The teppanyaki station at Marriott Cafe

Last Thursday, Nikko invited me for dinner to Marriott Cafe in Marriott Hotel, for a blogger's event to unveil its latest addition, a teppanyaki station. According to executive chef Meik Brammer (who I suspect is Swedish based on his accent), it is the only hotel with a teppanyaki grill as part of the buffet line.

Teppanyaki, a Japanese style of preparing food, uses an iron griddle (teppan) to grill (yaki) a wide variety of proteins from beef and chicken to shrimp and vegetables. The station is managed by Chef Manuel, whose shy demeanor masks a fierce talent for cooking and kitchen exhibition.

I have been to Marriott Cafe once, when my mom considered applying as a member when it first opened, but it was my first time to eat there. The teppanyaki station was one of the best stations, considering Nikko and I tried most of the offerings. The beef, tender and marbled, is US choice, and was perfect with the stir-fried rice and special sauces. There was this particular yellow sauce that I liked, but I was so into the dish that I forgot to check.

Being Japanese, I couldn't resist the sushi section, which regularly replenished its selection. They offered fresh salmon sushi and sashimi, tuna, ebi, and California makis for those who aren't as adventurous. I believed I had four servings of the salmon sushi, eating one serving entirely by hand. Nikko is not a fan of sushi but I'm glad that he enjoyed the salmon. The tuna sashimi, not so much. Baby steps, after all.

I also enjoyed the rib-eye steak with peppercorn sauce. Served medium-rare, it's perfect, especially the outer layer of the meat. I wanted to have another serving but when faced with the teppanyaki station, the Chinese section, and the dessert section, it was a wise idea to pass on another slice.

Perhaps my favorite dish of the night was the hazelnut nutella gelato, a concoction prepared by the house chefs. It's creamy, flavorful, and light, and I still find myself craving for it days after the event. It was so delicious.

I got to meet the other bloggers, who I admire for their consistency in maintaining their blogs. I find that I have a hard time maintaining mine since I started writing for The Philippine Star, but their enthusiasm, including Nikko's, inspired me to be more active. After all, my blog has a heritage, it started in 2006.

A special thanks to Vannah Santiago of Marriott Hotel, who was so kind in accommodating everyone, including myself. She's acquainted with my section of the Star and also knows my boss.

For a truly gastronomical treat, it would be a great idea to drop by Marriott Cafe and try the teppanyaki station. Leave some space for the hazelnut nutella gelato, it's going to be worth it.

For inquiries and reservations, call 988-9999.

Photos taken from here and here.