Thursday, July 29, 2010

Swiss Alpine Festival!


Switzerland from A-Z! Marco Polo brings back the real Swiss Flavor to Cebu City as Cafe Marco's Culinary journeys makes it's next stop in Switzerland! Experience a complete world of Swiss Goodness from Alpine to Zurich! 

Enjoy Swiss food on top of the International Buffet at  975php +10% VAT dinner or lunch! 

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Marco Polo's Sabores de España

Every month, Marco Polo Cebu brings in a treat for guests and locals of Cebu. July 2010, a celebration of culture and friendship through food, Sabores de España, was held at the Marco Polo Hotel where special guests were treated to a Spanish dinner paired with wines from Spain!

Launched on July 16, 2010, Sabores de España was highlighted by the cutting of the Serrano Ham at Cafe Marco and unveiling of the Paella at the El Viento Restaurant and Pool Bar with Spanish Ambassador Luis Arias- Romero, Honorary Consul of Spain Jaime Picornell, Ms. Gema Pido and Mr. Hans Suri.



Special performances by Pianist Maestro Jovianney Emmanuel Cruz accompanied by Guitarist Ruben Reyes!

And of course, the food! Enjoyed these 3 servings the most! First is the sausage and melon salad, Paella and dessert sampler Spanish Doughnut Churros, creme brule and Brazo de Mercedes!


Would like to thank these 3 lovely ladies of Marco Polo for the invite! ;)
Muchos Gracias Ecka, Jennifer et Belle!

Monday, July 19, 2010

Meeyaw! A new cat is brewing in town!

Coffeecat - a celebration to coffee and life! Just a year old, Coffeecat had been making a buzz for its good coffee, modern minimalist yet cozy ambiance and PREMIUM Frozen Yogurt! Location is at JP Morgan Building Asiatown IT Park Lahug (building across Loft) .

Had a chance to taste the Coffeecat Coffee Jelly and Yogo Frozen Yogurt! during the opening last July 19, 2010. Review? ;) Well The coffee jelly wasn't that good because the jelly was a bit stiff and hard and has no flavor, the blended coffee was smooth and tasty though and the whip is rich and smooth as well. :). As for the Yogo Frozen Yogurt, I love! The Peehgs had consistenly been craving for it! Yogo Frozen Yogurt is creamy yet the sourness is distinguishable just like the yogurt we buy from the groceries. Sourness at the right level and not too sweet. Favorite toppings are grapes, kiwi, butterfinger, cherry and strawberry. Large cup with 3 toppings is priced at 185php and Green tea flavor is also available for 190php for the large cup with 3 toppings!



You might be wondering why the owners named the coffee shop "Coffee Cat." Well "Coffee Cat" is a product of an intriguing play of words coupled with a serendipitous association to a cat-sized mammal called civet cat having a close affinity towards coffee berries!

The Coffee Cat president JC R Tan is just 24 years old so it's no surprise why the shop is chic and exudes a young vibe and aura! Below is a picture of Marie Peluchi Tan (corporate secretary and district manager for Cebu) and JC Tan president and general manager of Coffeecat!


Ribbon Cutting!
April Rama, Jaja Chiongbian-Rama, Cebu City Councilor Edu Rama and Mayor Rama!

Big Thanks to Jaja and April!


Wednesday, July 7, 2010

CYMA

Cyma is a greek word that means "to flourish!" Cyma's executive chef and owner Robby Goco opened the first Cyma in Boracay in 2005 and hoping that Filipinos would embrace the same love for Greek food like his family. Gladly, international guests as well as the locals loved Cyma giving them a hint to expand in Manila a year after. And in 2008, Cyma opened another branch at The Terraces Ayala Center Cebu proving that Cyma indeed had flourished!

I was invited by food expert and executive director of Hotel, Resort &Restaurant Association of Cebu or HRRACI Ms. Aissa Dela Cruz to join her in experiencing new dishes at the greek bistro, CYMA!

Cyma Cebu branch is supervised by Yvette "Bee" Luciano who also is the assistant director for research and development who shared some history and stories about CYMA. We started the meal with PIKILIA or composite of sampling of dips including roasted eggplant with garlic, lemon, tomatoes and virgin olive oil, Hummous, creamed Feta Cheese, classic cucumber, garlic and yogurt served with Pita bread.


We then had a new CYMA offering to be added in the menu this month, Hot Clam Dip served with toasted artisan bread, carrot and cucumber sticks . I recommend this dish! Love it! Cyma Hot Clam Dip dish is created by Chef Bee!

Next is Cyma Roka Salate! Romaine lettuce, arguala, dried tomatoes dressed with vinaigrette with shavings of Parmigiano Reggiano and glazed walnuts!


CYMA Seafood Macaronada, might look like another ordinary pasta but Cyma actually used a different kind of pasta called "Bucatani Pasta!" It's like a fat spaghetti but there's a tunnel hole for the flavor to be sucked in! Another special thing about this pasta is that it's seasoned in saffron, the most priced and expensive spice in the world. And I just love the taste of fresh seafood! :)


Paidakia or Cyma Char-grilled Lamb Ribs! Yum! Rubbed in sea salt, pepper and oregano! Also loved the sweet and fresh mashed potatoes!

We had Cyma's Pannacotta and Choco lava cake for dessert! The Panacotta is topped with sweetened fruits like cherry tomatoes, apples, grapes and oranges.


Chef Bee with our "Glyka" or dessert Choco lava Cake!

Special thanks to CYMA, Chef Yvette "Bee" Luciano, Ms. Aissa dela Cruz and Cebu Daily News!