Karlo Pacana
Vikings Luxury Buffet introduces #MatchaSeries
Available from July 11 to August 12 in all Vikings branches, the #MatchaSeries features special matcha-infused recipes incorporated into the standard buffet offerings. Each Vikings branch has its own unique set of matcha-infused dishes which would surely surprise customers.
If you may ask, why matcha? Well, it has been the talk-of-the-town in the culinary scene lately as it can be incorporated into meals and beverages, despite its origins dating back to 12th century Japanese tea ceremonies. Its distinct and beautiful taste is quite strong with an umami quality and a visual appeal that can then be creatively prepared for palatability. It also boasts of its health benefits as it contains energy-boosting nutrients and anti-oxidants for weight loss, anti-aging and anti-cancer. Wow, matcha surely is a super food!
Prepared by Chef Mau Dominguez and his team, I got to try first-hand these super dishes at the Vikings branch in SM City Cebu Northwing. With passion and excitement, Chef Mau shared to me his creative thought process upon using matcha on dishes that would perfectly suit its flavor. They were able to come up with a couple of dishes and I was able to experience four of them.
I started off with the Mesclun Salad Tossed in Matcha Lemon Vinaigrette. Mesclun is basically a mixture of young salad leaves originating from France with the vinaigrette usually made by mixing olive oil with something acidic further enhanced by matcha. What I loved about this dish was the freshness of the vegetables and the sweet intervention of the red grapes.
Next up was the Spicy Salmon Matcha Maki. In this dish, matcha was infused to the Japanese rice which resembled the color of wasabi. What I loved about this dish was its bursting of flavors and the way it was presented. Laid on top of a sea rock, it looked like a sushi garden which made sense since matcha is closely associated to Zen practice.
Placed on a wooden board, the Entrecote of Beef in Matcha Wild Mushroom Sauce was quite interesting to look at. The prime cut of beef taken from between the ribs was relatively tender perfectly paired with the mushroom sauce. The way matcha integrates itself from the sauce to the meat, a shot glass serving is just not enough.
As what I’ve always noted on my previous food reviews, I’m a sucker for ‘gata’. That is why the spiky Thai Matcha Seafood Green Curry was my favorite among the rest. Crab, shrimp and mussels in matcha-infused coconut milk with lemon grass, tomatoes and basil, who says no to that?
Well, I hope I have convinced you to check out the nearest Vikings outlet in your vicinity. And while you’re at it, might as well bring the whole barangay with you and avail of the Big Group Promo. You must at least be a group of 22 people, and the two gets to eat for free. How great is that?
For more information, visit their official website at www.vikings.ph.
