The Medley Buffet Is Home to 50 Kinds of Cheese
Their Cheese Room has around 30 cheeses available at any given time.
(SPOT.ph) While there is no shortage of hotel buffets in Metro Manila, Spiral stood out with its vast selection of 21 ateliers and, of course, the much-buzzed about Cheese Room. So with the restaurant and Sofitel closing their doors on July 1 (and no more Spiral seats available in its last few days), buffet lovers will soon be left with a cheese room-shaped hole in their hearts and stomachs. Worry not, because we got to try another luxury hotel buffet in Metro Manila with their very own Cheese Room that might just be able to hold a candle to the OG.
Okada Manila is no stranger to the all-you-can-eat game. And The Medley Buffet, the hotel’s signature buffet, recently renovated its original location in the Pearl Wing to expand the dining area, making way for private dining rooms, and its new centerpiece, The Cheese Room.
Also read: A Parting Guide to Sofitel's Famous Spiral Buffet
Here’s what you can expect from Medley Buffet’s The Cheese Room
When you walk into the temperature-controlled room, you will be greeted by a great selection of foreign and local cheeses. According to The Cheese Room’s resident Cheesemonger Raymond Muñoz, the room is kept at a cool 15° to 18° Celsius and houses around 50 kinds of cheese with about 30 on display at all times. Medley’s The Cheese Rooms boasts artisanal cheeses from France, Italy, and our very own Malagos brand from Davao. If you really want the full experience, they bring out more premium cheeses and serve melted Raclette during the weekends. Aside from the cheese, they also have cold cuts, jam, honey, and a fun selection of flavored olives.
What should I try from The Cheese Room in Okada Manila?
The table full of cheeses in all shapes, sizes, and odors may have you overwhelmed, in the best way possible, at first glance. We suggest you start with the must-trys: Tomme brûlée, a creamy, nutty cheese served using a cheese curler; Brie de Meaux, a rich and creamy brie with a hint of funk (and yes, you can eat the rind); Bastardo del Grappa, don’t let the aggressive name fool you, this crumbly cheese is quite neutral and beginner-friendly.
If you’re feeling a little adventurous, try these: Brin d’Amour, covered in five different herbs (this cheese surprisingly pairs well with any of the cold cuts); Pecorino Tartufo, though the truffle flavor is subtle, this cheese packs a flavor punch; Shropshire Blue, funky, creamy, and a more subtle alternative to the Stilton, which is a stronger blue cheese, not for the faint of heart, and is best enjoyed with the house port.
If you’re someone who enjoys sweeter, fruitier, cheeses, The Cheese Room also has something for you. Malagos Mango Sublime is a soft, creamy, goat’s cheese with sweet mango bits, best enjoyed with their Parmesan crackers. This local variety holds itself well against the British Wensleydale with Mango and Ginger, a sweet and mildly crumbly cheese with a prominent ginger flavor. Lastly, Queso de Cabra Al Vino is goat’s cheese soaked in red wine, but don’t let the name and color scare you off. This goat’s cheese is not boozy at all, instead creamy with fun, fruity notes.
You cannot go wrong pairing any of these cheeses with cold cuts, but make sure to get honey, especially the spicy honey (or mix and match to create your own concoction) to balance sweetness with all the savory elements. Introduce some acid to your plate through the selection of olives and pickles, or choose a neutral vessel such as crackers to combine all the flavors in one bite.
If you’re still unsure about what to get and have yet to test your tolerance, a Cheese Ambassador can help you navigate the choices, just make sure to not linger too long since the room can only hold 4 people at a time.
Check out the rest of the buffet.
If you’re already in The Medley Buffet, check out the rest of the selection too. Beyond The Cheese Room, the buffet has a wide range of local and international cuisine. Enjoy a variety of roasted meats from the carving section, dim sum, made-to-order pho or laksa, and samgyup-style grilled pork.
Seafood is not an afterthought in The Medley Buffet. You can pick up a selection of seafood and have chefs cook them in garlic butter, steamed, or baked with cheese (or include some in your laksa). They also have a Sutukil station where you can choose how they prepare your fresh fish. You can’t go wrong with the Grilled Tuna Panga and Kilawin. If sushi and sashimi is more your flow, they also have a Japanese station complete with a Spicy Tuna offering.
If you have a sweet tooth, they have a whole parade of desserts. You can choose to build your own halo-halo or crepe, and if you do, don’t forget to top it off with ice cream. They also have cakes, kakanin, and a chocolate fountain to complete your hotel buffet experience.
The Medley Buffet Schedule and Rates:
The Medley Buffet is open from Monday to Sunday. Breakfast is served from 6 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at P1,700 nett for adults and P850 nett for children. Lunch is from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Weekday Lunch rates are P2,700 nett for adults and P1,350 nett for children. Weekend Bubbly Lunch rates are P3,788 nett for adults and P1,888 for children. Dinner is served from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Weekday Dinner rates are P3,488 nett for adults and P1,688 nett for children. Weekend Dinner rates are P3,788 nett for adults and P1,888 nett for children.
The Medley Buffet is at Okada Manila, New Seaside Dr, Parañaque, Metro Manila. For inquiries and reservations, you can call 0917-813-6523 or send an email to RestaurantReservation@okadamanila.com.