Fresh, Local and Sustainable: Celebrating World Food Day at Makati Shangri-La, Manila's Circles Events Cafe

Freshness is flavor. Circles Events Cafe at Makati Shangri-La, Manila elevates the salad experience for World Food Day...

Makati Shangri-La, Manila celebrates World Food Day 2018 showcasing the freshest in local and sustainable produce with creative and inventive salads to complement the buffet spread at Circles Events Cafe. During the week-long celebration, Makati Shangri-La, Manila joins over 150 countries worldwide by highlighting its efforts in using ethically-sourced ingredients for the hotel's culinary requirements. It's a timely initiative, with #GrowingTogether as this year's theme for World Food Day. Read on for a tasty peek...

World Food Day is a global initiative held every 16th of October with the aim of eliminating hunger and poverty by 2030. And since last year, Makati Shangri-La, Manila has been the only hotel in the country to support the global movement as part of its corporate advocacy.

The focus on the importance of locally-sourced produce and sustainable farming practices is pursued with a passion at Makati Shangri-La, Manila, partnering with local farmers like Gourmet Farms. The hotel has increased its demand for local ingredients accounting for 15% to date, and is expected to grow even further.  It's all about starting the right chain, from sourcing locally to establish deeper relationships with farmers leading to market creation for sustainable products, encouraging smarter farming practices and eventually culminating with higher quality cuisine for the hotel's guests. It's all about #GrowingTogether. For Executive Chef Nicola Canuti, going local allows diners to rediscover fresh flavors. "I chose local suppliers because they're passionate in what they do  and try to deliver the best produce, so I want to help these at the same time. I also encourage my guests to discover creative ways to enjoy vegetables," explained Chef Nicola Canuti.  

That day, Executive Chef Nicola Canuti prepared five healthy salad dishes using the freshest sustainable local produce, including Broccoli, Pumpkin, White and Black Beans, Avocado, Kale, and Red Cabbage that can be enjoyed by diners at Circles Events Cafe from October 15 to 21.

Fresh and sustainable, Executive Chef Nicola Canuti's salad creations presents the very best from local farms like the Broccoli and Pumpkin Salad with Honey Vinaigrette topped with pumpkin seeds and drizzled with honey. The natural sweetness of the pumpkin gives the salad deep and nutty notes followed by the vibrant sharpness of the vinaigrette for balanced flavors (check out the easy recipes for all five refreshing salad creations by Executive Chef Nicola Canuti on my next post at Salad Days and Starting Right for the New Year).

The Red Cabbage Salad with onions, carrots, beet root, and cranberries tossed in a tart vinaigrette with olive oil is another refreshing option at Circles Events Cafe's salad station. The garden-fresh crispness of the red cabbage adds both texture and flavor with every bite kicked up by the sweet cranberries.

The Corn Salad with White and Black Beans is a hearty dish with potatoes, tomatoes, and spring onions in a tart apple cider vinegar dressing pairing well with the savory mains at the extensive buffet spread of Circles Events Cafe. The sweetness of the corn, the earthy notes of the beans and the bold flavors of the apple cider vinaigrette come together perfectly in a seamless blend.

The Lentil, Avocado and Kale Salad with Kenya beans and basil leaves draped in a sweet dressing made with extra virgin olive oil, maple syrup, and white wine vinegar is another creative execution by Executive Chef Nicola Canuti with fresh and clean notes. Like all the salad creations of Executive Chef Nicola Canuti, each dish brings fresh notes proving that freshness is, indeed, flavor. 

The smoky hints of the Grilled Vegetable with Parsley Pesto come through followed by the nutty notes of pine nuts and olive oil in a freshly made pesto dressing to round out Executive Chef Nicola Canuti's salad creations. The flavors are rich and vibrant, yet real and honest. And there's just no better way to celebrate World Food Day...

After your salads at Circles Events Cafe, stay on the healthy track with a plate of fresh Salmon Sashimi at the Japanese Station...

...along with a variety fresh Sushi and Maki. Circles Events Cafe boasts of some of the widest culinary selections in the metro, all you need to do is pick up a plate.

Cap your feast with a slice of premium Prime Rib with Yorkshire Pudding and vegetables before hitting the indulgent dessert station. It's always a grand feast, at Circles Events Cafe.

Indulge in Executive Chef Nicola Canuti's inspired salad creations along with the extensive buffet offerings at Circles Events Cafe from October 15 to 21, and rediscover freshness. Salad days have never been better...

Circles Events Cafe s located at the Lobby Level of Makati Shangri-La, Manila, Ayala Avenue corner Makati Avenue, Makati City or call (632) 814-2580 or email rric.slm@shangrila.com or more information or reservations. 

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