FLAVOURS OF THE PHILIPPINES

Filipino food has always been one of those things where you've tried it due to a friend who invited you over for lunch or dinner, never really an occasion where you dine out for. Since there aren't many Filipino restaurants around, this chance of attending a Filipino pop up buffet event was definitely going to be a must. The Flavours of the Philippines is housed at the Grace hotel on 77 York St, Sydney. This event has been running from the 16th July till 2nd August. 

Last night us three musketeers made our way over to the Grace Brasserie  for some Filipino food and hoped for the best of what chef Michelle Adrillana and Pastry Chef Angelica De Leon had to offer. 

On our way in we couldn't help notice how quiet it seemed and the lack of hordes of people. We expected to be joining a line to get in but nope this was a definite in and be seated situation which was kind of refreshing from the normal waiting to be served scenarios. The waitress at the front desk led us to our table which was a Filipino flag theme with the napkins. We sorted ourselves out and headed for the food. Tonight's dinning price being $48, we expected a good variety of mains and desserts. As we made our way through the buffet it seemed like a small selection on offer, I personally expected a little more then what was on the bain maries. 
Its known that Filipinos eat rice like crazy from breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert. I expected more "Ulam" -The main dish that goes with the rice is called ulam, and maybe more seafood, street food and definitely more authentic Pinoy desserts. This was pretty much disappointing on every angle. I really hoped for more and better delivery on quality over quantity. I personally can't say I overly enjoyed anything that I placed into my plate, yes the food was bearable but it lacked in so many levels such as taste and quality! 

Aligue pasta with scallops

Lechon Manok (roasted chicken)

Pinakbet (mixed vegetables)

Seaweeds salad with salted egg

Beef Pares

Pasta salad 

Fish Paksiw

Dessert was not love at first sight, the only one that I recognized was the Leche Flan and even then the rest seemed and tasted store bought and not made by a Filipino. One thing that's for sure I've never seen desserts like this made by my mother or aunties here and back home in the Philippines. The western dessert were also poor in quality and taste. To top it off the Leche Flan tasted like Cheesecake and nothing like the taste and texture of an actual Leche Flan.

Halo-Halo

The self serve Halo Halo station seemed like the best out of everything but that too seemed like it lacked in something. The ingredients were there but once it was constructed it didn't taste as authentic as it should have. The evaporated milk that's poured over the top to create the creamy milkiness of the halo halo tasted very diluted and I felt like it ruined the dessert.

SERVICE: 7.5/10

AMBIANCE :5/10

PRESENTATION: 5/10

Cuisine: Filipino

Address: The Grace Hotel - 77 York St, Sydney

Trading hours: 16 July – 2 August 2015

EFTPOS: Cash 

Phone: 02 9272 6670