Lobster Buffet at Corniche, Diamond Hotel Philippines

I’m not too keen on buffets because my tummy can’t catch up with everything my eyes devour. When Fran, who’s back in Manila for a short trip, texted me if I wanted to try a lobster buffet it didn’t take me a second to reply a resounding “YES!” You see, lobster is my favorite seafood. I would love to eat it everyday but it’s too expensive and I don’t even see it in markets.

The buffet included the usual salad bar, cold cuts, bread and an International selection like Chinese, Japanese, Indian and our own Filipino food. I will show you mostly all the lobster preparations as well as the dishes that intrigued me.

There were also raw oysters and cooked mussels on ice.

slipper lobster

spiny lobster

alimasag or blue crab

lobster pineapple salad

goat cheese soaked in red wine

clams with sauteed bacon

scrambled eggs with spicy lobster

There was also a cooking station where they take lobsters like these and add any sauce you want to it.

slipper lobster

The lobster thermidor looked dry and unappetizing but it was surprisingly delicious. Cubes of lobster topped with mustard chutney and béarnaise sauce. It was creamy without being too rich.

lobster thermidor

I was lucky to get the tandoori lobster when it was piping hot and freshly cooked. If you like strong, spicy Indian food then you will love this. It was a bit overpowering for me though.

tandoori lobster

Since I was seated with other bloggers and the PR manager of the hotel the lobsters just kept coming to our table and I appreciated the hot food.

lobster with four cheese, lobster thermidor

lobster paella

My favorite section was the Japanese table. They had several kinds of sashimi and sushi too.

salmon sashimi

The salmon was very fresh and good.

okonomiyaki

salmon head teriyaki

tempura

If I’m not mistaken the fresh fruit juices, iced tea were included in the buffet as well as free flowing white and red wine.

fresh watermelon juice

Here’s what I ate. The first two were from the Japanese section.

Lobster pieces in a thick sweet soy based sauce. Quite interesting.

lobster gusukuni (light sweet soy sauce)

I really liked the miso soup with a touch of lobster flavor.

lobster miso soup

Even though the lobster fried rice was cold it was really delicious. The tuna chili sushi was super spicy and I wanted to eat more if not for the fear of my reflux acting up. Thumbs up to the okonomiyaki which reminded of a takoyaki in it’s similar flavor profile.

lobster fried rice, okonomiyaki, salmon sashimi, tuna chili sushi

The paella wasn’t good at all but I enjoyed the mussels and the perfectly cooked lobster. After the paella all I ate was one lobster after another. Even if I didn’t like some of the preparations I have to give kudos to the chef for cooking the lobsters to the exact timing until it’s tender and succulent. I was pretty lucky until one of the last lobsters I ate was a bit overcooked.

lobster paella, lobster thermidor, loster tandoori

Need I say anything more?

lobster with four cheese

Initially I was disappointed when I saw the meager offerings of the dessert station. Sure there was the ubiquitous chocolate fountain, ice cream station, some Filipino desserts and just a few cakes that were quickly disappearing without indication of future refills.

Luckily I chose the right sweets on my first round. The marble cheesecake was light, tangy and quite good. I really liked the dark chocolate truffle filled with almond cream. I think I was the only one who was able to eat the truffles. It was all gone when I wanted more.

The chocolate creme brûlée was sooooooo decadent that I immediately alerted my dining mates to drop their lobster and immediately get their share before it runs out.

chocolate creme brûlée, marble cheesecake, chocolate truffles

As much as I liked the coffee mug and cream and sugar containers I hated their coffee. I wish they served Kohikan coffee from their lobby lounge.

coffee

It was so good I had to have a second one. They didn’t scrimp on good quality dark chocolate which they added to the thick and creamy custard.  The dark caramel flavor of the crust heightened the chocolate custard making it one unbelievably satisfying chocolate dessert. They can easily sell this and make tons of money. It’s the best dessert I’ve eaten so far this year.

chocolate creme brûlée

I thought I was done eating until I spotted the green tea ice cream. Another wonderful surprise! Strong matcha flavor and really creamy ice cream which I loved. I have to buy this ice cream soon. I think they sell it in The Cake Club.

green tea ice cream

It was great seeing you again Fran and Paul. Nice meeting you Abet and Joan. Thanks for the wonderful hospitality Melanie and Twinkle!!!

source: Diamond Hotel’s Facebook page

The lobster buffet costs P2,385 nett and includes free flowing red and white wine. It is available on Fridays only and is perfect for those who abstain from meat during the Lenten season.

Corniche
Diamond Hotel Philippines
Roxas Boulevard. cor Dr. J Quintos St. Manila, Philippines
telephone: 528-3000
website
Facebook