A VISIT to Cebu for me is incomplete without dropping by Shangri-La Mactan Cebu. A few weeks ago, I was in Cebu but was billeted at another hotel. That did not stop me from dropping by at Acqua, one of my favorite food stops when in the Queen City of the South. Acqua is done in luxurious contemporary interior that is oozing with elegance and class.

Acqua is the Italian restaurant outlet at the Shang with its own pizza oven, and a chef who hails from Milan, the capital region of Lombardy. Milanese cuisine is known for its hearty rice and meat dishes, and its liberal use of milk, cream, butter and cheese. Chef Marco brings in his expertise in Milanese dishes, and his ingredients laden with fat – not that I am complaining!

Chef Marco

Chef Marco has more than 16 years of professional culinary experience. Prior to joining Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa, Cebu in the 4th quarter of 2010, he was a sous chef at a leading hotel in Milan, Italy. He has worked for several iconic establishments in Italy including the Restaurant Trigabolo, famous for being one of the restaurants to introduce nouvelle Italian cuisine. He also worked at the Hotel le Favaglie, and the Restaurant Primaro on a Mediterranean cruise ship.

He brings his experience to Shangri-La Mactan and whips up hearty dishes for the discerning diner. He introduces Bresaola con Ricotta e Rucola, a dish with thinly sliced cured beef with ricotta cheese, olives, rucola greens and cherry tomatoes. Gnocchi di Zucca e Rosmarino is homemade pumpkin gnocchi with taleggio cheese, spiced with the aromatic rosemary herb. I have always wanted to learn how to make gnocchi. I shall ask chef Marco how. Some must-try is the Ganeroni alla Palermitana, which is tiger prawns crusted with Parmesan cheese, with a siding of roasted marbled tomatoes that is a staple in Palermo, Italy. For the main entree, the grilled rib eye with rucola, cannelloni beans, and sidings of veggies cut in julienne and cooked with Chianti sauce is also a must-try.

Ossobuco con polenta e pomodori (Ossobuco with tomato polenta)

Battuta di salmone aromatizzato al limone

“Italy has many different regions, each with its own subtle flavors and styles of cooking,” says Chef Marco. “It is my wish that diners who come to Acqua will gain a more holistic appreciation of Italian cuisine.” After dining at Acqua, i do know that my appreciation for Italian cuisine grew. There is something about Acqua that is magic- elegant ambience, attentive service, and Italian specialties that are offered in food festivals like Florentine festival where they served my favorite Bistecca Florentine, then now, Milanese dishes take center stage. You should experience your own Acqua magic, too.

For reservations: Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa, Cebu Tel: (63 32) 231 8276 / 79 Fax: (63 32) 231 3518

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