Taste Australia's Best at Marriott Hotel Manila this Month of January

Good day, mate! Savor Australia's premium food and drinks at Marriott Hotel Manila this entire month of January. From the freshest seafoods of Great Barrier; imbibe on the spirits from the cellars of Adelaide and indulge on the rich meat pies from Victoria--there's surely something for you to enjoy! 

Taste Australia in a celebration of the diversity of premium food and drinks at Marriott Hotel Manila! Savor the steaks from the Outback, relish the seafood from the Great Barrier, imbibe on the wines from the cellars of Adelaide, or feast on the rich meat pies from Victoria; an array of choices await you this January!

 

Come over at Marriott Café for an Australian Wine Buffet, where five of the most excellent wines from the vineyards of Australia are available every night for only P825, together with featured cheeses that create a perfect partnership on your palate. A new gelato flavor is added -- Vittoria Australian Coffee, exclusively for this month only, is perfect as a sweet ending to an already delicious meal.

 

At Cru Steakhouse, experience posh dining with Chermoula Marinated Australian Lamb Loin at P1900, prepared by Marriott’s very own Chef Rej Casanova. Couple the dish with any of the three taste selected Shiraz wines, and add from their selection of cheeses for a classic, well-loved combination. Order a cup of hot, steaming Vittoria Australian Coffee for a fulfilling finish.

 

Eat, drink, and be merry the way Aussies do at the Greatroom with original meat pies, juicy surf n’ turf, and savory side dishes! Couple it with a mug of XXL beer, a glass of Australian wine or one soda to complete the rustic experience in all Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays of January, 6:00 PM – 10:30 PM at P1100.

 

At Java+, savor the rich flavors of freshly baked meat pies in three savory flavors: Beef, Mushroom & Onion (P480 nett), Beef, Potatoes & Mushy Peas (P450 nett), and Beef & Cheese (P420 nett). Enjoy it with Vittoria Australian Coffee Frappucino and find your corner at their best-loved coffee shop for the ultimate comfort food.

 

For guests who want to experience Australia in the comforts of their own rooms, all in-house guests may order Wine Carafes at P350 for 270ml, with a choice of WIllowglen Chardonnay or Willowglen Cabernet/Shiraz. Couple it with an Australian Cheese Trio, a platter of Rubicon Red, Wild Wasabi, and Smoked Cheddar at P570 with a side of homemade jam, toasted crostini, and spiced pecans to perfectly tickle your palate. Meanwhile, those who wish to soak up the sun with an ice cold beer on hand can choose from the local San Miguel Draft at P210 to Australia’s all-original ales such as Foster’s Lager and Victoria Bitter at P250 each.

 

Join Marriott Manila as they bring you blokes and sheilas over to the Land Down Under for an utterly grand time!

Favorite Plates are Available To-Go at Marriott Cafe

Marriott Manila’s main outlet Marriott Café can turn your parties into lavish celebrations with gastronomic delights you have come to enjoy – wherever you may be! From intimate events to large gatherings, you can experience a magnificent spread that will make your events all the more extraordinary. Feed a party of 10, 15, or 20 people with gourmet choices that will fill your guests to their hearts’ content.

Allow for a Japanese culinary treat with Assorted Sashimi Platter (P6500 for 15 persons), a mix of salmon, tuna, and snapper sashimi; or Sushi Platter (P6000 for 15 persons) with an assortment of ebi sushi, tuna sushi, California maki roll, and spicy salmon roll. Sample the freshest catch of the sea mixed with the enticing flavors of Baked Whole Salmon Fillet (P6500 for 10 persons) and Gambas al Ajillo (P6000 for 10 persons). For those yearning for a taste of Italy with a twist, scrumptious dishes such as Linguine with Shrimp in Garlic & Olive Oil (P5200 for 15 persons) and Ocean’s Harvest Lasagna (P6000 for 15 persons) may satisfy your pasta cravings. And for those who want to bring home our renowned Slow Roasted US Prime Rib, now it’s possible! Available in whole (P19300 for 20 persons) or half (P9500 for 8-10 persons) servings, this succulent dish comes with corn on the cob, mashed or roasted potato, glazed carrots, and buttered vegetables. You may also choose your sauces from pepper cream sauce or wild mushroom sauce.

Everyone’s favorite dishes are now available for take-away, from Assorted Sushi and Sashimi Platters, to delicious Italian dishes with a twist such as Linguine with Shrimp in Garlic & Olive Oil and Ocean’s Harvest Lasagna, and even US Roasted Prime Rib! Prices start at P5,200 and are good for 10-20 people. 

Plan your events and call at 9889999 at least 24 hours before your party, so you can pick up your freshly cooked meals at Marriott Café on the day of your event! It is undeniable that Marriott can deliver nothing but distinct epicurian elegance in their dishes.

 

Marriott Hotel Manila’s Festive Treats for Christmas: Gift Suggestions and Corporate Christmas Giveaways

Marriott Hotel Manila was all decked out with Christmas decor in as early as September--at least that part of the hotel to welcome bloggers for an exclusive preview of their Christmas festive offerings and feast. There were tall Christmas trees, fully decorated with large red balls and silver trimmings with lights aglow. Even the grand chandelier sort of had the same Christmas motif. Well, so much for the ambiance. 

What is Christmas without the gifts? Marriott Hotel Manila had been known for its best selling jeepney and gingerbread house. According to Executive chef Meik Brammer, both items were well received last year so they are bringing them back again with new items for the festive Christmas hampers available at Marriott Hotel Manila. 

It’s that time of the year again: Christmas is indeed fast approaching. With less than a hundred days to go before Christmas, have you guys thought of what to give your families, friends and colleagues? This early, have you made any plans on how will you spend the holiday season? Well, it’s better to think ahead rather than make last minute shopping which I’m sure you’ll eventually regret later on. 

Fret not, folks! Marriott Hotel Manila is here to help. As early as September, Marriott Hotel Manila’s got it all covered. Be it a lavish Christmas basket you’re looking for or a simple thank you hamper filled with goodies one can munch on this Christmas, Marriot Hotel Manila has it. The best part of it all is that you can get discounts and receive perks when you purchase in bulk and when you place your order early from August to October 15, 2013. Club Marriott members even get 20 % discounts. How good is that, right?

 Marriott Hotel Manila had their Classic Hamper (P3, 400) with their signature Gingerbread Jeepney, Chocolate Santa Claus, Mango Chocolate bar, Dry Pasta, Tomato sauce with Basil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Martini Olives.

Deluxe Hamper (worth P5,100) had gingerbread house, Chocolate Santa Claus, Grandma’s rum-flavored fruitcake, homemade cookies, Spanish paella rice, tomato sauce with basil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Martini Olives.

CRU Premium Hampers (P8, 800) had gingerbread house, Chocolate Santa Claus, personalized CRU Steakhouse VIP Reservation plate, Benchmark Cabernet Sauvignon, Nutella, Martini Olives, Brie Cheese, Salami and crackers, Chocolate Truffles, Illy Coffee and two wine glasses.

If you’d want to customize your hamper, you can also do so. Choose from a wide array of selection and gift suggestions. From Marriott Hotel Manila’s bakery specialties, chocolate masterpieces to savory and deli delights—why not include Marriott Hotel Manila’s collectible items as well?

 Marriott Hotel Manila’s chocolate masterpieces are so divine. Try their Mango chocolate bar—made from honest-to-goodness Belgian white chocolates infused with dried mangoes from the Philippines. Their Chocolate Santa Claus, Snowman, Santa with Gifts are all made from imported and high-quality chocolates that’ll surely make one’s sweet tooth happy. The Milk Chocolate Cluster are made from 100% Belgian Milk Chocolate loaded with nuts and dried fruits for extra crunch and texture. And of course, Marriott Hotel Manila’s praline and truffles are hand-rolled, Swiss made chocolates meant to be truly addicting. They are beautifully packaged for the holiday, so it’s the perfect present. Available in boxes of 4 (P220) and 9 (P500).

 As for pastry specialties, Marriott Hotel Manila’s best-selling Gingerbread house is an edible masterpiece made of cookie dough flavored with ginger and honey decorated with colorful pastilage, cookies and sugar candies. I was able to try Grandma’s run-flavored fruitcake, it’s an authentic Christmas cake made with fruits month-soaked in rum, mixed with nuts, spices and topped with sugar holly leaves. I loved it!

French Macarons are sweet meringue like confectionery with almond powder filled with mango, strawberry, vanilla, chocolate, and mocha buttercream. You guys should try it, it brightens up every table feast and will certainly enjoyed by kids and those kids at heart. It is mildly moist and melts-in-your-mouth.

During the Christmas Festive Feast launch, Chef Meik Brammer, Marriott Hotel Manila’s executive chef proudly says that because he’s German, he encourages people to try his German version of the traditional stolen bread. It differs from other stolen bread since it had a zesty flavor, somewhat tangy since it had orange, citrusy peel, raisins, almonds along with ginger and cinnamon.

If you don’t have enough time but would like to surprise your family for a hearty treat, Chef Meik Brammer also suggests to order Marriott Hotel Manila’s Turkey to Go. It’s perfect for family feast or Christmas dinner where family and friends gather together and share a sumptuous feast. Chef Meik Brammer’s original roasted turkey was the best! I was fortunate enough to try it myself, and I’d have to say it is really good. It goes well with either the special pan gravy or the cranberry sauce. The Turkey-to-go is a family feast package good for 10 people. It is unbelievably affordable at P7, 500 which includes: Whole roasted turkey (6-7 kg), Cranberry sauce, pan gravy, 1kg of buttered mashed potato, lettuce salad with dressing, 500g potato salad, 1kg classic stuffing, 750 kg Brussels sprouts, 750g baked pumpkin, 1 pc baked pumpkin pie, 1 pc baked apple pie. This awesome feast will be available from November 28 to December 25, 2013. Please call them to order and allow 48 hours before pickup. Turkey-to-go package can be collected at Java+ counter or at the ground level of Marriott Hotel Manila.

For Festive Season Reservations, please call (632) 988-9999 local 8090 or log on to www.mariott.com/mnlap

Visit them at Marriott Hotel Manila, 10 Newport Blvd. Newport City Complex, Pasay City

Special thanks to Ms. Michelle Garcia and Ms. Anya Cabanting.

Disclaimer: I am not compensated for this post. Opinions expressed are my own. 

FLAVORS OF ASIA AT MARRIOTT HOTEL MANILA: ONE TRULY AMAZING ASIAN FOOD TRIP

The lobby of the Marriott Cafe

 They say that the best ways to experience Asia is through food—notable, mind-blowing, and immeasurable. Especially for the Southeast Asian region that boasts a multi-cultural and hard-hitting influence with the way we enjoy cooking and eating, it’s no wonder why dishes that hail from these regions are considered a feast for the senses.

Marriott Manila pays tribute to the most revered cuisines of the world as it brings home four of the Asia’s finest chefs and most famous cuisines. From Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam—Marriott Café entices everyone with a masterpiece through a month-long celebration of Oriental flavors that’s uniquely Marriott.

Chef introduces his dish.

What else could be more exciting that flying four of the finest chefs in Asia with Renaissance Kuala Lumpur’s Ruhizad Muri, Renaissance Riverside Saigon Phan Tien Hoa, Indonesian chef Dadang Wahyudi, and JW Marriott Bangkok Thantorn Krobsuay? Boasting with culinary career track that is dynamically diverse, expect only authentic and a palate tickling adventure anyone could get.

Chef enjoys the media.

 Back by popular demand, Thai food deserves all the hype for its fundamental tastes: sweet, sour, salty and bitter. Chef Thantorn Krobsuay, who led the first two consecutive most-talked about Thai Food Fest at Marriott Café, will still dish out appetizing Thai specialties foodies regularly crave for. Discover his new line up of mouthwatering dishes such as deep fried sea bass with chili sauce, sautéed squid with pineapple and cucumber, beef balls cooked with Malaysian sauce, braised beef spiced with turmeric and coconut.

Chef tells the crowd what his dish was all about. 

 For only P2, 300 net from Sunday to Thursday and P2, 500 net for Friday and Saturday, enjoy a charming Asian dinner that assures an enjoyable age-old tradition of bonding through delicious mix of aromatics, spices, rich, sweet and hot Flavors of Asia.

Beef Rendang melts in your mouth.

More than its legendary nasi lemak, chef Ruhizad gives foodies a taste of Malaysia’s noteworthy nyonya cuisine. A signature Penang-type of cooking that uses roots (blends and spices of galangal, turmeric, and ginger), leaves (pandan, lime and laksa), fruit (lemon, tamarind and green mangoes) along with other ingredients like shrimp paste and chilis.

Yummy Vietnamese Spring Rolls.

Chef Ruhizad also puts an interesting twist to time-honored dishes in Malaysia. This buffet section invites diners to get creative with blue crab, tiger prawn shrimps, steamed fish, beef tenderloin, chicken, fresh clams, barbecue chicken, and assorted veggies peppered and spiced the Malaysian way 

Fresh catch: Curacha crabs galore!

 For the more adventurous, Indonesian cuisine are also made available. Carnivores will surely enjoy chef Dadang Wahyudi’s take on grilled meats in skewers—with a wide selection of beef, lamb chops, chicken, shrimps, calamari, pork and fish! Another must-try is the bebek betutu klung klung—an all-spiced up Balinese dish enhanced by a host of pungent ingredients. Locals and visitors will also love the heavenly roasted duck recipe that’s considered a dish specialty for big banquets and special ceremonies.

Chef's specialty with galangal, lime and ginger.

Chinese station with dimsums and dumplings.

Sweet Asian delicacies

Seafood and meat skewers with sauce.

Fruits abound.

The giant chocolate fountain for the sweet tooth.

The Japanese Station boasts of sushi and sashimi.

Tiger Prawns

 For Vietnamese cuisine lovers like me, chef Phan Thien Hoa presents a variety of specialty and oh-so-delectable Vietnamese specialties that’s known for being one of the healthiest foods. Try the heavenly steaming bowl of Pho (chicken or beef). It bursts of flavors, herbs and spices. I instantly fell in love with it the very first time I had a spoonful of it. This one’s a whole lot better than Pho Hoa. Topped with lemon citrus, this pho soup is probably the best I have ever tasted. It’s very refreshing! Made from the finest broth, rice noodles, meat, herbs such as fresh basil leaves (unlike others that uses mint leaves). It promises to leave you wanting for more.

The Vietnamese Noodle Station..

The perfect rainy day companion--Vietnamese Pho.

 A Vietnamese food trip will never be complete without Vietnamese spring rolls—soft rice wrappers filled with meats like shrimps, chicken, beef and veggies with tofu, served on a sweet peanut buttery sauce. It feels like transporting you to the streets of Saigon. For seafood fans, there are curacha crabs, (big crabs) tiger prawns, and lobsters.

Chef with Vietnamese spring rolls.

Those with sweet-tooth need not frown, a wide range of choices are in store for you all. Glutinous rice or fruits, pandan crepes rolled in caramelized coconut, stewed green bean with palm sugar, banana in sweet coconut, pandan jelly plus other Asian sweet delicacies.

As if these yummy treats aren’t enough, Marriott has partnered with other Marriott Asian properties in Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam and Indonesia and they’re giving away three days and two nights gift certificates to four lucky diners of Flavors of Asia! That’s all you need to fully experience Asia!

The author with the International Chefs

Experience this once-in-a-lifetime amazing culinary treat as Marriott also brings in four distinguished chef guests to conduct special cooking classes for only P1, 500 net inclusive of a hearty lunch.

The schedules are as follows:

Thai—July 9 and 16

Malaysian and Vietnamese—July 23

Indonesian—July 30

For inquiries or reservations, please call Marriott café at 988-9999.

Disclaimer: I am not compensated for this post. Opinions expressed are 100 % my own.