One bruschetta afternoon at Marco Polo Plaza Cebu

On my third trip to Cebu City this year, I was with friends and we mostly discovered the gastronomic delights of the Queen City of the South. From the famous lechon and other native dishes at CNT Lechon and the barbecue galore at Larsian (missing those grilled choriso) to the lure of Brian's Ribs at Casa Verde and the sophistication of the wines and croissants at La Vie Parisienne - it was a trip with food written all over it.

And of course, any of my trips to Cebu with be incomplete without visiting Marco Polo Plaza Cebu. Be it an afternoon enjoying their Pizza Burger at El Viento, a morning treat of their signature (Christmas) Ensaimada, indulging with my (and everybody's) favorite - Malicious Cookies or simply eating my heart out at the buffet stations at Cafe Marco. A regular buffet or a themed one like the Swiss Alpine Festival Buffet - doesn't matter since its all delicious 'til the last bit and morsel.

Cafe Marco

Its was mid-afternoon when we arrived at Marco Polo and a quick tour gave a glimpse of the grand stairway...

and fresh flowers (orchids they were) at the lobby.

The poolside restaurant, El Viento,was the perfect place to cool off as it had an inviting pool to gaze upon and an al fresco ambiance.

And then there's the house-blend Mango Iced Tea which was the among the best I've tried so far. Made with freshly brewed tea embraced with real mango concentrate - it was a perfectly delicious drink to to perk up the afternoon. (Can I have another order please?)

As we just came from a heavy lunch and planning to feast again by dinner time, we opted for a light snack. The "Bruschetta" caught our attention given it was light and healthy too - seeing tomatoes, basil ,pesto and goat's cheese as toppings. So we got the simple Bruschetta Margarita and a more loaded - with artichoke and prosciutto.

But when our bruschettas (or bruschette - in plural form) came, we were surprised to see how big they were. We thought we were given the wrong order but then we saw and smelled tomatoes, basil pesto and goat's cheese - they were really ours.

My vision of bruschetta was a small piece of sliced bread with these toppings and was really surprised to see them almost as big as pizzas. But I didn't really since they were so appetizing to look at and they smelled fantastic. After, everything's big and grand at Marco Polo Plaza, so must be their bruschetta!

I can still vividly remember how this Bruschetta M taste even by looking at this food memory. The basil pesto tasted and blended really well with the chopped tomatoes and onions. The goat's cheese became like the seasoning as it gave hints of saltiness to the Italian specialty as well as creaminess.

The Bruschetta Art-Pro had a bigger taste, of course it had artichokes and prosciutto (Italian ham) on top of the already amazing burst of flavors. What more could we ask for but more slices of this bruschetta. We already have forgotten about our lunch or what our plans for dinner will be - all side tracked by the delicious (and humongous) bruschetta - Marco Polo Plaza Cebu version. Magnifico!

El Viento Restaurant and Pool Bar

Marco Polo Plaza Hotel Cebu

Cebu Veterans Drive, Nivel Hills, Apas

Cebu City, 6000, Philippines

Open Daily: 10:00AM–12:00MN

For inquiries and reservations:

Cebu: (63 32) 253 1111 | Manila: (63 2) 887 1263

Facebook: MarcoPolo Cebu

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