Mediterranean Vegetarian Antipasto (Marco Polo Plaza Cebu)
THE CHRISTMAS season gives us an excuse to indulge in food.
Parties, reunions, get-togethers abound in a country, which celebrates a long Christmas season.
These celebrations of epic proportions are never complete without the most delicious treats that are usually rich in flavor, packed with high calories and sugar. There is indescribable joy in eating these types of food.
It is no secret that extra pounds are gained during the holidays. And according to doctors, there appears to be a pattern of a spike in cardiovascular-related admissions in hospitals after the holidays.
Healthwise, throwing caution to the wind isn’t the way to go. Nutritionists would advise to eat in moderation and continue to engage in exercise during the holiday season.
And then choosing healthy food that is also tasty and pleasing to the palate during the holidays requires a conscious effort.
Here we share with you some carefully prepared guilt-free dishes from some hotels that are equally delicious, worthy to be among the food spread in the noche buena table, too.
MARCO POLO PLAZA CEBU
Nivel Hills, Lahug
The city’s only deluxe hotel nestled on a hilltop prides itself with a separate vegetarian a la carte menu that is also dairy-free and gluten-free, available in any season.
There are 13 dishes in the menu to choose from. Among these are the Thai vegetable rolls served with sweet chilli sauce, the Mediterranean Vegetarian Antipasta which is a selection of sundried tomatoes, olives, artichokes, peppers and eggplant. There is also the Cobb Salad made of mixed lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, dried fruits and nuts served with your choice of dressing.
Greek Salad with Feta Cheese (Marco Polo Plaza Cebu)
The Vegetable Moussaka consists of baked layers of braised vegetables and eggplant served with tomato sauce.
Check out the healthy detox drink, the Cucumber Lime Smash, the Detox Cooler and many more at Cafe Marco. Its signature iced tea drink, the Earl Grape Tea with pieces of grapes at the bottom of your glass, is equally refreshing.
* For inquiries, call 253-1111 local 8351. Please allow at least 48 hours notice for bulk orders.
WATERFRONTCEBU CITY HOTEL & CASINO
Salinas Drive, Lahug
Savor the Seared Yellow fin Tuna with Calamansi Penne if you prefer fish
at the UNO Restaurant.
Seared Yellowfin Tuna (Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino)
Yellow-fin tuna is rich in Omega-3 fats that lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. A three-ounce serving of cooked tuna will give you only 110 calories based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
The other healthy dishes for the holidays are Braised Balsamic Turkey with Sweet Potato, ricotta and walnuts and mulled wine infused with ginger bread.
Mulled wine is a beverage of European origins made with vodka and red wine and some spices.
Mulled Wine (Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino)
It is served hot or warm . It is a traditional drink during winter especially on Christmas.
Red wine, when taken in moderation, is good for the heart. It has some antioxidant properties like resveratrol that help prevent coronary artery disease which leads to a heart attack. The Mulled wine station is located at the lobby lounge. You may ask the lobby lounge staff if you wish to order.
* For inquiries, call (032) 232-6888 local 8600 or 8601.