The British Are Coming...The British Invasion at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila

The Union Jack is unfurled, and the British are coming at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila...

The bold colors of the Union Jack dominate the elegant interiors of Marco Polo Ortigas Manila with The British Invasion, a British Food Festival at Cucina, Cafe Pronto, The Connect Lounge and Vu's Sky Bar and Lounge. From fish and chips to shepherd's pie, mushy peas and custard tarts, experience some of Britain's best bites and brews with The British Invasion at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila all the way until March 24...

Proud Brit and Executive Chef Alisdair Bletcher and his team prepares a lavish British feast at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila inspired by traditional favorites from old Rule Britannia. The British vibe definitely rules at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila, and you can dive in straight at the signature all-day buffet dining outlet, Cucina...

Earning the coveted Forbes Travel Guide Five Stars three years in a row, Marco Polo Ortigas Manila remains one of the finest five star properties this side of the metro (for more on Marco Polo Ortigas Manila, see my post, Exceptional Service That Exceeds Expectations: A Forbes Travel Guide Five Star Staycation at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila). And the best way to get into the five star experience is with a sumptuous meal at Cucina (for more on Cucina, see my last post at Mangiamo! Savor Hearty Italian Flavors with Deliziosa Italia at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila's Cucina). Start your British experience at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila's Cucina with hearty British fare like the Shepherd's Pie, slow-braised lamb with onions, carrots and potato covered in creamy mashed potatoes.

Continue your British culinary journey with tasty starters like the delicate Smoked Atlantic Salmon with Capers, Shallots, Dill and Horseradish Cream on Toasted Bread...

...and the Ploughman's Salad with ham, Cheddar, quail eggs, cherry tomatoes and punchy pickles for contrasting notes.

In between tasty rounds, why not have a bowl of Cock a Leekie, an earthy Scottish dish with fresh leeks in peppered chicken broth?

For the mains, diners can enjoy savory dishes like the Breaded Porkloin with Rosemary, with tender and juicy pork covered in a crisp breading...

...and the iconic Fish and Chips (L) made with succulent sea bass draped in a lightly crisp beer batter deep-fried to golden perfection served with crunchy chips. Craving for beef? How about some tender Roast Beef (R) paired with traditional Yorkshire Pudding?   

Load up on tasty sides like Roasted Potatoes...

...the rich and creamy Calcannon, an Irish dish of mashed potatoes with cabbage...

...and the quintessential British favorite, Mushy Peas. It's just not quite British without mushy peas.

The fresh, clean and briny sweetness of the sea bass pairs well with the mildly nutty hints of the lightly crisp batter for contrasting notes and textures. Drizzle some malt vinegar for added sharpness to bring out the flavors of the fresh fish. The thick-cut chips are perfectly crisp and not soft and mushy, great with a dip in the creamy tartar sauce. It's legit fish and chips, just the way Executive Chef Alisdair Bletcher would have it. 

The tender and juicy Breaded Porkloin with Rosemary with its subtle sweet notes capped by the crisp breading is another tasty option at Cucina's The British Invasion, completed by a generous side of Mushy Peas. Any of the savory mains at Cucina pair well with the mushy peas, really.

There's just nothing like a juicy premium slab of beef, and the Roast Beef at Cucina does not disappoint. Great even without the gravy, just pour the gravy on the Yorkshire Pudding, a dab of horseradish and mustard are all you need. And some Calcannon. And some mushy peas.

After your British feast at Cucina, why not indulge in other global flavors, from their signature Paella (L) to savory carvings from the Shawarma Grill (R)? Round it all out with the vibrant flavors of Indian cuisine, and the comforting dishes of Filipino, Asian, Chinese and Japanese cuisine? Plus, there's the impressive Seafood Station too... 

For dessert, cap your British feast with the tempting Lemon Syllabub (L), a rich curdled cream dessert or some Bakewell Tarts (R), an English confection with jam in a rustic pastry shell. You'll find other dessert favorites at Cucina's Dessert Station, including fresh fruits and ice cream.

Then, there's the decadent and moist Warm Chocolate Hazelnut and Orange Pudding (L) that just works well with a scoop of velvety smooth Vanilla and Chocolate Ice Cream topped with walnuts, chocolate chips and thinly-sliced almond slivers for that perfect sweet ending at Cucina's The British Invasion.

Go for a slice of the elegant Custard Tart topped with fresh fruits paired with a cup of coffee. The British are definitely here at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila. Executive Chef Alisdair Bletcher will also host a special wine pairing dinner tonight, March 13, at Cucina with traditional British dishes starting at 7pm. The wine pairing dinner dubbed "A British Affair" will include a selection of fine wines from partners Wine Depot and Pike Estate. Seats are available for only P 3,500 and may still be booked by calling (02) 720-7720 or via email at restaurant.mnl@marcopolohotels.com.

But the presence of the Brits at Marco Polo goes beyond Cucina, reaching all the way to Cafe Pronto, The Connect Lounge and Vu's Sky Bar and Lounge. Think of it as a major tactical campaign on four fronts. Enjoy refreshing cocktails at The Connect Lounge made with Pimm's,  a British liqueur, like the Elizabeth and Buckingham...

...along with the traditional Afternoon Tea with scones and pastries (for more on Marco Polo Ortigas Manila's Afternoon Tea at The Connect Lounge, see my earlier post, Afternoon Tea High Up at The Marco Polo Ortigas Manila's Connect Lounge). Located at the 24th Floor, The Connect Lounge offers magnificent views of the cityscape, a perfect spot for a leisurely tipple or afternoon tea...

...but it gets better at Vu's Sky Bar and Lounge high up at the 45th Floor (for more on Vu's Sky Bar and Lounge, see my previous post, Before Sunset: Aperitivo at Vu's Sky Bar and Lounge). Savor a rewarding bite and pint with traditional British favorites like fish and chips, bangers and mash paired with San Miguel Draft Beer for only P 699 from Wednesdays to Saturdays at 5 to 9pm. Make it a proper British tipple with gin and your favorite gin and tonic. That British vibe is turned up a notch with live bands performing classic British hits.  

At Cafe Pronto, pair your cup of freshly-brewed coffee with a variety of indulgent British inspired pastries and pies, like this hearty and decadent Custard Tart.

Or start your day with this wittingly named fresh baked treat, Breakfast in Bread. Like what you see? Just follow the union jacks and turn yourself in for The British Invasion at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila, happening now until March 24...

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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