Most newly married couples have dreams. Like most other newlyweds, J. Willard and Alice almost certainly had dreams of their own. For J. Willard, it was perhaps nothing more than being able to provide a good life for his family while Alice most likely just wanted to be a good wife. Opening an A&W root beer stand in Washington, D.C. in the summer of 1927, they probably did not dream of their venture becoming a major player in the hospitality industry.
But become a major player it did. From a little 9-seat restaurant called “Hot Shoppe”, to a chain of “Hot Shoppes” all over the United States, to the Twin Bridges Marriott Motor Hotel in Arlington, Virginia, the company’s first hotel, J. Willard and Alice Marriott’s dreams did not just come true, it grew into a company with over 2,800 hotels worldwide, with their name becoming a byword in the hotel business.
Paying tribute to its humble origins, Marriott Cebu City now offers Cebuano diners classic food and beverages from its colorful history. With Chef Witold Sczcechura executing the updated recipes, diners at Marriott Cebu City can now have a taste of the dishes that made “Hot Shoppes” a favorite among American families.
From Classic to Cool
What could be more American than a hamburger? As with most things American, this burger is B-I-G! Those with big appetites can order the Mighty Mo, a massive double deck cheeseburger seasoned with Hot Shoppe’s secret Mighty Mo sauce. The tangy American cheddar sets off the flavor of the beef patties, while the secret sauce gives the whole sandwich a somewhat smoky, spicy and sweet flavor. Customers can probably arrange to have their burger patties cooked a little on the rare side, to bring out the juices of the beef. Naturally, every serving of the Mighty Mo burger comes with a side order of french fried potatoes as well as a small saucer of slaw. A smaller version of the burger, christened the Mini Mo, is also available. With four small burgers, cole slaw and a tub of french fries comprising each order, the Mini Mo is perfect for a group of four kids, or four dainty eaters.
Snackers can opt for the Teen Twist Roll if burgers aren’t their thing. A fresh take on an old favorite, Marriott’s adaptation of the classic ham and cheese sandwich should please even the most discerning sandwich lover. It comes loaded with ham, cheese, and of course, fresh lettuce and tomatoes. Served with french fries and pickles, the Teen Twist Roll is big enough for two to share.
Basically a revision of Alice Marriott’s chili con carne, the recipe of which she learned from the cook at the Mexican Embassy a few blocks away from their first restaurant, the Buffalo Chicken Chili gives new meaning to the word “chili”. Using chicken instead of beef, chili lovers can feast on this without fear of cholesterol overload. Instead of the more common grated cheddar cheese, crumbled blue cheese is used as a topping, providing a nice, sophisticated kick to an already enjoyable dish. Be sure to scoop up the chili with the tortilla chips and top it off with crumbled cheese (Hint: use LOTS of blue cheese, just ask your server for more), it’s much more fun eating it that way.
With its origin an A&W root beer stand, of course, a Classic A&W Root Beer Float should definitely be on the menu, and in this Marriott comes full circle. Faithfully served in a mug, as it should be, the A&W Root Beer Float remains a refreshing favorite among young and old alike.
More than 80 years after J. Willard and Alice Marriott served their first customer, their legacy of hospitality continues to flourish. Not only that, they continue to give us food that’s wholesome and delicious, as well as being truly classic, and totally cool.
