April 10, 2012

The Best of Filipino Feast at Lola Maria

A Special to BusinessMirror
By Marianne T. Escanilla



Lola Maria's Entrance Photo by Alysa Salen

Eating together with our family has been a tradition to all Filipinos and we are known to celebrate special occasions and even simple weekends around the table. Conversations over a feast of our favorite foods and delicacies have been a way of life. Even in corporate meetings and gatherings, great food will always be present in the midst of strenuous discussions and debates.

Great food has always been a binding factor for Filipinos, especially for families, friends and even within colleagues at work. Lola Maria Restaurant has acknowledged this through their selection of flavorful gastronomy catering to all Filipino cravings.

Lola Maria Restaurant at the Legend Villas is a Fil-Hispanic themed diner serving palatable delicacies that Filipinos would surely enjoy. Named after the owner’s great grandmother, Lola Maria carries both tradition and culture not only through the restaurant’s interiors but also through the delectable dishes served to their diners.

An array of traditional Filipino dishes cooked from authentic and fresh ingredients are served with a little twist from the known flavors of these different Filipino dishes. Chef Gilbert Gomez, Lola Maria’s executive chef, takes on a different approach on preparing his delectable dishes to give each guest superb dining experience.

Cocido

Traditional Filipino cuisine is what Lola Maria offer to each of their guests, from the flavorful Lumpiang Hubad to the scrumptious Cocido that will definitely satisfy your cravings for Filipino-Spanish food. The all time favorite dessert, especially during this summer season, the Halo-Halo, is also served on their lunch buffet as one of the favorite desserts diners goes back for more.

Iza Calzado's Fish Pinipig
Aside from the delectable dishes from the buffet, Lola Maria also offers a selection of ala carte dishes named as favorites by certain celebrities prepared at Lola Maria’s kitchen with a twist to make it a Lola Maria special. Celebrities from different industries, from Iza Calzado, to the renowned designer, Randy Ortiz, took part in this unique selection of delicious bites exclusively offered at Lola Maria.

A Filipino version of Fish n’ Chips is what Iza described Fish Pinipig. Named after her, this dish certainly brought a different take on our favorite fish fillet. Covered with pinipig flakes, white meat fish fillets are deep fried to perfection and served with creamy tartar sauce, a perfect meal starter. Another celebrity dish served at Lola Maria is Randy Ortiz’s Vegetable Quiche. Baked with asparagus, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, eggs, cheese and fresh cream, this dish certainly is the best way to start a delightful dinner.
Randy Ortiz's Vegetable Quiche

Prawn Cakes served at Lola Maria is an oriental style minced shrimps coated with bread crumbs named after Atoy Llave, an illustrious show car maker. A certified fan of seafood, Atoy Llave rooted for prawn cakes because of the hassle free preparation and yet still is a stylish dish on its own way. This prawn cake is a perfect finger food made even tastier because of its special hoisin sauce dip.
Ara Mina's Rosemay Rib-eye steak
One of the main entrees among the celebrity dishes is Ara Mina inspired Rosemary and Garlic rib eye steak. Rib-eye steak seared and marinated with fresh garlic and rosemary, is definitely a must try in Lola Maria together with the restaurant’s signature dish, Cocido inspired by famous blogger, Anton Diaz. These two dishes would surely satisfy our cravings for mouthwatering meals.        
                                                   
Wilma Doesn't's Suman at Tsokolate
At Lola Maria, there will always be something for those who posses a sweet tooth. Aside from the favorite Halo-Halo, Lola Maria also offers a selection of desserts included in their celebrity dishes. Taking on a different approach on the simple ensaymada is Lola Maria’s Ensaymada Pudding; a day-old ensaymada baked custard and topped with quezo de bola. Who says that a day old pastry cannot taste better than the freshly baked? Lola Maria’s Ensaymada Pudding, a personal favorite of Ford supermodel winner Danica Magpantay, is a perfect partner for your freshly brewed coffee or your favorite hot chocolate.

Another perfect partner for homemade tsokolate is Lola Maria’s Fried Suman. A unique approach to a traditional suman, aside from being fried, this suman sa ibos is served with thick chocolate on the side as dip. TV Host and model, Wilma Doesn’t shares this recipe from his grandmother and father.

Sherilyn Reyes-Tan's
Ube Panna Cotta
If your sweet palate is craving for something Italian, Ube Langka Panna Cota will definitely soothe this craving. This light Italian dessert of fresh cream with vanilla bean, ube and langka, is the perfect dessert to serve for friends, says Sherilyn Reyes-Tan.

Each and every dish among the selection of this scrumptious menu is prepared with fresh ingredients exclusively cooked and prepared inside the kitchen of Lola Maria, a testimony to the Legend Hotel International’s core values of love and service. Lola Maria sees to it that they achieve the highest standard of work and service through their efficient staff and above standard set of menu.

Lola Maria is the perfect place to dine in with your family, meet with friends and discuss business deals with colleagues. Dine in at Lola Maria and experience a delightful experience of both tradition and culture through a perfect Filipino gastronomy. Lola Maria is located at the Legend Villas, 60 Pioneer corner Madison Streets, Mandaluyong City. Lola Maria is open for buffet breakfast at 6:00 am to 10:00 am and lunch buffet at 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, Mondays to Sundays. Ala Carte dinner is also served from 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm all days of the week. For inquiries and reservations call 633.1501 or visit their website at www.legendvillas.com.ph,