Food Review:
The Promenade’s 'Mother of all buffets': A must-have this October

By Florence F. Hibionada

What is that one word that could best sum up a showcase of delectable appetizers, soupy soups, heavenly array of veggies for the salad choices, unbelievably tasteful main dishes and the Carving Station of one’s life?  Just one word that would also give justice to the Cooking Station, refuge for pasta lovers with one prepared according to taste and preference? And that very one word to capture the lingering effect of over ten desserts – Chocolate Mousse, extensive Crepe choices and not to be beaten, all-time Filipino uplifting dessert, Halo-Halo?

Promenade? Mother-of-all-buffet? (Meaning and message taken of course as one word). 

In the spirit of social justice, this writer will settle with those two.  And here I shall try to explain why, amidst the reflection being made at the moment on the good carbs and good fat gained in one seating.

For P395 or about $7 (for the convenience of visiting dollar-yielding foreign guests), a diner will have first-hand experience of gastronomical delight at the Days Hotel’s THE PROMENADE.  For the entire month of October and true to its meaning of “pathway, boulevard”, this consistently clean and good-vibes restaurant overlooking the city (sights within eye-sight is altogether a different story) is home to what is dubbed “The Mother of All Buffet.” 

As so promised in the hotel flyers, “Experience the widest array of international delights.”  Not much else was said thereafter.  Just that clear and precise words of welcome that once heeded, is truly as promised.

A soup person? Start with the creamy New England Clam Chowder or clear-broth kind Chicken Consomme Royale Soup.  A salad person? It would be a sin to forego of the Chinese Shrimp Salad (the lychee in it, whoever concocted this recipe is a genius) or you may opt for the freshest in veggies and make your own garden salad.  To seal your salad deal, try the depandable Thousand Island Dressing and Italian sauce.  And appetizers you say? Up for grabs and repeated taste-test – oyster with braised lettuce, corn and tomatoes (distinct taste that would keep you in wonder even up the nth oyster try), Siomai (meaty and mushroomy, thus goody) or the braver one can have the neatly-arranged chicken feet.

Now off to the meat of the matter – meat choices.  Cooked to perfection – rare (personal favorite that got a “thumbs-up” from steak-expert/all-time steak-lover in my brother, Jun), medium-well (mine for the taking) and well-done, one can not go wrong here.  Classic is the taste of the ribs too that even 11 year-old Najee and his mom agree it was amongst the best in the best of dishes tried and tested.  And the pan-seared tenderloin steak.  Succulent. 

For the veggie delight, there is the charcoal-grilled choices of eggplant, carrots and red bell peppers. 

And to put balance in the protein and carb intake, save room for the best in desserts.  Have a feel of the effect brought by the satisfying crepe, personal favorite of the food-connoisseur in my 12 year-old CP.  There's also guilt-free Green Tea Souffle', coffee-pudding with caramel sauce (too beautifully done to be eaten I think) and lots of fresh fruits.

But, on top of the carefully-chosen dishes that mixed and matched to perfection comes the greatest ingredient of it all – efficient service and personal touch of the staff that has redefined fine dining.  Tommy.  Ariel.  The trainee.  Pasta guy Rene.  Some of those I can remember.  It was like eating in the confines of your own home or that one perfect moment with perfect meal and perfect company.  Kudos to the efforts of Rey Ponsaran, Food and Beverage Manager, ‘cooked to perfection’ as well.

All for P395.  Not bad at all.  Only this October.  Time to know why it is THE “mother” of all buffets. And it is happening here, there at The Promenade.

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The Promenade’s “Mother of All Buffet”, Saturday Dinner 6 pm to 10 pm, Sunday Lunch 11 am to 2 pm.  For inquiries and reservations, call 337-3297 or 336-8801 to 10 or text 0917-700-3297 or 0918-933-3297.