Italian Flair: A Pizza Acrobat and Classic Italian Cuisine at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila's La Vita Italia

Fresh and savory toppings masterfully laid on a rustic crust fresh from the oven. Nothing quite celebrates the Italian flair of fresh and vibrant flavors as a traditional pizza showcasing the pizzaiolo's craft. Now you can see it up close and rediscover authentic Italian cuisine...at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila's La Vita Italia.

After the successful Ilonggo food festival featuring local regional cuisine (more on my earlier post at Kaon 'Ta sa Cucina! Savor Ilonggo Flavors at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila's Cucina), Marco Polo Ortigas Manila crosses the continent to the rich and hearty flavors of Italy with La Vita Italia. And world renowned pizza acrobat, Pasqualino Barbasso, comes along for an exciting ride...

Two-time world champion of pizza acrobatics Chef Pasqualino Barbasso adds that distinctive Italian flair to Marco Polo Ortigas Manila's La Vita Italia with his dazzling performances. Tossing pizza has always been entertaining, but Pasqualino Barbasso transforms a toss into a spectacle taking it to a whole new level. The renowned Italian pizzaiolo is driven by a mission, to make high quality pizza in the most entertaining way. One toss followed by a twirl and a flip and you'll immediately get it. This man is on fire. And with true Italian flair. Pasqualino Barbossa's winning moves are just some of the exciting treats that await guests at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila.

Marco Polo Ortigas Manila features the bright Italian tri-colors for La Vita Italia starting August 28 to September 15, 2019 with a lavish array of tasty Italian-inspired offerings at the Connect Lounge and Cucina. Chef Pasqualino Barbasso (R) makes it a real Italian experience with his award-winning moves...

At the exclusive media preview of Marco Polo Ortigas Manila's La Vita Italia launch at Cucina, Chef Pasqualino Barbasso presents the lavish buffet spread of Italian dishes, including a selection of pizza and pasta dishes along with the regular international offerings for both lunch and dinner (for more on Marco Polo's Cucina, see my earlier post, The British are Coming...The British Invasion at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila).

Tossing pizza is natural thing for Pasqualino Barbasso. Growing up in his family's pizzeria in the Sicilian province of Agrigento, Pasqualino Barbasso now travels the world sharing his art and passion for pizza. This August and September, Marco Polo Ortigas Manila is on his itinerary.

Guests can expect a dazzling show at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila's La Vita Italia, along with some tasty Italian dishes. Chef Pasqualino Barbasso is flanked by the Italian Ambassador, His Excellency Giorgio Guglielmino (L) and Marco Polo Ortigas Manila's Gemeral Manager, Frank Reichenbach at the media preview of La Vita Italia. Here's a peek at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila's Italian-inspired offerings..

Start your Italian experience at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila with some soothing cocktails. At the Connect Lounge, guests can enjoy a tipple with refreshing cocktails inspired by the Italian countryside and some tasty bites in the bright and elegant space with stunning views of the Ortigas commercial and business district...

...with the Dolce Cassis (P 279) and Verde Chiaro (P 279) available until September 15. Each sip soothes the palate, draping it with a subtle sweetness. Meanwhile, diners can also enjoy the special house-blend Limoncello and barrel-aged Negroni at Vu's Sky Bar and Lounge (for more on Vu's Sky Bar and Lounge, see my post, Before Sunset: Aperitivo at Vu's Sky Bar and Lounge).

Pair your cocktails with savory appetizers like the Tomato & Buffalo Mozzarella Bruschetta, weaving the tart notes of cherry tomatoes and the indulgent richness of creamy Mozzarella with each bite (for more on Marco Polo's Connect Lounge, see my previous post, Afternoon Tea High Up at the Marco Polo Ortigas Manila's Connect Lounge).

No Italian dining experience is complete without authentic gourmet pizza. And Marco Polo Ortigas Manila offers four unique pizzas masterfully prepared by Chef Pasqualino Barbasso...

...like the Pizza Grand Fume (P 950) topped with smoked salmon, burrata, arugula and cherry tomatoes drizzled with balsamic syrup. The decadent duo of smoked salmon and burrata gives this pizza an elegant richness perfectly tempered by the sharp notes of the arugula, cherry tomatoes and balsamic for delicately balanced flavors.

The Pizza Arrotolata (P 950) isn't your usual pizza with its folded crust stuffed with fresh artichokes, Parma Ham, Mozzarella, Parmesan, cherry tomatoes, arugula and balsamic syrup.

One bite delivers a play on contrasting notes with the Parma Ham balanced by the Mozzarella followed by the bright hints of Parmesan, cherry tomatoes and arugula and finished by the deep and sweet flavors of balsamic. It's an inventive pizza with a depth of flavors. And you'll only find it here at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila. Guests staying at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila can enjoy these special pizza creations by Chef Pasqualino Barbasso for room service from 10:30 am to 11:00 pm.

The selection of special pizzas created by master pizzaiolo Pasqualino Barbasso are rounded out by the Pizza Mediterranea (P 750) with eggplant, sun-dried tomatoes, Mozzarella and basil powder and the Pizza Piemontese (P 750) topped with beef, tuna, Mozzarella, capers, anchovies and garden-fresh lettuce.

The highlight of the special media preview featured Chef Pasqualino Barbasso prepping his pizza dough...

...for his much-awaited performance. One last dusting of flour and a final pat on the soft dough kicks off the show.

Slow yet deliberate and graceful moves transforms the dough, coming to life with each toss and flip.

In step with the lively beat of his curated playlist, Chef Pasqualino Barbasso increases the tempo...

...tossing the pizza dough high up in the air with speed and precision. Chef Pasqualino Barbasso's performance captivates the audience, and he has even more tricks up his sleeves..

Chef Pasqualino Barbasso works the dough, stretching and twirling it at a dizzying pace...

...while the dough maintains its shape and form. Impressed, the audience applauds with each toss, eagerly awaiting his next move.

Chef Pasqualino Barbasso then punches holes on the dough for an elegant pattern, twirls and tosses it with his signature moves. That's spinning, Italian style.

Tossing pizza is quite a sight but when Chef Pasqualino Barbasso spins three at the same time, that's just awesome. For Chef Pasqualino Barbasso, spinning three at once is a piece of cake. Or easy as pie.

That's one impressive show. But why not bring the kids along? Marco Polo Ortigas Manila lets your kids be a pizza master for a day as Chef Pasqualino Barbasso teaches the art of pizza making on September 1, open for children aged six to twelve years for only P 1,000 per registered young guest. Pizza Making classes will also be held on September 8 and 15 at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila. Interested parties can reserve their slots by calling +632 720-7720 or email at restaurant.mnl@marcopolohotels.com.

At Marco Polo Ortigas Manila's all-day dining buffet restaurant, Cucina, diners can expect a lavish and sumptuous spread of Italian dishes alongside international and local cuisine. At Cucina's Pasta Station, diners can savor comforting bowls of Vongole Pasta (L) and Pomodoro Pasta (R) prepared a la minute...

...paired with a slice of pizza to complete the Italian vibe.

That day, other homey Italian dishes served included the savory Puglian Braised Lamb...

...and the Seared Tuna Loin with Capers, Lemon, Tomato and Dill, each one recreating rustic Italian flavors.

Also that day, Cucina served a vegetarian version of Lasagna with zucchini draped in creamy cheese for a light and healthy alternative.

Then, there's the regular offerings of Cucina including their signature Paella...

...savory selections from the Carving Station...

...the day's freshest catch and succulent seafood from the Fresh Seafood Station...

...and intricate selections from the Japanese Sushi and Sashimi Station.

But save room for dessert. Cucina lays out a tempting array of confections and desserts to cap your feast on a high note. Guests can also visit Marco Polo Ortigas Manila's Cafe Pronto for more indulgent treats, like Panforte and Tiramisu until September 18 (more on Cafe Pronto and Marco Polo Ortigas Manila's other outlets from a staycation on my post, Exceptional Service That Exceeds Expectations: A Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Staycation at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila).

One more Mango Zabaione? Yes, please. This September, enjoy Italian flavors at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila's La Vita Italia with a distinctive Italian flair in true La Dolce Vita style. Andiamo!

For more information and reservations, please call (02) 7207720 or email restaurant.mnl@marcopolohotels.com. You can also log on to www.marcopolohotels.com for more details on the Hotel's on-going promotions. Subscribe to updates via social media through the Hotel's official social media accounts: facebook.com/MarcoPoloOrtigasManila and @MarcoPoloManila on Instagram and Twitter.

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