Grand’s Aoi to go Mexican

Mexican staples like tacos, quesadillas, burritos, enchiladas, and guacamole will share the buffet table with kadun pika, escabeche, beef and chicken kelaguen, and local style barbecue starting next week when Saipan Grand Hotel’s Aoi Restaurant augments its authentic Chamorro cuisine with south-of-the-border fare.

Grand Hotel’s F&B assistant manager Fernando “Ding” Ureta said beginning Monday, March 2, Aoi Restaurant’s lunch buffet will offer Mexican cuisine alongside its very popular local dishes.

“This is just another exciting offer from the Grand. We continue to think of better ways to serve the exquisite palates of our guests—both local and off-island,” he said.

Saipan Grand chef Danny Dela Cruz said Mexican food is known around the world for its intense flavors, colorful presentation, and unique spices and seasoning.

He said with its heavy reliance on the use of fresh vegetables as well as garlic and onions, Mexican fare is one of the world’s healthiest cuisines.

“Introducing authentic Mexican dishes is just our way of promoting good health to the community,” he said.

Ureta added that it is such a great idea to add Mexican fare to Saipan Grand’s already delectable food lineup as he has always been intrigued by the way south-of-the-border cuisine combines meat, vegetables, spices so cleverly to create a sumptuous yet healthy meal.

In a way, he added, introducing Mexican food to Grand Hotel’s loyal customers honors Saipan’s rich history as well.

Like the Philippines and Saipan, Mexico was a former colony of Spain and the island was used as a re-supply port during the heydays of the Manila-Acupulco Galleon trade.

What’s more important, Ureta said, the addition of Mexican fare to Aoi Restaurant’s lunch buffet will not cost customers an extra penny. Grand Hotel charges adults $15 for the lunch buffet, but children 5-11 years old get 50 percent off.

And the saving don’t stop there, Ureta said Grand Hotel is also extending 20 percent off to government employees in recognition of the tough economic times.

Local discount, meanwhile, continues at 10 percent, while VIP card holders and affiliate discount is 20 percent. Senior citizen discount is 30 percent.

Grand Hotel’s lunch buffet is from Monday to Saturday, 11am-2pm. For reservations, call 234-6601 or 235-6616.