard Cream. The fresh spinach, mushrooms and tomatoes add even more vibrant flavors to the dish.    


And it's a generous portion, with a thick and hefty slab of Chilean Sea Bass for a sumptuous meal. The new a la carte dishes at Cucina is a welcome addition to their wide symphony of flavors, each one masterfully executed with that Five Star touch.


For dessert, Executive Chef Alisdair Bletcher continues to impress with his decadent Chocolate Grand Marnier Slie with Candied Orange Peel and Vanilla Creme Brulee, another plated masterpiece at Cucina. The rich and deep notes of the chocolate are delicately tempered by the sharp hints of tart orange capped by the smooth vanilla creme brulee. It's a perfect ending to another Five Star dining experience at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila.


At Marco Polo Ortigas Manila's Cucina, guests and diners can also indulge in a sumptuous buffet spread including the day's freshest catch with premium sushi and sashimi...


...and Cucina's signature Paella along with a variety of tasty starters and fresh salads.


That day, the signature and savory mains included the Fillet of Sea Bass in a rich sauce with olives and tomatoes topped with fresh herbs...


...the savory Slow-Braised Angus Beef with Shallots, Bacon and Mushroom in Red Wine Sauce...


...and tender and juicy Roast Pork served with a variety of sauces, grilled vegetables and rustic potato wedges.


But save room for dessert with Marco Polo Ortigas Manila's signature Chocolate Haven to end your feast on a high note for another Five Star dining experience. New a la carte dishes and an impressive and curated buffet spread by Executive Chef Alisdair Bletcher, Marco Polo Ortigas Manila's Cucina goes Five Stars all the way with its sumptuous offerings. And you wouldn't expect anything less from one of the world's luxurious Five Star properties as rated by Forbes Travel Guide...  

Cucina is located at the 24th Level of the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Award Winner, Marco Polo Ortigas Manila, Meralco Avenue and Sapphire Street, Ortigas Center, Pasig City, Metro Manila or call 632 720-7777 for inquiries and more information.

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