The vibrant tri-colors of Italy gently wave high up at the ceiling inside the elegant interiors of Marco Polo Ortigas Manila's signature all-day restaurant. Prepare for an Italian feast at Cucina...
Comforting and rustic Italian flavors take the spotlight at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila's Cucina with Deliziosa Italia from August 14 to 27, 2018. From antipasti to savory hot dishes and desserts, it's an authentic and sumptuous Italian dining experience recreated by Executive Chef Alisdair Bletcher. Read on for a tasty peek...
Known for its lavish buffet selection, Cucina adds to the already impressive spread with a curated array of special dishes for a true taste of Italy this side of the metro (for more on Marco Polo Ortigas Manila's Cucina, see my earlier posts, From Palette to Palate: Art and Modern Filipino Cuisine at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila's Cucina and Five Star A La Carte: A Peek at the New Cucina A La Carte Signature Dishes). And you can go the whole nine yards, starting with tasty antipasti to hearty mains all the way to dessert. The best part? You can come back for seconds. And thirds. After all, it's not a real Italian experience without second servings.
Marco Polo Ortigas Manila's General Manager, Frank Reichenbach and his team welcomed guests to the exclusive preview of Deliziosa Italia at Cucina as Executive Chef Alisdair Bletcher laid out the special menu for a tasty sneak peek with a sumptuous Italian inspired feast for lunch. 
For many Italians, it's all about starting your meal right. Start the proper Italian way with antipasti at Cucina with Parma Ham and Melon, Mortadella, Milano Salami and Bresaola or air-dried salted beef, perfect with a glass of wine. Each of the featured Italian charcuterie have their own distinct flavor, from the deep flavors of the Bresaola to the light and mildly sharp and salty notes of the Milano Salami to the melt-in-your-mouth richness of the Parma ham with melon for a classic sweet and salty pairing. Cucina also offers fine Italian wine for the Deliziosa Italia buffet including Frescobaldi's Albizza, Chardonnay Toscana and Pain di Remole Rosso by the glass or bottle.
After another glass of wine, pick up the pace with another light starter of Seafood Salad with Lemon Thyme Dressing. The fresh, delicate and clean briny notes of the succulent seafood deliver all the richness capped by the vibrant lemon thyme dressing for a bold yet balanced finish. It's one salad I can have all day. Just perfect. Seconds? Absolutely.
But there's more. Diners can enjoy tasty nibbles of Buffalo Mozzarella and Roma Tomato Bruschetta (L) with its blend of creamy and tart notes followed by the hearty Marinated Grilled Artichoke Hearts with Borlotti Beans and Anchovies in Olive Dressing (R) with just the right balance of acidity for another classic taste of Italy.
For the mains, Executive Chef Alisdair Bletcher serves up a traditional Picatta of Pork Tenderloin with Asparagus and Shallots to get you in the proper Italian groove. The pork is perfectly fork-tender and juicy, releasing a savory burst of rich flavors. The mildly sweet fresh asparagus and the subtle bite of the shallots balances this pork dish.
Familiar Italian flavors come through with the Salmon with Tomatoes, Olives and Basil for another excellent option at Cucina's Deliziosa Italia. The buttery notes and texture of the premium salmon is kicked up by the tart flavors of the tomatoes followed by refreshing hints of basil without overpowering the salmon.
But it's the Gratinated Meatballs with Barolo Wine, Tomatoes and Mushrooms that just had me coming back for more. Nobody does meatballs like the Italians, where the distinct flavors of the beef, tomatoes, mushrooms and wine come together in a perfectly natural and seamless blend.
From the Carvery, diners can indulge in Slow-Roasted Leg of Lamb with Garlic and Rosemary (R) paired with the rich and creamy Polenta with Gorgonzola Cheese (L) for another flavorful duo. Slow-roasted to juicy perfection, the garlic and rosemary enrich the lamb with subtle layers of flavors. 
Any feast just isn't complete without a fitting sweet ending, and Cucina tempts you with its decadent desserts including the Vanilla Panna Cotta with Strawberry Compote...
...the classic sweet, nutty and moist Tiramisu...
...the indulgent Chocolate Mousse with Amaretti Biscotti...
...and the Banana and Mango Zabaglione, one of my many favorites at Cucina's Deliziosa Italia. From antipasti to sumptuous mains and lavish desserts, Deliziosa Italia at Cucina is an epic celebration of authentic Italian flavors not to be missed. And if you're still hungry, there's the rest of the equally impressive international buffet spread including Asian, Filipino, Japanese, and the ever popular paella station to keep you busy.
The Deliziosa Italia food festival at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila's Cucina will run from August 14 to 27, 2018, offering traditional and comforting Italian cuisine along with the international buffet spread for both lunch and dinner at a special rate of only P 1,399 per person. Now that's a deal even old Paulie and his crew wouldn't pass up. And why not. When you have Italian cuisine alongside the extensive buffet selections at Cucina, every dining experience becomes a celebration. The next question is, lunch or dinner? Your call. But better hurry. Deliziosa Italia runs only until August 27...
Cucina is located at the 24th Level of the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Award Winner, Marco Polo Ortigas Manila, Meralco Avenue and Sapphire Street, Ortigas Center, Pasig City, Metro Manila or call 632 720-7777 for inquiries and more information.
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