Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu reopens Acqua with a Rhône Valley Wine Pairing Event and Fresh Selections by New Italian Head Chef
Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu takes pride in offering a bevy of exceptional gastronomic experiences and an unparalleled variety of cuisines. Among the luxe resort’s soughtafter outlets is Acqua – a gastronomic haven that’s famed for its take on contemporary Italian cuisine.
After overcoming the pandemic and Typhoon Odette, Acqua has officially reopened, eager to showcase fresher takes on traditional Italian fare. To celebrate its reopening, the resto recently hosted a wine pairing event for select guests, patrons and friends from the media, wherein sophisticates gathered to indulge in an exquisite feast featuring wines from Rhône Valley.
The winemaker, Luc Baudet, made sure to enlighten diners on the provenance of his line of fine wines. It was the perfect occasion to introduce selections expertly curated by Shangri-La Mactan Cebu’s new Italian Chef, Luca D’Amora.
During a curated Italian full-course dinner by the distinguished chef, guests indulged in a sensory feast that was expertly paired with exquisite selections like Luc Baudet Côtes Du Rhône “Rive Droite” Blanc 2021, Clos de Centenaires Roussane Blanc 2020, Pays d’ Oc, Clos de Centenaires Art Blanc 2019, Pays d’ Oc, Luc Baudet, Côtes Du Rhône “Rive Droite” Rouge 2019and Clos des Centernaires Grenache Vieilles Vignes Rouge 2020, Pays d’ Oc, and Clos de Centenaires Art Rouge 2018, Pays d’ Oc.
Acqua’s Chef Luca D’Amora
Acqua’s tasteful, tropical interiors welcomes gastronomes with fresh and authentic Italian selections by Chef Luca
Armed with fifteen years’ experience in Italian cuisine, Chef Luca honed his craft while working with teams in various 5-star hotels around the world – including the Soho House Hotel and Taj Coromandel Hotel in India, Long Beach Resort in Mauritius Islands, and Baglioni Hotel in London.
Chef Luca’s impressive background also includes working in Michelin-starred establishments like the renowned Gualtiero Marchesi and Pierino Penati, which are both located in Italy.
The young Italian Chef shares his love for the rich and diverse culture of his home country through a curated selection of specials. A native of Napoli, also known as the Land of Pizza, the chef grew with a professional wood-burning oven at home, and his grandfather used to spend Sundays baking pizza for the whole family.
This served as the inspiration on how he revamped Acqua’s menu to feature delectable options, with its main offering being Italian pizza that comprises of eight selections of traditional ingredients covering various vegetables and meats. Pizza selections include Marinara, Margherita and Diavola, among many others.
The new menu also highlights appetizers like Fegattini di Pollo, Tagliere di Salumi and Insalata di Mare, pastas like Puttanesca, Vongole and Risotto Pere e Zola, specials like Tagliata di Manzo or Rump Cap Wagyu and Agnello Scottadito, also known as Grilled Lamb Rack.
Desserts like Semifreddo ai Lamponi or Raspberry and Lemon Parfait and an array of Regional Italian Cheeses, Selezione di Formaggi con Confettura e Miele, are part of Acqua’s new menu highlights.
Acqua is nestled in the Ocean Wing Poolside of Shangri-La Mactan Cebu and operates during lunch from 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM, dinners from 6:00 PM to 10:30 PM, Mondays to Sundays. For table reservations and/or inquiries may call (6332) 231 0288 or email fbreservations. mac@shangri-la.com.