The first thing that comes to mind when I hear the word “Mario’s” is Caesar’s Salad. And then “date place.” And then “really good food.” These are all based though on really old memories I have of this long-running restaurant. When Mario’s invited a group of bloggers and media practicioners to partake of their special holiday brunch buffet last December 2, I was ecstatic. It was perfect timing for me to create new memories with this restaurant.
There were two highlights for me that brunch: 1) The fantastic buffet, and 2) Meeting fellow bloggers and reconnecting with old friends. Let me tell you about the food first!
The Fabulous Mario’s Holiday Sunday Brunch Buffet
I was immediately drawn to the Oysters Rockefeller. Who could resist these beauties? Moderation is key, a little voice whispered. These oysters are juicy, tasty and absolutely splendid. I’m no food expert, but do trust me when I tell you that the flavors dance in your mouth.
I had only a few of this as I wanted to sample the rest of the buffet. It took every ounce of willpower not to eat a lot of these tasty treats though. Don’t they look positively tempting?
The star of the brunch buffet was this Cochinillo, a roast suckling piglet seasoned with herbs and spices. The cochinillo’s skin was crisp and the meat deliciously tender. It is best eaten with Mario’s Spanish Paella. It’s a match made in gustatory heaven.
Alongside the Cochinillo was Mario’s Blade Steaks. No picture here, it was too dark! The Blade Steaks are U.S.-certified Black Angus steaks served with a Merlot-Mushroom sauce. Yowza. Also very delicious.
Flavorful, aromatic, fresh — Mario’s Spanish Paella was absolutely delightful to eat. It was melt-in-your-mouth gooooood.Salads were also part of the buffet. They offered Fresh Garden Salad and Russian Potato Salad. If you’re into Japanese, they served Assorted Sushi and Sashimi. I wasn’t too happy with the selection though and thought the flavors quite run-of-the-mill. but that’s alright, as one doesn’t go to Mario’s for Japanese now, right? Other dishes served were Roast Chicken with Hoisin, Ox Tongue Ragout, Sauteed Beansprout with Tofu, Fish Fillet with Fragrant Rice and Tartar, Mulligatawny Soup, Adobo Rice, Herbed Marble Potatoes, Pomodoro and Penne Santa Fe. Divine, divine, divine.
My most favorite though were these Turkey Croquettes.
These Turkey Croquettes literally melt in your mouth. The creaminess of the mashed potato just start filling your mouth with so much flavor and then bam! It’s gone. So off you go again to pop another croquette in your mouth. It is very addicting. Now on to dessert!
Our eyes were immediately drawn to this Chocolate Fountain. Gaaah. Lunch wasn’t even served yet and they had already taken out this Chocolate Fountain for us to gush over. It would’ve been okay to have dessert first, right? 😀 To maximize your enjoyment of that fountain (and to resist sticking your finger in those gorgeous chocolatey streams), you can go fondue on the following treats.
Cookies, marshmallows, apples or bread fingers?
Images of the Goya Chocolate Fun Factory flashed in my head while coating a bread stick with the streaming chocolate.
My ultimate dessert favorite was this Canonigo, a super light meringue cake with custard sauce. You definitely get a little taste of heaven with this dessert.Those bread pudding treats around the Canonigo were also good, best enjoyed with hot coffee.
Mario’s Sunday brunch buffet offerings were definitely super special and super suited for celebrating the season. In one word, I’d describe this holiday brunch buffet as DIVINE.
On some Sundays, Mario’s serves the star of their holiday specials: Roast Turkey. It’s served with stuffing, cranberries and gravy. Mmmmm that sounds very festive, doesn’t it?
Thank you to Mario’s for having us partake of their highly delectable feast. I’m definitely spreading the word on their great buffet!
While I didn’t get to taste their classic Caesar’s salad, that posed as no problem at all as I completely forgot about it when I was seduced by the Sunday brunch spread! As for it being a date place, it still seems to be a cozy nook for lovebirds, but I am certain you will enjoy their brunch feast with as many loved ones as possible. With the rich banquet presented to you, you can’t help but want to share the festive experience with family. 
Mario’s Quezon City is located at Tomas Morato corner Scout Gandia in Quezon City. Contact numbers are 415-3887 or 372-0360.
Next entry: An Early Christmas Get-together at Mario’s (Part 2): Meeting the Bloggers
Hi! I'm Toni Tiu,
and I've been blogging at
at Wifely Steps since 2003. This started as a blog to help newly weds adjust to married life. It has evolved into a home and parenting blog. I write about things close to my heart -- good eats, good reads, family, marriage, and the little things that make everyday happy.
Em Dy
December 10, 2007 at 10:23 pm (16 years ago)From the ala carte menu, I like the surf and turf. Agree with you on the oysters. Sarap.
mari
December 11, 2007 at 12:46 am (16 years ago)i’d kill for the oysters!
MarysMom
December 11, 2007 at 4:20 am (16 years ago)i love buffets— thanks for sharing this one. For someone like me who is (homesick and) far away from Quezon City, it is a real treat! I did see some oysters at a Chinese buffet last night in Broomfield, Colorado but I’m sure, the ones that you had were much, much more fresh and better-tasting.
dhey
December 11, 2007 at 8:13 am (16 years ago)i just said, “it’s sooo~ pretty!” as if i was hypnotized after seeing the food! hahaha… oh the agony of seeing but not being able to taste!
Ruy
December 11, 2007 at 8:14 am (16 years ago)This buffet looks heavenly. Mario’s The oysters, cochinillo and canonigo are all calling out to me and your reaction to the turkey croquettes has me intrigued. Great job on delivering this delicious Christmas offering’s message. It’s time to feast!!!
ajay
December 11, 2007 at 3:15 pm (16 years ago)Ganda ng pics mo Toni. ah. I was too lazy to take pics that day. Maybe because I was worried about my three chikitings sitting in the corner …
macy
December 11, 2007 at 7:13 pm (16 years ago)ohhh…the food looks so good. this is something to try.
denden
December 11, 2007 at 7:40 pm (16 years ago)nagutom ako sa pictures
i want some of the oysters 
Rach (Heart of Rachel)
December 11, 2007 at 11:46 pm (16 years ago)Wow, the food looks great. I miss eating paella. A chocolate fondue is a wonderful way of ending a hearty meal.
dhanggit
December 12, 2007 at 12:28 am (16 years ago)hmmm, its been a long time i havent eaten lechon..the photo is making me drool…
cyberpunk
December 12, 2007 at 12:36 am (16 years ago)oh my! FOOOOOOOD!
why oh why am I not invited to food events like this? *sulks*
kat
December 12, 2007 at 5:20 am (16 years ago)omg…the food looks so delish!! *gobble gobble* we’d probably spend all day eating when we finally meet!
rhodz
December 12, 2007 at 5:33 pm (16 years ago)ur site is making me hungry.. its 6pm ..i guess its time for me to eat.. hihih..
jeff
December 13, 2007 at 8:08 pm (16 years ago)wow.. ginutom ako sa mga pics
spanx
December 15, 2007 at 1:04 am (16 years ago)toni, toni, toni has done it again!
hey, i missed your food posts.
unforgettable sa akin yung mga penguin made of cream cheese and olives,
that’s how i first became a fan of your wifely root canal-y steps!
you should re-post that for your newer readers!
mel
December 20, 2007 at 8:48 pm (16 years ago)hey toni! how much does mario’s buffet cost?!
thanks!