My Gastronomia de Esapaňa at Marriott Hotel Manila

Do you remember those years when we have to take Spanish class as part of our curriculum in college? I wish I had taken those classes, so that I could properly pronounce the remarkable   cuisine that we tasted last week as we enjoy our night of Gastronomia de Espana at Marriot Hotel Manila.

I got to taste  the famous Ibérico ham, relish the season’s first olive oils in Andalusia, and sample what is served in the bustling food markets of Catalonia. They will enjoy tapas like the locals do, sip and savor the wines at Rioja, learn about the gastronomic society in the Basque, and have the chance to cook traditional Spanish food through its young and handsome guest Chef from Valladolid-Victor Burgos.

For a wide array of choices, every corner of Marriott Café’s dinner buffets flaunts muy delicioso! Various cold cuts like chorizo, salchichon, lomo, Iberico ham, and Serrano ham are served with fresh tomato bread, while different cheeses such as manchego, cabrales, tetilla, and Mahon are best paired walnut bread and membrillo.  What more to enjoy are spoonful of hot and cold soups like the gazpacho, salmorejo, purrusalda, lentils with chorizo, and lamb stew. Salad lovers are also in for a treat as the salad bar boasts of different flavors and textures for the discerning palate.  Escalivada and Chicken (roasted vegetables with chicken and walnuts), Mejillones en Escabeche (marinated mussels with onion, Spanish paprika, and white wine), Ensaladilla Rusa (Russian Salad comprised of potato salad with mayonnaise and garden vegetables), or Melon con Jamon Serrano (melon and Serrano ham). Choose the Champiñones al Ajillo (sautéed champinion with garlic, white wine, and parsley), Ensalada de Remolacha y Esparragos (beetroot salad with green asparagus, lettuce & orange), or Atun encebollado (tuna with onion pickle). There’s also Codorniz Escabechada (marinated quail in vinegar & vegetables) Ensalada de Alubias (white beans salad with vegetables and Serrano ham), Ensalada de Mango y Gambas (prawn and mango salad with yogurt dressing), Queso Manchego con Miel y Guayaba (manchego, guava, and honey), and Salpicon de Marisco (mixed seafood salad, northern-style). 

The Spanish take their cuisine seriously. If a diner exudes the same passion, Marriott Hotel Manila, invites its beloved guests to learn how to prepare and cook some of these dishes. Guest chef Victor Burgos mirrors such passion. He worked his way up the kitchen ladder, had the chance to be part of Michelin-starred restaurants, and has travelled in key cities in Asia to share his love for his native cuisine. Victor Burgos gave a cooking demo last  June 8 and  on June 15 to show how he makes the perfect Paella de Marisco (seafood paella). Through an interactive cooking class, he will share his expertise in preparing and serving Salmorejo con Berenjenas Fritas, Tortilla de Patatas con Chorizo (Spanish omelet with chorizo), and Pintxos Morunos (lamb skewer with cous cous and yogurt mint sauce). Another highlight are the Croquetas de Setas, Gambas al Ajillo, Escalivada with anchovies, and Arroz Caldoso de Marisco.

For the whole month of June, Marriot Hotel Manila will let you experience and indulge in gustatory pleasure like what we did.  Experience Spain’s food, wine, and passion this June at Marriott Hotel Manila’s Gastronomia de Espaňa. Dinner buffet is available daily at Marriott Café (Sun-Thurs P1950 and Fri-Sat P2300); Wine Dinner at CRU Steakhouse on June 13th is P2700 and Cooking Classes on June 08 and 15 at P1850.