Whenever I crave noodles and soup, my go to place is Noodle8 which is located in the casino area of the City of Dreams. I enjoy choosing the noodles, the meat, which for me is wonton, vegetables and condiments. The last time I enjoyed a bowl of noodles there was definitely before the pandemic.
I finally had the opportunity to go back to the City of Dreams when Charisse Chuidian, Vice President, Public Relations and Romina Gervacio, Director, Public Relations, invited a group of journalists last August 23, 2023 to experience the dinner buffet at The Café of Hyatt Regency Manila.
Chad Ogden, Director, Food & Beverage Operations of the City of Dreams, pointed out that The Café had been open to serve breakfast buffet for quite some time. It was only this August that the hotel decided to reopen its door for lunch and dinner.
“We are re-opening The Café for lunch and dinner because it was closed when the pandemic happened. Whenever we design a buffet, there is a carving station, seafood and dessert. A must try is the carbon neutral roast beef and the salmon,” Ogden said.
Carbon neutral
ACCORDING to August Escoffer School of Culinary Arts, carbon neutral refers to offsetting carbon emissions by implementing practices that remove carbon from the atmosphere. The result is net-neutral carbon emissions. By implementing carbon neutral practices, companies can increase their sustainability and also increase their appeal to consumers.
In addition to the salmon sashimi which came highly recommended, another must try at The Café are the desserts, specifically the croffle. The croffle is pastry dough rolled like a croissant and pressed in a waffle iron until golden brown on the outside and filled with flaky layers. It is then topped with ice cream and fruits.
“The Café is the only buffet that has croffles so you have to try it when it is available. What also makes the buffet stand out is we have the most competitive price and there is value for money and we have free flowing wine and beer,” he added.
Since my favorite buffet station is the dessert station, I made a mental note to try that dessert. However, it was not available that evening but with a phone call from Ogden, we were able to taste this famous dessert. It was a really delicious dessert with the croffle going well with the ice cream.
Dessert spread
ALSO at the dessert station was a selection of confectionery like jellybeans, jelly snakes, jelly bears and sour strips. You can also make your own halo-halo and a spread of Filipino desserts. But for me the winner was the chocolate ice cream and I did not regret asking for two scoops. Another must try is the Choux au Craquelin with a choice of fillings, sauces and toppings.
The seafood is served on ice and diners can have them cooked in garlic and butter. The seafood that was available at that time were prawns, hard shell clam, and crabs. You can witness the chefs preparing dishes at the restaurant’s vibrant cooking stations. As you walk through the various stations, you can experience a different country or culture.
Evolving menu cycles ensure a different dining experience during the week. The buffet stations consist of the classics and chefs’ innovations, comprising: Italian and other Western favorites Asian comfort fare such as dim sum, popular Filipino and Southeast Asian dishes, a selection of Japanese staples, and a Carving of the Day, which is a dinner exclusive. Charcuteries, cheeses, breads, a variety of noodles and rice options, healthy choices such as seafood, soups, salads, and an array of pastries and other sweet delights complete the spread. Engaging displays of fresh produce complement the buffet stations.
The modern, high-ceilinged interiors enhance guests dining experience in the spacious 345-seater restaurant. The Café offers a range of seating options at the main and elevated sections, ideal for get-togethers for families and friends. Two private dining rooms that each seat 10 guests are also available.
The Café’s buffets are offered at: P2,350 net, dinner; P1,250 net, lunch, and P1,150 net, breakfast. Breakfast rate is inclusive of free-flowing coffee and tea. The Café buffets are available at 6:30 to 11 a.m. for breakfast ,12noon to 3 p.m. for lunch, and 5:30 to 11 p.m. for dinner.
For inquiries and reservations, call 8691 1234 local 1163 or 8800-8080, or e-mail guestservices@cod-manila.com. For more information, visit www.cityofdreamsmanila.com. Explore more of City of Dreams Manila’s promotional offers, rewards, or instantly check Melco Club points with the new Melco Club App, available for free download on iOS and Android.
