Café in the Park: Century Park Hotel's 36th Anniversary Treat

Aside from mall sales here and there marking the start of the country's holiday season, the most-awaited "ber" months also begin the series of feasts for most foodies. To help you decide where to bring your family and friends, Century Park Hotel has prepared a yummy treat for the whole month of September in celebration of their 36th anniversary.

If you remembered back in June, I was able to dine at Century Park Hotel's eat-all-you-can destination, Café in the Park. And after almost three months, I've found myself yet again in the same cozy and dimly-lit dining space. Only this time around, buffet rates come with a 36% discount from September 1 to 30 as part of the hotel's 36th anniversary treat, chopping off the regular lunch and dinner rate of P1,475 down to only P944 nett.

Check photos of the buffet spread here!

Like my first trip to Café in the Park, my eyes were delighted to see an abundance of Japanese sushi and sashimi. Of course, there's also a section for meal starters such as salads, cold cuts, breads and assorted hors d'oeuvres. I also saw the same selection of cold seafood and meats for grilling, as well as an Asian noodles and dimsum section. As a big carnivore, I didn't miss checking out the carving station for roasted prime ribs by the cooked food counter. And to cap off a filling meal, it never hurts to have some desserts.

Chef Loteria's Wednesday Italian Specials

Although the buffet spread at Café in the Park is truly enticing, I found more interest in the new executive chef's personal creations. Having been awarded with 2 Michelin stars, Chef Ritchie Loteria has 10 years of extensive experience in Rome, Italy, and has also worked with Chateu 1771 Group of Restaurants, Shangri-La Hotel Boracay, Aria Cucina Italiana, Rustan's Supercenters, Vikings Luxury Buffet, Hotel Celeste, Centara Hotels and Restaurants, Grappa's Ristorante, and The Establishment. With such a solid credential in the culinary field, I was more than excited to try his Italian gustatory masterpieces.

Linguine with Black Truffle Sauce

Italian Roast Beef

Rosemary Chicken

Porcini Mushroom Risotto

Grilled Sausage and Meat Skewers

If you love Italian food or want to explore more of Italian cuisine, then make sure to visit Café in the Park on a Wednesday to catch their Italian Special. We definitely enjoyed a taste of Chef Loteria's fine Italian dishes, and will be sure to get some more!

What I Got (My Plates)

Even if I always start my meals with some light-tasting, appetite-whetting food, I deviated on this trip and headed straight to grab me some of Chef Loteria's Italian creations.

I got each and every one of the Italian dishes available that day, and I got to say that all these tasted great. All the meat items were cooked to a perfect tender with just the right amount of flavor. Nothing too weird or out of place. However, my favorites were the Linguine with Black Truffle Sauce -- al dente-cooked pasta smothered with a creamy and earthy black truffle-infused sauce, and the Porcini Mushroom Risotto -- rich and creamy risotto dish cooked with fragrant gourmet mushrooms.

Since I can't help but get tempted with these light meal starters, I decided to grab some cold mussels, cold ham, turnip, pomelo salad and macaroni salad. Although I don't normally get salads when I eat in a buffet, I quite liked the refreshing flavors of this plate.

Of course, I also didn't miss getting a few slices of my favorite salmon sashimi which tasted fresh, sweet and just wonderful. I actually got another helping of this Japanese treat, and I swear I can salmon slices every single day if only it's possible.

I then got a plate of pork rind (chicharon), fried dried squid, and some dumplings. Honestly, I was quite surprised when I saw that they have chicharon and dried pusit, but they were good treats to munch on. The dumplings were also very meaty and packed with tasty filling. No scrimping here.

After another trip to the buffet table, I got myself some grilled sausages and cuttlefish. These items can be found in the cold meats and seafood section and are brought to the grilling counter for cooking. Since they were freshly-grilled, they were very juicy and tasty. I especially liked the spicy cuttlefish, and the paler sausage which I believe is bratwurst.

For dessert, we got to sample the New York Cheesecake with Baked Apple. And seriously, this plate of sweet treat is as good as it looks! The cheesecake was soft, smooth and creamy with just the perfect balance of sweet and tart. Even the beau who isn't a fan of cheesecakes in general raved when he got a spoonful of this beautiful creation. And if the cheesecake wasn't enough, it's also topped with a gold sparkly frosting which spelled nothing short of luxury. As for my beverage for this trip, I got myself a glass of fruity, refreshing and healthy Papaya Shake.

Aside from the 36% discount at Café in the Park's lunch and dinner buffet, you can also catch the Anniversary Merienda Special (P336) from 3PM to 6PM every Mondays to Fridays, and enjoy unlimited guinataang halo-halo, arroz caldo and special pancit canton.

Century Park Hotel also offers Eat-All-You-Can-Sushi (P888) at Century Tsukiji inclusive of miso soup and a plate of fruits. You can also party with your buddies at the 19th floor, Top of the Century while enjoying the Beer by the Bucket (P300) promo of 6 bottles of any among Manila Beer, Coors, Tanduay Ice, Beer na Beer and Ginger Root Beer. And if you're more of a wine aficionado, enjoy Unlimited White Wine (P595) at the Atrium Lounge from 5PM to 8PM.

For those who are planning a staycation, Century Park Hotel is also offering its Classic Superior room at a fabulous anniversary room rate of only P3,600 nett. This is already inclusive of breakfast for two, as well as additional discounts when dining at Café in the Park and Century Tsukiji, or when availing of the laundry and business center services.

THE VERDICT

Although I was already left very satisfied the last time I've been to Café in the Park, this visit proved that there's always something new, worthy of trying out in Century Park Hotel's eat-all-you-can restaurant. I may have already lost my fascination to the dishes I got to try on my first visit, but Chef Loteria's Italian creations have really captured my palate's interest. The cheesecake was also one of the main highlights of this trip, so I'll definitely be looking forward to having it again on my next visit to Century Park Hotel.

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

September Buffet Rates:
Anniversary Rate - P944++
Regular Rate - P1,475++
(Buffet is exclusive of beverages.)


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