That Christmas feeling
Alexis Yap
Lex in the City
WHENEVER the “ber” months arrive, I always wonder when I will start to feel Christmas. It always seemed easier when we were younger — when as early as the end of October, the tree was up at home and the Christmas lights were all turned on. The smell of my dad’s midnight snack of Christmas ham sizzling on the pan and freshly toasted bread in the oven always gave me that warm, cozy feeling that I love the most about the best season of the year.
It has been over a decade since I felt like that. Is it because there is no Christmas break from school that officially kicks-off the holidays? Or is it because times have really changed? I wonder if the kids nowadays are as excited about this season as I was when I was younger? If so, then does the Christmas feel slowly fade away as we pile up the years?
I know. I worry about this a lot. It is my favorite season of the year and I would give anything to get that feeling back again.
Over a week ago, I get an invitation by our friends at Marco Polo to sample what they are calling the Festive Buffet at Café Marco. As I drive into the hotel’s property, two toy-soldiers a la The Nutcracker greeted me by the gate and as I walk up to the lobby driveway, another two were stationed there. I walked through the lobby entrance and there it was — the gigantic tree, fully lit, with a real, live, toy-soldier standing right beside it!
The Christmas-themed lobby was beautifully decorated and I was even more excited for the awaiting feast.
Eggnog! Yep, we started with eggnog. Then the usual and trusty salads, breads, cheese, soup, and sushi- your choice! I was almost full after having all of the above-mentioned when the stars of our lunch arrived. The main course started with the ever-perfect Paella Valenciana and was soon followed by succulent Christmas Ham. After a paparazzi flood of flashes from the obligatory pictorial, the juicy and tasty Chicken Relleno arrived fresh from the oven. It was divine!
I knew there was no more space for more food but no meal is complete without dessert and you know what most foodies say, “There’s always room for dessert.” I couldn’t agree more especially when you are having Baked Alaska complete with “fireworks.” Yeah, they were torching the dessert’s merengue outer layer and putting the preserved berries in flames with the liqueur right in front of us. It was a sight to see and a delight to actually eat.
Experience Café Marco’s Festive Buffet from Dec. 16 to 30 and be overwhelmed by more special dishes like Roasted Turkey, Prime Rib, and Pork Relleno alongside the restaurant’s regular buffet offerings.
After that magical lunch, I told Kyra of Marco Polo that I was so happy to be invited to that lunch, as it gave me that Christmas feeling I was afraid I wasn’t going to feel at all this year. What with all the calamities and unfortunate events our countrymen endured this year. But the atmosphere of the Marco Polo, the food Café Marco prepared, the great company, and the laughter shared around the table made the perfect concoction to kick-off my Christmas season.
I walk back to my car feeling hopeful — hopeful that like life and most things, Christmas is what you make it.
