My Summer Cafe Marco Plate at Marco Polo Plaza Cebu

So, what's on my plate? Specialties from Japan, Mexico, Thailand, China and of course, the Philippines. On separate plates (there's so much food around that they need more than 1 plate), there are Italian specialties and more plus local delights given the luxe way of dining.

I found myself again at Marco Polo Plaza Cebu during my Cebu (and Bohol) escapade just a few days ago. My nth time is still anticipated with excitement as I again made my way through the hilltops of Lahug to the sentinel on top of the mountain that has been overlooking Cebu City since the 80's.

Upon arrival, the lobby was inviting as usual - as if almost waving at you for an invite to have a selfie or just a photo op.

A floral centerpiece brings more life and color to the surrounding and the grand staircase that's (another) selfie magnet, Marco Plaza Cebu's lobby is already a sight to behold.

But I never let that dazzle distract me from my (gastronomic) intention - to again enjoy the sumptuous lunch buffet at Cafe Marco!

I always start my buffet adventures surveying each station, checking what it has to offer to satisfy my palate. Roaming around I took a peek at each station and searching for dishes that would awaken curiosity - visually at first, then comes the smell. If both are satisfied then its time for the taste test...

The Japanese Station had all the makis, sushis, sashmis, gyozas, tempura, ramen and all other Japanese specialties and dishes.And it keeps on refilling at the same time introducing new variants that one can just stay here and already has his stomach bursting with food!

A salad and appetizers station entices your senses with the smell and colors of the days gastronomic bounty. Plates of ready-made salads, local appetizers like kinilaw and more just waiting to be picked up.

But you can also make your own salad. Just choose from the all the greens, fruits and vegetables with dressings and toppings at the vegetarian corner.

The Chinese Specialties station is always a favorite - from dim sum to Chinese dishes and yes, Peking Duck and/or Pork Asado on display at the counter. It was perfect since I was craving for dim sum a day before, so I stacked up mostly on dimsum and had not only seconds, but third servings!

I went to the usual spot in the Chinese corner for my favorite Hainanese Chicken (photo below from my previous visit) that is always part of my buffet at Cafe Marco. But I was surprised that it wasn't there anymore. So my hopes of satisfying my Hainanese cravings sort of jumped form top of the Marco Polo (I think from the Blu Bar and Grill) all the way to the Mactan channel

To console myself, I just made noodle dish with all the veggies and meat I can find and topped with with a generous amount of mahu or much commonly referred to as "floss". I just love the thin noodles that even with a savory broth, I am up to "eat". But I can't say no to the variety of toppings my eyes set on...

Paying homage to one of Cebu's culinary claim to fame - SuTuKil (for sugba (grill), tuwa (stew) and kilaw ("cooked" in vinegar)), there's the Sugba station with an assortment of food to be grilled. Meat, seafood, vegetables and more line up waiting to be picked up and cooked on the grill!

But of course, the Filipino food station is highlighted with Lechon Cebu.

So, after a bit of wandering, what's on My Summer Cafe Marco Plate? A little bit of everything - new and old, things that I craved for, those that made me salivate and those that would look good on the plate -when photographed.

I just love this Thai Beef Salad that I just have to have a second round with it.

This Chicken Adobo, thouhg not on my actual plate, had the taste of home. As if it came out of the pan we use to cook ours. I could finished a cup of rice or even more, just with its very flavourful sauce.

It was then I was told the Cafe Marco has a dedicated Adobo Station that recreates Filipino favorite adobo recipes - from pork and chicken to vegetables like sitaw and talong, every buffet. So there's always an adobo every time you're at Cafe Marco!

It's Pasta Your Way at Cafe Marco at the Pasta station!

You pick your type of pasta (fusilli, linguini, penne shown here) and the chef whips up your pasta dreams. Then choose between olive oil or tomato your sauce. Finally, add your favorite meats like bacon and ham, seafood like shrimps and squid and vegetables! It's that easy as 1-2-3... Pasta, Your Way!

First to arrive on our table was the Linguini Pesto with Garlic Prawns (above). The choice of ingredients created a nice and appetizing aroma and the pesto sauce went well with the prawns.

And next was Linguini with Cherry tomato sauce and antipasti vegetables. This one had more flavor variation given the variety of the ingredients. I love how subtle the cherry tomato sauce was that enhanced the flavour of the other ingredients rather than overpowering them.

Here's Chef Luigi Maggubat with the two pasta creations he whipped up for us!

Desserts! Need I say more. Lots and lot of sweets on display inside cold storage - more than 50 if I assume I counted them.

Not to mention the Halo-halo station, fresh fruits, crepes, ice cream scooperie and more to give your buffet a sweet ending!

But wait, there's more! This is will be considered a "gastronomical sin" if you miss this. Ask for some freshly baked malicious cookies to make your buffet end in a " very delicious, so indulgent , so malicious manner"

Now its your turn to make you own My Summer Cafe Marco Plate. Happening every weekday until end of the month.The Lunch Buffet is at a special rate of only PhP880 net - more than 20% off its regular price of PhP1150. ( NOTE Extended until JULY 31, 2017!!! )

And it comes with bottomless Healthy Coolers (priced at PhP150?) during dinner and weekend buffets) - in case you were wondering about that cool green drink I had on the table. Hurry, only a few more days to go and share My Summer Cafe Marco Plate!

Cafe Marco

Marco Polo Plaza Hotel Cebu

Cebu Veterans Drive, Nivel Hills, Apas

Cebu City, 6000, Philippines

Breakfast 0600–1030AM | Lunch 1200NN – 0230PM | Dinner 0630PM – 1000PM

For inquiries and reservations:

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

Marco Polo Plaza Cebu Online: Website | Facebook | Instagram

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