MARKET CAFE BUFFET

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....

Seafood Station

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... :)

 With Director of Communications Ms. Twinkle

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

*****

Promotions

Lobster Fest  at Market Cafe 

October 1- December 31, 2018

Enjoy live lobster display! Fresh and succulent Boston , Slipper and Baby lobsters are all yours every Saturday dinner for only P2,700 nett per person.

In house guests and Club Epicure members are entitled to a 10% discount.

*****

Opening hours
Breakfast 6 to 1030 am daily
Lunch 12-230 pm daily
Dinner 6 to 10 pm daily

Buffet Rates

Lunch
M-S      P2200 net per person
Sunday P2700 net per person

Dinner
M-Th P2400 nett
F-Sun P2700 net

Kids Buffet rates

Children 5 years old and below - free
Children 6 to 12 years old P900 net per person

Drinks
Lunch buffet includes free flow soda and iced ea

Dinner buffet includes free flow soda, iced tea and local beer

Market Cafe is located at the third floor of AG New World Manila Bay Hotel, 1588 Pedro Gil corner MH Del Pilar  Street Malate Manila