In cooperation with Department of Tourism Philippines, Philippine Airlines, Grace Hotel Sydney brings you the Philippine Food Festival from 5-21 August.
Indulge in a sumptuous buffet of well-loved dishes skillfully prepared by Chefs Dimatera, Pring and Zabala from Via Mare (Philippines).
Sydney food lovers will be delighted with tantalising buffet featuring 3 courses of well-loved Philippine dishes, carving station, live cooking demonstration and delectable desserts.
Indulge in a sumptuous buffet of well-loved dishes skillfully prepared by Chefs Dimatera, Pring and Zabala from Via Mare (Philippines).
Sydney food lovers will be delighted with tantalising buffet featuring 3 courses of well-loved Philippine dishes, carving station, live cooking demonstration and delectable desserts.
Heard about the Philippine Food Festival at Grace Hotel last year and luckily this year we found the time to try and enjoy authentic Filipino cuisine prepared by Via Mare chefs from the Philippines.
We dined on Thursday night and we were privileged to meet and chat with Chefs Zabala, Pring and Dimatera. It was wonderful to meet them and learn about their cooking experience here in Sydney. According to them, most of their time are really spent inside the kitchen as they are the only ones who really cook all the dishes served during the festival.
I have to admit that I wasn't too excited to go to Grace Hotel because I cook Filipino almost everyday. However, I looked forward to enjoying being surrounded by Filipino dishes not cooked by me (LOL) for a change.
The Husband and I were not disappointed with their drinks as they served San Miguel Beer and fresh Coconut Juice straight from the Coconut shell. Drinks are of separate charge from the dinner buffet of AUD$48.00. A glass of San Miguel Beer cost us AUD$8.50 (definitely not cheap) and the fresh Coconut juice was AUD$6.50. We both enjoyed our drinks immensely because San Miguel is not easily available in Filipino restaurants nowadays and the coconut juice was very sweet and refreshing.
They served Pandesal for bread and Sinigang na Hipon for soup.
The salad section was abundant and one that I truly enjoyed.
I loved their Ensalang Mangga with Itlog na Maalat (Green Mango Salad with Salted Egg). First time for me to see Green Mangoes sliced into perfect julienne. The fusion of the sour green mangoes with the salty egg was amazing. I'm definitely copying this at home.
Other salads I liked: Ensaladang Ubod at Tahong, Adobong Kabute, Steamed Kangkong, Okra & Sitaw with Vinaigrette.
For the mains, I enjoyed their Lechong Kawali. You have the option to eat it with the usual Sauce for Lechon or Bagoong (Shrimp Paste) and make it into your do-it-yourself Binagoongan.
Other mains you can enjoy: Adobo, Chiken Inasal, Morcon, Bam-I Guisado, Tyan ng Bangus Asado. To accompany the mains, they prepared Adobo Rice.
The dessert section Sapin-Sapin, Maja Blanca and an assortment of fruits. What I loved the most for dessert was the Halo-Halo and Leche Flan.
Even if some dishes were not as spectacular (for me), I still enjoyed this foodie experience over-all. I really felt proud seeing non-Filipinos getting to know our food and enjoying it too. It also felt good to be able to support a Filipino event such as this.
Philippine Food Festival (only until 21 August)
Grace Hotel
Corner of York and King Streets
Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
$38* lunch buffet, Tuesday to Friday
$48* lunch buffet, Sunday
$48* dinner buffet, Thursday to Saturday
For reservations, call (02) 9272 6888 or email restaurant.reservations@gracehotel.com.au
