I grew up with the ‘Smorgasbord’ concept, similar to ‘Buffet’ which my family does during special ocassions such as birthdays and festivals. I really have no idea how a Swedish concept became a vernacular term and local practice? Although the ‘Eat-All-You-Can’ I am sure is borrowed from the Americans ‘All-You-Can-Eat’.
The family’s business in Cebu is throwing away their Christmas party at Vikings, one of the newest and largest buffet restaurants in the city. My mum just wanted to make things easier this time around. Last year they did a huge Christmas party, with food catering galore, a full-packed entertainment agenda and games et al. Too much work. Stress. So they want to simplify things by treating all the employees to an ‘Eat-All-You-Can’ Christmas lunch. Aside from the 13th-month pay given that is standard in the Philippines, each employee received a personal gift, a shopping gift certificate and they have the rest of the day free. Not bad at all =)
And so this is how I got invited for a free Christmas lunch at Vikings in SM City by the family. Of course, I won’t say no but if this was left to my decision, I do not think I would quickly go to a buffet restaurant.
[To read the rest of the post and see more pictures, click the READ MORE link below]
I have never been a big fan of this buffet eat-as-much-as-you-can concept because how much can you eat really? I personally think it is downright expensive and ridiculously unhealthy. But I would definitely eat at these kinds of restaurants if they have an ala carte service, just like what Dutchman and I did last year at the Japanese restaurant in Transwijk Park in Utrecht called Zinnia. We were perhaps the only guests who ate ala carte, haha.
The Bread and Pizza Stations, as well as the Cheese and Salad Stations. Their cheese selection was a disappointment, though but it was something I have expected.
NO BINGE EATING PLEASE
But nevertheless, I am treating this buffet invitation to Vikings as an experience.
My big challenge would be what to eat. Exercising control is another thing. The temptation is strong, although I have a small stomach and at some point, I am sure it will tell me to stop eating. But it’s really more of the aftermath. That ugly, sick and wasted feeling when your body has reached its food intake limit. But why in the first place would you want to reach that limit? Perhaps this is part of marketing and food psychology. The idea that we are free to eat anything is directly pushing the borders we subconsciously guard, for whatever reasons they may be. We were told, ‘It’s a one-time eat-all-you-can thing for a fixed price.’ and ‘Get the most of what you paid for.’ Blah. Blah. Blah.
So my goal for this All-You-Can-Eat-Lunch is not to feel sick. Forget about the concept. Don’t think about value for money. Just eat normal thus NO binge eating!
First things first, we were given a section of the restaurant so we have our own not-so-private area since the restaurant is open all throughout. The food and drinks stations were strategically located from end to end of the restaurant and in the middle section which gives a good flow and access to all diners.
This is Viking's slogan – ‘Be merry, eat hearty, and eat like a Viking today.’
Nicely worded =)
My nephew and I with our Vikings hat.
I cannot recall how many food stations they have because it was just too much. I have lost count and after some time I stopped taking pictures of the food. This is the first time I have seen such a huge buffet restaurant. But I was told that there is another in the city that is much bigger. What the heck? I am left with no words, haha!
I guess for foodies or let me rephrase that because most foodies I know are selective gourmand types, for those who love to eat, a buffet restaurant is akin to a child entering a lavish and grand candy shop. You don’t know where to begin with! Because you want to taste a bit of everything, which you impossibly can’t. A person can only eat that much unless you are training to become a buffet master eater. Now, you definitely need a life if that is the case.
So I settled for my usual favourites of course at the Japanese, Chinese and Filipino food stations. Sashimis, tempuras, a variety of seafood, chicharron (yes!) and lots of vegetables. I also took a portion of nachos but didn’t like their chilli con carne. I don’t like to leave food on my plate but this one I just have to. Not a sweet-toothed person, I skipped dessert and went for coffee instead.
Then when I went to the toilet, I bumped into an old high school classmate and we got talking. A few years ago she messaged me on Facebook as she and her husband, both doctors, were going to attend a profession-related conference in Europe. They will be extending their stay in the continent visiting a few more cities and Amsterdam was on their agenda. I was supposed to meet them but the week they were visiting the Netherlands I was travelling as well, so I just gave them tips.
Ah, the world is smaller than we think. And it’s nice to see old familiar faces. It brings me back in time and it makes me smile.
VIKINGS PICTURE GALLERY
This 'Viking guy' goes around with a 'Happy Birthday' placard to sing and greet birthday celebrants. He has a team with him but in this photo, it is just him. Nobody is celebrating his or her birthday from our group but my nephew wants to have a picture with him, haha.
The Drinks Station. My favourite was the rose-pink coloured drink which I forgot the name.
The Dessert Station is HUGE and actually has many sub-dessert stations. I wanted to try the frozen yoghurt and the halo-halo but never had the chance because my stomach said no already. Helaas...
My mum and my nephew behind a big Gingerbread house which I think was only a display item and not to be consumed, although technically it can be eaten. The Gingerbread house was made by a local bakery called Julie's Bakeshop.
The meat and fish grill station with a variety of local sauces available. Barbequing is typically Cebuano so this food station is popular.
This is the Chinese and Shabu-Shabu station. There are lots of vegetables in this area.
This is my first plate =)
The shrimp (and vegetable) tempuras and sashimis are always my favourites. Not much of a sushi fan, though, because they are heavy, but I will eat it anyway.
My high school classmate that I bumped into at Vikings. That's like 30+ years ago =)
This is the Roast and Western Station. They have roasted turkeys, ducks and red meats, as well as some popular western European dishes which failed to impress me. I'd say, stick to the roasted meats here.
Well, they have a doughnut wall! Great for the kids, I guess.
There are more sweets at the Dessert Station. Cakes, tarts, pastries, sweet spoonfuls and they even have a flowing chocolate fondue fountain where you can dip fruits and marshmallows in it.
We got into the Viking mood, as you can see.
The Kakanin Station which are typically Filipino rice-based desserts.
The Taste of Asia and Curry Stations. I would not recommend the Chilli con Carne at the Nacho Bar which tasted very strange. The Fresh Fish Catch of the Day was really delicious and crunchy but they go very quick!
We were the last to leave and the Vikings crew have quickly cleaned the place. They will reopen for dinner in 2 hours.
Travel Period: December 2016
Destination: Cebu City (Cebu - Visayas Region), the Netherlands
Keep in touch and follow me on Facebook: Travel & Lifestyle Diaries by Dutched Pinay Travels
Happy Travels! Enjoy Life =)
All pictures were taken by a point and shoot pocket camera or a smartphone.
