"The Parade of Roasts" at The Promenade
The Promenade's Saturday Grand Buffet is something people talk and rave about, for its grandiose monthly buffet themes with a vast selection of fine and lavish food.
This January, "The Parade of Roasts" is yet another impressive preparation of what awaits Ilonggo food lovers in the local food and dining scene in the year to come. To welcome what seems to be a festive year, I started it with a visit and a taste of this grand buffet at The Promenade.
Our evening got off to a great start when we were warmly greeted by the staff as we came through the front door. It was a simple gesture, yet one that went a long way in reinforcing the friendly atmosphere that seems to fill this place.
The menu seems to invite you into a deep lunge into a subtle, tempting world of sumptuous international dishes with roasted lamb, chicken, beef, ribs, and fish to boost. But of course the meal will not be complete without the hearty Tom Yum Soup. Salad choices from Seafood Salad, Hawaiian Chicken Pasta Salad- which became my favorite after my first bite, you'll love its sweet and tangy taste, and the Mixed Green Salad with Condiments- where you can have helpings of fresh vegetables with your own choice of dressing. And the great appetizer choices: enjoy the Assorted Sushi and Sashimi or you can have the Baked Mussel or Catfish with Green Mango Salad.
After those delicious primers I braced myself to what awaited me; the main course! Seeing the choices I can't seem to wonder how full I'll be at the end of the whole meal. But I took the matter aside and gladly had a portion of everything: Ox Tongue with Gherkin Sauce, Coc Au Vin (it's Chicken in Wine!), Seafood Casserole, Vegetable Au Gratin (our favorite vegetables drenched in spices and baked with a heaping of grated cheese- just heavenly!), have these with a side of either steamed rice, or Kiam Phong - another rice dish with a unique taste, you'll be craving for it.
The highlight of the buffet: ROASTS! from the infamous Carving Station! I had helpings of the Roast Leg of Lamb, the best-selling US Beef Hanging Tender, Roast Chicken, Roast Baby Back Ribs, and Roast Blue Marlin- all stirring the meat lover in me.
Not to be missed is the buffet's Sweet Cravings Station, where desserts are served extra-special. I didn't know on which temptation I would give in first, but if there's one thing I'm sure: everything is a must try! Black Forest Cake, Napoleon Slices, the chewy Chocolate Tartlets with Toffee, Peach Mallow Pie, the decedent Chocolate Dessert Fondue, fresh fruit slices, with the Fancy Fruit Gelatin, Vanilla Bavarian Cream with Anglaise Sauce and Strawberry Mouse from the Fancy Dessert Display Corner and a Crepe Station to add - yes, I willingly indulged to each, it was definitely the best meal I've had since New Year!
With the fine selection of food, matched with capable and friendly staff, cozy ambiance, and awe-inspiring view of the city, it's definitely a praise-worthy experience!
The Grand Buffet is on Saturdays only, so it's wise to make a reservation or better yet come early!