Café in the Park: Rizal's Journey at Century Park Hotel

With the upcoming celebration of our beloved country's independence, Century Park Hotel in participation with the Department of Tourism's Kulinarya Kalayaan, brings us a gastronomic journey inspired by Jose Rizal's travels around the world.

From June 10 to 20, Century Park Hotel will be featuring a wide array of international dishes at Café in the Park's eat-all-you-can buffet in tribute to Jose Rizal. For only P1,215, diners get to enjoy a diverse culinary adventure as Century Park presents gustatory treats from countries that delighted the sight, palate and tummy of our national hero.

Kulinarya Kalayaan Dishes

Together with media people and other food bloggers, I got the chance to see and sample some of Café in the Park's offerings for the upcoming festivity.

Cocido Madrileño, a traditional chickpea-based stew from Madrid, Spain

Moules à la Marinière, a French dish of mussels cooked in white wine

Guinisang Munggo at Tinapa of the Philippines

Seafood Crispy Noodles from Hong Kong

These are just some of the enticing dishes Café in the Park will be serving as part of their Kulinarya Kalayaan promotion. There will also be Lengua Estofado and Zarzuela de Mariscos from Spain, Sauerbraten from Germany, Chicken Waterzoie from Belgium, Adobong Manok, Lechon, Sinigang and Tsokolate from the Philippines, and more.

The Buffet Spread

Of course, even as Café in the Park offers new international delights for Kulinarya Kalayaan, there will still be a bountiful spread of the restaurant's regular items like staple meal starters of breads, assorted cold cuts and hors d'oeuvres.

There was also a selection of cold seafood -- prawns and mussels, some Japanese favorites -- sashimi and maki, a variety of Asian noodles and a few Chinese dimsum items.

Main entrées also come aplenty -- Lechon Paksiw, Adobong Bulalo, Hainanese Chicken, Sweet and Sour Fish Fillet, Salmon Kabutoni, Steamed Vegetables, Fried Rice and a selection of pasta dishes. And, how can I ignore the seafood and meats available for grilling, as well as the Prime Ribs at the carving station?

To cap off an eat-all-you-can session, Café in the Park also has a collection of cakes, tarts and ice cream, a halo-halo station, and even a crepe section for a sweet ending.

WHAT WE GOT

Although I have already been to Century Park Hotel for several times, this is actually my first at Café in the Park. Of course, our group first sampled the items for Kulinarya Kalayaan.

I got to try all 4 and I have to say that I enjoyed the richly-flavored Guinisang Munggo at Tinapa and the subtle Cocido Madrileño most. It was very unexpected though since I'm not really a big fan of mung beans, as well as light stews.

I also got curious and sampled Café in the Park's take on a Chinese favorite -- Chicken Feet. Although I personally find it lacking when it comes to puffiness, these treats were cooked to a perfect tender and had a very enjoyable sweet, savory and slightly spicy sauce.

If you've been a regular reader, you'd know that I just can't say no to Japanese items. So following my light start was this plate of Salmon Sashimi, Spicy Tuna Maki, California Roll and Potato Salad. I also had some ham, spicy mushrooms and a cold mussel.

When I saw that Café in the Park has Charlie Chan Pasta, I didn't think twice and just went for it. Although not as savory and spicy as I would've wanted, this Asian pasta was quite good and just the perfect main course to go along with my siding of Garlic Bread and Seafood Roll.

My friend Stacy and I also shared this medium-roasted cut of Prime Rib. Although this piece was very tender and very succulent, it was not as flavorful and as fresh as we would've wanted. However, it was still a nicely-charred slab to satisfy a carnivorous craving.

For dessert, nothing beats a sweet and refreshing Mango Crepe with Vanilla Ice Cream and Chocolate Syrup freshly-made by a friendly cook. We also finished off with a cup of Ube and Cheese Ice Cream -- a truly sweet Filipino ending for a bountiful afternoon meal.

THE VERDICT

This trip to Café in the Park was a nice experience not only to take a taste of the food Jose Rizal had enjoyed through his travels, but also to literally take a journey from one station to another to try the bountiful treats that Century Park Hotel has to offer. And although stuffing yourself is already a walk in the park, Century Park Hotel makes it even more enjoyable with a nice dimly-lit ambiance and great hospitable service.

Taste - 4/5
Ambiance - 4/5
Service - 4/5
Price - 3/5
Overall Value - 4/5

Kulinarya Kalayaan Buffet Rates:
Lunch and Dinner - P1,215++
On Father's Day - P1,475++
(Buffet is exclusive of beverages.)


Café in the Park, Century Park Hotel
599 Pablo Ocampo Cor. Vito Cruz St., Malate
Manila, Metro Manila
Philippines
(02) 528-5829
Official Website
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