Biographies of world figures

Last Wednesday night was my first time to experience Marco Polo Plaza Cebu's Sabores de España. I attended the opening of this year's Spanish Culinary Journey and I was excited on what dishes would be served to the guests.  When I saw the sign, Calle de Tapas , my stomach started doing cartwheels. Ceviche. Tortilla. Vinegre. Broquerones. Bunuelos.  My Spanish food and cooking terms have even expanded while munching on the Tapas spread.  For this month's gastronomic spotlight, Cafe Marco's team of culinary experts was led by Cebu's authority on Spanish cuisine, Ms. Gema Pido. They will feature a variety of classic dishes from across the different regions of Spain. Well-loved Spanish food like Jamon Serrano, Paella, Fabadas, and Lengua Estofado will be available during the Lunch and Dinner Buffets from August 17 to 20.  Marinated Manchego cheese with olives During the opening of Sabores de España, the food highlight were the assorted tapas that Spain is known for. Fi...

Quest Hotel and Conference Center For the past few months, I've written blog posts about my unexpected discoveries in some of Cebu's hotels. There were the Jose Rizal drawings , the Miss Universe 1974 winners , and that huge world map on  a lobby ceiling . I had to stop after these posts since I was still on a search for enthralling details about other Cebu Hotels. And it's such a coincidence that I found my new inspiration in Quest Hotel and Conference Center Cebu. Yesterday was just my second time to attend an event in one of Quest Hotel's Meeting Rooms and on my way to the designated room, I got lost. Instead of going to the 6th floor, I ended up on the 7th. As I was reading the sign where specific meeting rooms were located; I saw a pattern. Hillary, Magellan, Armstrong, Lewis, and Henson --- I repeated the names several times in my mind; Then I had a lightbulb moment. From the North Pole to the Seas to the summit of the highest peak to the vast territory of a con...

What comes to mind when we think of Switzerland? Vatican Swiss Guards, skiing at the Alps, Swiss Army knife, watchmaking, chocolates, cheeses, Roger Federer, and Banking, but there are more to the country than these. In honor of Swiss National Day, Cafe Marco at Marco Polo Plaza Cebu has prepared a Culinary Journey across the different regions of Switzerland. French, German, and Italian influences dominate the Swiss food atmosphere. Swissness from A to Z is available from July 30 to August 4 . Lunch and Dinner Buffets will feature traditional Swiss dishes and specialties. Monday to Friday Lunch is at 880PHP and Dinner is at 1440PHP. I've listed 6 Swiss foods that you can enjoy when you take advantage of the festivity. And I do recommend these dishes since I was able to try them during the opening of the Swiss festival last Sunday, July 30. A word of caution to would be diners, there is an abundance of sweets, carbohydrates and dairy products in the buffet spread. You might wa...

I discovered two things that are a must when having Brunch, Mimosas and Bloody Marys. They're the best pick-me-ups especially after a night of painting the town red. Marco Polo Plaza Cebu's Cafe Marco has been hosting their Sunday Brunch Plus since the month of May; I was lucky enough to snag an invite one Sunday morning. Brunch ala Gossip Girl I have a confession to make. I used to be a fan of the hit WB series, Gossip Girl. For me, it wasn't about the intrigues or the romances or the break-ups of the show's characters --- the attraction was all about the place, Upper East Side Manhattan and the privilege life of it's citizens. In episode 2 of the first season, Chuck Bass and his family hosted a Champagne Brunch at their hotel; I was fascinated by that party concept. It got me thinking on how glamorous a Champagne Brunch is; All of this came to my mind while munching a slice of Salmon Sashimi and sipping my second flute of Mimosa. I felt like I was in my own episod...

In recent years, Thai food has been gaining traction with the Cebuano palate. And we have seen the growth of Thai restaurants in the province.  From June 23 to 27, Marco Polo Plaza Cebu features the creations of Thai Chef Nontra-Udon Buapha from Marco Polo Prince Hotel, Hong Kong. Cafe Marco's Thai Sojourn will include traditional and signature Thai dishes that Filipinos are familiar with.  Brian Connelly, the new General Manager of Marco Polo Plaza Cebu, was on hand to introduce Chef Buapha to the guests. Thai Chef Nontra-Udon Buapha and GM Brian Connelly The level of complexity and flavor structure found in Thai food can be attributed to 5 basic ingredients that are essential in the cooking preparation: spicy chilies, lime juice, red curry paste, sweetened cream, and fish sauce. Looks simple but when you pound and mash all of these ingredients together, the result is that unique taste that you can easily identify and savor. There were three things that I highly enjoyed durin...

Every June, Filipinos celebrate Independencia or Philippine Independence. And for the fourth year, Cafe Marco, Marco Polo Plaza's main restaurant, has been in the forefront of creating unique Filipino-themed gastronomic journeys for its guests and diners to savor.  This year's Independencia will show the unique culinary diversity that can be found in the flavors of Northern Philippines. Heritage cuisine guru, Ms. Jessica Avila, and the culinary team of Marco Polo Plaza traveled and spent considerable time in the various provinces of Luzon to be able to bring the authenticity of these signature dishes to Cafe Marco's discerning customers. Ms. Jessica Avila and the Marco Polo Plaza Culinary Team. Well-loved and choice dishes from Batangas, Ilocos, Bicol, Pampanga, and Bulacan (just to name a few of the places) were replicated to a tee by the talented culinary team. But there were also subtle hints of characterization that were added to the food presented.  As someone who was...