Corniche: Culinaria Capampangan at Diamond Hotel

Food has always been my passion. But although I always try to keep an open mind and palate for different cuisines, I have a hard time appreciating our own Filipino food fare due to taste fatigue. Fortunately, a delightful gustatory wonder by the name of Corniche, one which I've already visited a few months ago, takes Kapampangan cuisine into the limelight and gives it an added flair. With renowned Chef Sau Del Rosario heading the kitchen, Diamond Hotel brings us Culinaria Capampangan Food Festival from May 10 to 19.

Boasting a wide array of food selection, Corniche still carries its spread of international favorites -- salads, appetizers, fresh seafood, Asian cuisine and desserts. However, Diamond Hotel amps up the whole dining experience with Chef Sau Del Rosario's decadent masterpieces featuring genuine flavors from the culinary capital of the Philippines, Pampanga.

And to make dining at Corniche exciting, this luxurious hotel has partnered with Philippine Airlines to give diners a chance to win two round trip airline tickets to Bohol with complimentary accommodation for two nights. Now, that's one tasty cherry on top of an already great deal!

We were very fortunate to be one of the first few diners to grace the Culinaria Capampangan Food Festival with Chef Sau Del Rosario. And although I usually try to veer away from Filipino food, I honestly can't resist these tempting selection of Kapampangan goodness.

Whole Maya Maya Manyonesa, Chicken Galantina Roulade and Ceviche with Pomelo
Whole Wheat Pandesal, Pan de Regla, Pan de Lemon, Malunggay Pesto Roll and Pan de Coco

Adobo Quesong Puti & Salted Egg Pizza, and Corn Soup with Crabmeat

Whole Baby Lechon with Stuff Curried Rice (Biringhe)

US Sirloin Bistek with Shiitake Confits, and Crispy Pata Kare-Kare with Steamed Local Vegetables

Pork Sisig, Foie Gras and Organic Egg

Lamb Chops Kaldereta & Local Vegetable Ratatouille
Ox Tongue Cream of Mushrooms & Corn, and Pinakbet with Shrimp & Crispy Pata

Aligue Fried Rice

There were still a few Kapampangan items I wasn't able to take photos of. I believe I also saw a serving of Fern, Watermelon and Prawn Salad in Coconut Vinaigrette, Lemongrass Escargot with Puff Pastry, and Camaru and Vegetable Springrolls on the buffet table.

WHAT WE GOT

Although there was an extensive array of dishes on the buffet spread, the Kapampangan food fare definitely stood out. So My friends and I first got a few meal starters included in Culinaria Capampangan -- Pancit Luglug and a platter of Chicken Galantina Roulade, Ceviche with Pomelo and Fried Catfish Fillet with Buru and Vegetables.

Despite being a common merienda favorite, the Pancit Luglug gave us a good start. It was tasty and definitely rivaled my seafood allergy. The Chicken Galantina Roulade on the other hand, was also flavorful. But if you'll ask me, the Ceviche with Pomelo and Fried Catfish Fillet with Buru and Vegetables were the winners for this platter. They weren't only a feast for the eyes but also for the palate.

I know a good pacing is needed when dining in a buffet. But with a lot of enticing Pinoy dishes displayed on the buffet table, we just threw the strategy out of the window and started digging in to our hearts' content.

Believe it or not, this plate was my sinfully indulgent main course for the night. I had a portion each of every single viand -- US Sirloin Bistek with Shiitake Confits, Crispy Pata Kare-Kare with Steamed Local Vegetables, Pork Sisig, Foie Gras and Organic Egg, Lamb Chops Kaldereta & Local Vegetable Ratatouille, Ox Tongue Cream of Mushrooms & Corn, Pinakbet with Shrimp & Crispy Pata, and Steamed Lapu-Lapu with Ginger Soya Sesame Sauce, along with some Aligue Fried Rice. Although I felt really bloated after finishing off this plate, I had no regrets. Every single one of these food items was phenomenal!

We might look crazy for still packing on cholesterol after already taking in quite a few cholesterol, but when you see a Whole Baby Lechon with Stuff Curried Rice (Biringhe), how can you simply say no? And let me tell you, this baby lechon albeit pitiful, was one succulent treat you don't want to miss.

After a hearty buffet adventure, we finished the night off with sweets. We got a piece each of Brazo de Maiz, Jaleya Ube, Piña and Mango and Tibok-Tibok from the selection of Culinaria Capampangan desserts, as well as samplers of Chocolate and Pistachio Mousse Cakes, Strawberry Panna Cotta and Tocillo del Cielo.

THE VERDICT

Although I started out quite skeptical, I ended up loving Kapampangan cuisine through Corniche's Culinaria Capampangan. Every single dish I tried was not only a feast for the eyes, but also a wonderful explosion of flavors for the palate. From the appetizers, main course and even up to desserts, Chef Sau Del Rosario made me a fan of Filipino food and his culinary prowess. So if you want to immerse yourself into the renowned chef's take on Kapampangan food fare, why not pay Corniche a sooner visit?

Taste - 5/5
Ambiance - 4.5/5
Service - 4.5/5
Price - 4/5
Overall Value - 4.5/5

Culinaria Capampangan Buffet Rates:
Lunch & Dinner - P1,600++
With free flowing tropical juices - P1,888++


Corniche, Diamond Hotel
Hotel's Lobby, Diamond Hotel
Roxas Blvd. cor. Dr. J. Quintos St.
Manila, Metro Manila
Philippines
(02) 528-3000
Official Website
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