From June 12 to 26, 2014, everyone is invited to partake to this year’s LuzViMinda 2014, a Filipino Food Festival at F1 Hotel Manila. This buffet feast spearheaded by F1 Hotel’s very own chef Sau del Rosario features well-loved dishes from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Guest chefs Tristan Encarnacion of Epicurious, Editha Singian of Pino Restaurant, and Victor Barangan of Marco Polo Davao also take part of the festival representing each geographical division respectively.
This Filipino Eat-All-You-Can buffet feast at F1 Hotel's F Restaurant All Day Dining Buffet is priced at Php1,700 only.
Last year, during the first roll out of LuzViMinda Filipino Food Festival, we were there to witness the wonders of Filipino food as it amazed food enthusiasts in Manila. This year, we once again took the gastronomical journey from the northern part to the southern part of the Philippines without leaving the comfort of F1 Hotel Manila.
The LuzViMinda buffet spread is as colorful as the archipelago it represents. Variety of Filipino food meticulously prepared by the chefs during our visit were plenty that it is impossible to have a taste of everything without reaching the ultimate degree of satiety. These are just some of them.
Linunok na Manok ni Lechon Baboy is basically a whole roasted pig stuffed with whole chickens and some herbs. It sort of reminded me of Turducken (chicken inside duck inside turkey).
There were two kinds of Boneless Lechon; one was stuffed with chili mango (Visayas) while other one was stuffed with tablea and kesong puti (Mindanao).
In terms of stuffing, I appreciate the uniqueness of the chili mango since despite its ratio against the pork, the flavor still noticeable compared to the tablea and kesong puti variant. However, when it comes to the flavor of the pork, I found the Mindanao's rendition more savory.
Kawaling Hinipunan of the Visayan region was also one of the pork dishes that one should not miss when partaking of the LuzViMinda buffet. Especially for those who has deep affinity for crackling pork skin and its tender meat.
There were three kinds of Sisig to represent each group of islands; Pork Sisig of Luzon, Chicken Inasal Sisig with Kornik of Visayas, and Gensan's Tuna Sisig of Mindanao. Among the three, it was the Chicken Inasal Sisig that gathered most praised among my foodie companions.
One of my favorites on the buffet spread was the Adobong Bihod of Mindanao which reminded me of the Bagabay dish I enjoyed in the previous LuzViMinda. It is essentially fish roe cooked adobo style.
The were also Balbacua of Visaya, an ox tail dish that was packed full of flavor in all its tenderness glory amd Kanding sa Nangka of Mindanao.
Another dish which I deem really good was the Sauteed Crabs in Alavar Sauce of Mindanao. The crabs were fat while the alavar sauce was simply divine that I cannot help having a serving of rice to go with it.
Kinunot na Pagi or Stingray in Coconut Cream was another impeccable dish I enjoyed. Same thing with the Maya-Maya Mayonessa which is a common dish in Luzon especially when there's a feast.
There was also Stuffed Nukos with Prawn Paella of Mindanao, which will make you feel like hitting two birds with one stone when you ate it. Grilled squid and paella, what's not to love?
Hinurnong Manok sa Luyang Dilaw and Bulanglang with Grilled Boneless Bangus were also good dishes best paired with rice, lots of rice.
Speaking of rice, there were Puso or steamed rice wrapped in banana leaves that go well with most of the viands on the buffet spread. There was also Kalabasa Blossom stuffed with Kesong Puti.
There were also plenty of salads which can be a good alternative for those who wants to indulge on a buffet but keep it somehow healthy. Or it can also be a good way to off set all the sinful indulgences one may have feasted on during the meal.
There were Alugbati Salad with Salted Egg and Tomatoes, Ensaladang Mangga at Talong, Pako Salad with Shrimp and Mangoes, and Ensaladang Puso ng Saging to name a few.
Three kinds of Kilawin were available at the spread, beautifully arranged in that captured the true beauty of such dish. Among the three, the one with the alfalfa sprout suited to my liking.
There were also three kinds of oyster included at the buffet spread but it was the Fresh Oyster with Pineapple Salsa that my palate favors well. The Seared Tuna with Watermelon and Mangosteen Reduction was a revelation, stunning in appearance and a sure winner in flavor, definitely one of my favorites.
Japanese favorite makis were given a Pinoy twist at LuzViMinda. There were Tinapa and Salted Egg Maki, Bagnet Dinuguan Maki, and Chicken Inasal at Kesong Puti Maki.
Usual seafood fair were also present and all of them were locally sourced. Steamed prawns, mussels, oysters, tuna sashimi, and salmon sashimi were just some of the choices as there were plenty of others well worth trying.
Variety of cheeses from Malagos Farmhouse of Davao made the cheese selection extra special for the event.
The dessert selections showcased plenty of Filipino known desserts. Last year's LuzViMinda's Durian Panna Cotta made a comeback this year, albeit stronger in flavor compared to the previous rendition.
Different kinds of Suman or rice cakes were among the choices which run out pretty quickly but good thing they were quick to replenished. Beautifully prepared Mangosteen Parfait was also a delightful treat for those who has sweet tooth and an appreciate artful way of serving food.
This year's LuzViMinda carries the tag "Where Food Meets Art." While the artful presentaton of dishes can be credited enough to give justice for the said tag line, but it goes beyond that.
At the lobby of F All Day Dining Buffet Restaurant where the festival is being conducted, beautiful art work from Chanary Art Gallery are on display. Diners are all welcome to have a feast of art and may choose to purchase these art work as well. Proceeds from this art show case will go to Kythe Foundation.
LuzViMinda Filipino Food Festival of F1 Hotel Manila is definitely a good venue to explore the greatness of Filipino food. The buffet rate is reasonable as it features as extensive menu of well love Filipino dishes. It is no everyday that a buffet spread could feature a wide selection of dishes that hail from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, at F1 Hotel, it is possible but only for 15 days. Hence, if you are in for a gastronomical journey that will tour you around the Philippines, LuzViMinda Buffet is for you.
LuzViMinda Filipino Food Festival
F Restaurant All Day Dining Buffet
3/F F1 Hotel Manila
32nd Street, Bonifacio Global City
Taguig, Metro Manila
Contact No. : (632) 928-9888
Website: www.f1hotelmanila.com
Facebook: /f1hotelmanila
Twitter: @f1hotelmanila
Instagram: @f1hotelmanila
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