I am always on the look out for buffet spreads that would satisfy our discerning piggery. “Veterans” of buffet since they were little, you can say they have developed a discriminating eye and palate and can very well tell the well curated ones from the run-of-the mill.
Last Friday I was invited along with other foodies by AG New World Manila Bay Hotel to try their lunch buffet at MARKET CAFE.
Ms. Jeanne (Assistant Manager ) and Ms. Twinkle (Director for Communications) was on hand to explain what the concept of Market Cafe was.
INTERACTIVE.
They have a market-style presentation where guests can walk through to choose their desired protein, veggies or what have you and have it cooked any which way they want at their chosen station.
There are seven stations :
Bread, Soup, Salad Station
I’m sure the piggery would appreciate the artisanal bread and how its made from scratch from the hotel bakery downstairs.. Last Friday, it was tomato soup day. I always want freshly made bread to go with my soup. There was a cheese and deli station just across and I was really tempted to indulge in a grilled cheese and tomato soup combo. But I let it pass. There are 6 more stations to try. I would not want to get full so early in the day….
Cheese and deli station
The selection of cheese and deli looked sparse at first glance but my preferred flavors were there so I was happy with it. Plus the addition of a big rectangular plate of smoked salmon with capers and French onion was a sight for sore eyes. It made me happy.
Western/Grill/ Pasta/Pizza Station
This is one really busy station and its the first one you see when you enter Market Cafe. Let me describe it to you from one end to another. The nearest point to the door gives you the view of the meat carving for the day. Last Friday , it was a huge slab of Top Blade Steak.
The next one I noticed were two rows of different types of raw meat right in front of the griller which you can see through the glass from the front. One can choose from these selection and have the preferred protein cooked however you like them.
I must confess I was not able to thoroughly enjoy this station. The salmon sashimi in the Japanese and Korean Station plus the Seafood Area singularly held my attention , I quite forgot the meat station huhu
The next thing you see within this station is the impressive pizza oven . Our friend requested for a truffle pizza and the chef immediately created one from scratch. The result was an Asiago Truffle Pizza with greens as garnish. Nothing beats freshly made artisanal pizza baked in a what look like a napolitana oven. Scrumptious!
Japanese and Korean Station
So intent was I in getting those fresh looking tuna and salmon sashimi on my plate, I almost missed the teppanyaki cooking area. Good thing one of our friends had the Top Blade Beef in Western Station brought over for some teppan action. Two stations in one go. Now that’s how I should have done it. The beef was tender and flavorful. I loved the sweet marinade.
There were sushi and nigiri selections as well….
I’m a sucker for fresh seafood. Market Cafe’s selection although modest, looked just plucked from the sea that morning.
A foodie friend @boyeatworldph had his clams sauteed in sweet and chili sauce …
.
The mussels were the huge and fat kind. I wonder if its from New Zealand? I had a dozen baked with cheese and garlic. 
Next on my list was the shrimp. After picking up a select few, I brought it to the Western Station to request to have it cooked in lemon butter sauce.
@johnbunag had his shrimps ala thermidore Asian Station
The Asian Station has Chinese, Singaporean and Filipino food. Here you will find roasted meats, all kinds of noodles and favorite Pinoy cuisines. You can have your meat ( from the grilling station) or fresh seafood ( from the seafood station) brought here for your bespoke dish.
We had our crab two ways — with sweet & chili sauce and…
Singaporean Style…..Yum!
Always leave room for dessert…. 🙂
Dessert
It was a heaven of a station. Visualize cakes in all colors of the rainbows , chocolates in a different hues and textures. Create your own donut or halo halo. Treat yourself to the local kakanin. Indulge in their home made ice cream with made from scratch ice cream cones.
Overall…
The P2200 net price tag might seem expensive, but you get what you pay for. Well curated ingredients, fresh produce, excellent protein, attention to detail , top notch service… what’s not to love?
Check it out and let me know what you think. As for me, they had me at salmon… 🙂
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| With Director of Communications Ms. Twinkle |
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| With Executive Sous Chef of Market Cafe, @boyeatworldph and @johnbunag |
Thank you for hosting us Market Cafe and AG New World Bay Hotel and for the invite Ms. Jeanne and Ms. Twinkle
*****
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