What you shouldn’t miss at Marriott Cafe’s Sunday Brunch

It was my kind of Sunday—deliriously long and deliciously luxurious. I am referring, of course, to Marriott Cafe’s Sunday Brunch.

Although breakfast has never been my thing, I am a sucker for brunches. There is just something absolutely heavenly about brunches, the presumption being that you have lingered long enough in bed and only dared to tumble out of it as an afterthought.

I’m glad I managed to tumble out of my bed last week because brunch at the Marriott is a celebration of all that’s good and great about Sundays: the meeting of family and friends, giving thanks to the week gone by, and energizing one’s self with glorious food for the week ahead.

Marriott Cafe’s Sunday Brunch has practically everything on its spread, from cold cuts and sushi to turkey and martini. They’ve even got Beef Kaldereta! Sadly, the hungriest of mortals would not be able to partake of all their offerings, so here are my and my son's absolute faves.

Salad Station

Yes, I can almost hear your sigh of disapproval. Why go to brunch and eat salad? Well, simply because those at the Marriott’s are downright divine. Clean, fresh, and refreshing, they’re the kind you would like to munch on the side as you partake of the more hearty dishes. There are slivers of cucumber in a tangy vinaigrette; thin slices of jicama in a sweetish dressing; and a seafood salad packed with shrimps, squid, and avocado. Later on, I would find out that the produce are actually from the Bautista Organica Farm, which is run by local farmers who are dedicated to keeping things sustainable and organic. No wonder the pickings tasted so great!

Carving Station

Okay, now we get to the main event: US Rib Eye. My son, who came along with me last Sunday, was able to demolish two slices of this roasted steak in less than 15 minutes. I had to take it easy, asking the carver for just a slightly thinner slice, cut in half, one slathered with mushroom gravy and the other with peppercorn sauce. The meat was juicy, tender, and roasted just right—although it would have been more glorious had it been more rare, but that’s just me. I’m a gravy girl, so I went back to the carving station to get another serving of the mushroom gravy—and another thin slice of the rib eye! Also at the carving station were turkey, lamb, and lechon! Meat overload!

Lobsters and Oysters

A side trip to the Cru Steakhouse, which is just a few steps away from the Marriott Cafe, took us to buckets and buckets of Boston Lobsters flown in from the United States and Fine de Claire Oysters fresh from France. The steamed lobsters were meaty and fatty, and served with garlic butter and orange beurre blanc. The beurre blanc highlighted the lobster’s fresh-from-the-sea vibe, and the garlic butter just made it a more luxurious treat. As for the oysters, oh, wow, where do I begin? I am a big fan of oysters, and while I will forever be a favorite of our plump harvest from Aklan, these just had more character, more texture, more flavor. I doused my haul with an assortment of vinaigrette, following up every bite of these lovely babies with a sip of sparkling wine. It was turning out to be a great Sunday indeed!

Pasta Station

This station is tucked in a quiet corner one might easily overlook. Don’t. It serves an assortment of freshly made pasta from gnocchi and fettuccine to ravioli, cooked on the spot with your choice of sauce and ingredients. I had a plate of the Blue Crab Ravioli in white sauce, and its flavor was simple, but precise. The Spinach Fettuccine was good too!

Thai Red Curry Station

This is another make-your-own station where you can mix duck, beef, chicken, or seafood with your preferred amount of red chillies, cilantro, coriander, cumin, garlic, shallots, kaffir lime, galangal, and lemongrass. I went for a relatively sparse bowl of shrimps and pineapple in yellow curry. It had just the right kick.

Miscellany of goodies

I found other gems as well: the hakaw, roast duck, and soy chicken in the Chinese Station; the mango and strawberry gelato in the Dessert Bar; the foie gras at Cru; and the slabs of chocolate at the Chocolate Room. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the chance to try any of the yummy concoctions over at the Martini Station, which was such a shame! Next time then! 

The Bigger and Better Sunday Brunch at the Marriott Café runs every Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit their website for more information.