First Bite: Cucina by Marco Polo Ortigas Manila

I usually avoid buffets as I always end up overeating and leaving the place with so much remorse for having too much of everything. But Cucina's paella has been making me drool for weeks now and I've decided to finally give in.

Hello, Cucina.

It is hard not to expect anything short of stellar from this place given that it is the signature buffet of the 5-star Marco Polo Ortigas Manila. Aside from having a nice view of the city while dining (as it is located on the 24th floor), guests also get to enjoy a comprehensive but well-curated selection that covers Salad, Bread, Japanese, Chinese, Italian, Filipino, Indian, Spanish, Carving and Dessert.

I was warmly greeted by the hostess on the ground floor who ushered me to the lift up to Cucina. And on the 24th floor, I received the same hospitality. 

I went straight to the Asian station for some fresh salmon sashimi and aburi salmon maki. 

Aside from those favorites, this station also has other kinds of sashimi and maki, Asian noodles and dumplings. It also shares the same area as the fresh crabs and prawns.

If you want to feel a bit better, indulg‌e in a healthy bowl of greens before heading towards the carving station.

The pastry nook has a good selection of breads, cold cuts and cheeses that will surely whet your appetite. I skipped this though to save more room for salmon.

The grilling station is right beside the carving station where you can have your choice of beef, pork, chicken or seafood freshly grilled.

The carnivore in me zeroed in roast beef and roasted pork belly.

Both were great. But if I were to choose one, I'd go with roast beef and drown it in peppercorn sauce with potato wedges on the side.

I also feasted on Cucina's famous paella.

Fragrant and inviting, I had a generous scoop of this bright orange hued dish and made sure to get some soccarat.

A mouthful of it oozes with so much flavor. Tangy yet salty with a burst of seafood flavor! It's one dish I have to stop myself from having seconds.

I ended my lunch by going all out with desserts. I tried a bunch of chocolate cakes and other sweet treats and my favorites would be the ones topped with brownie and caramel.

Oh, and don't sk‬ip ice cream! R had his on top of his favorite apple crumble while I enjoyed mine the classic way.

I can't wait to go back for more! I should come more hungry next time to try all the stations! I totally skipped the grilling, Indian and Filipino stations!

Note: Lunch buffet rate from Mondays to Saturdays is PHP2,232 per head (or PHP2,790 all inclusive).

Cucina is located at 24th Floor, Marco Polo Ortigas Manila, Sapphire Street corner Meralco Avenue, Pasig City. It is open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.; 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.