Boun giorno Bella! Come stai?
What makes your family sit together happily and make you all connected?
It’s food, right?!
And slowness of course, Enjoying a meal with friends or family is the main ingredients of any Italian dish.
No one will argue with the fact that food in Italy is out of this world. Well-made, rich in taste and texture and guaranteed to leave you hungry for more, there’s nothing quite like Italian cuisine.
And similar in the Philippines, food is very important in the Italian culture. Italian Moms or Grandma or Auntie will serve you food like there is always a feast because they always think you are under-weight and you need to eat, and that’s normal. Italian folks loves to see their famiglia eating together and enjoying every bite happily.
If you’ve been in Italy, you would know that the best meal of the day is lunch. The Italian lunches is the best and unique that could experience at least once.
Italian lunch usually starts at 12noon and 1:00PM, and can last literally all day, sometimes even until dinner time. It’s the main occasion to bring the extended family together, and the only time all courses are included.
In Italy the main course is usually split in two, primo and secondo (first and second courses). Primo consists always of pasta, risotto or a soup like minestrone. Traditionally, pasta is freshly hand-made on the same day. Secondo varies from region to region but is usually based on meat or fish, with countless side dishes. Usually at family gatherings it’s all about traditional local food. This means the food will be excellent, locally sourced and tested countless times.
This month of June, Marco Polo Ortigas Manila showcasing a grand Italian festa that brings the true staples of the beautiful Italia for the Italian holiday—authentic food, rich culture, and impeccable art.
Last Saturday, we’ve got invited to celebrate an Italian lunch festa at Cucina Marco Polo Ortigas Manila after the Master Cooking Demo with Chef Andrea Delzanno. Together with his Filipino team, they’ve served us with these heart-warming Italian foods the way Italians do it.
With guest chef and Italian native from Marco Polo Hongkong, Chef Andrea Delzanno, comes a fusion of centuries-old traditions of the Italian cuisine with an innovative twist. Just like how art is produced in Rome, Chef Andrea prepares his dishes with a full attention to details, coming up with exquisite, satisfying, and purely delizioso dishes, carefully-crafted to a true Italian taste.
As he comes over to head the five-day-long Italian promotion with passion and culinary magic, discover a bold palette of flavours from a great variety of fine ingredients at Cucina, from June 7 to 18, for lunch and dinner.
Feast on a selection of antipasti such as Parma ham and melon, and tomato and mozzarella caprese; roasted lamb rack with garlic and herbs, and stewed chicken cacciatora style, cooked the most Italian way. Fine risotto with mushrooms, and penne black truffle cream sauce will also be included in this sumptuous spread.
It could be also perfect place to celebrate Father’s Day at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila!
Explore a culinary journey to the heart of the Mediterranean, with the bold palette of flavours of the beautiful Italia this June 7 to 18, 2017 at Cucina. Feast on pizza, pasta, and tiramisu—Italian treasures for you to discover, and love even more.
Molto Grazie Marco Polo for the wonderful invitation.
Never missed it. It would be fantastic experience for you and your famiglia.
Ciao, Bella!
Un Bacio, Blair
The Molto Grazie Marco Polo restaurant looks like they have amazing food. Love the buffet style.
ReplyDeleteMolto Grazie Tasheena! Yeah and my tummy was so happy too!
DeleteMy mum is Italian, so I grew up with a love for Italian food. This place (and your photos) looks amazing! I'd love to go one day.
ReplyDeleteChristie's Take on Life. xx
Thank you Christie! When you go Italian, hating food is a sin!
DeleteFood is art. It is what unites people. It is what makes the world go round. I've had the pleasure of tasting Italian cuisine once and this post is making me long for a second dose.
ReplyDeleteOhh that's what I feel too. If I will have a second life, I would like to be an Italian.
DeleteOh! my fasting month temptation. I need to go for Italian menu tonight.
ReplyDeleteOh its okay. You can always go Italian food after your fasting.
DeleteWow these dishes look delicious! I love the family culture of Italians and I would love to visit there again one day! Especially after reading this blog post :)
ReplyDeleteOh you are so sweet, thank you Samantha.
DeleteAnd let us know your favorite Italian cuisine on your next post.
All that food looks awesome, Italian food is amazing. The buffet style looks awesome and the photos are great. I'm sure you had a great time.
ReplyDeleteNo diet for that day. When you choose Italian food, forget about dieting because it's a sin, lol
DeleteThis looks so great! My husband is italian and I love when we´re in italy... it´s just such a different lifestyle
ReplyDeletewww.livanies.com
Yeah that's same what my Italian boyfriend always telling me. Life is so easy.. but he doesn't like it much. He is workaholic.
DeleteWow, I've loved Italian food & this seems to be such a great destination for me!
ReplyDeletewww.mommyinme.com
Yeah, Chef Andrea is such a talented cook. I love his foods a lot.
DeleteWow! This is absolutely sensational and I wish I was eating this spread right now! I love Italian food the most!
ReplyDeleteWhat is you most favorite Italian food?
DeleteNice place to celebrate Father's day. Will bring my father there to enjoy the delicious lunch.
ReplyDeleteYou Dad will enjoy the foods at Marco Polo :)
DeleteThis is a great variety of food!
ReplyDeleteThank you Jia! Keep on exploring my blog :)
DeleteOh my my..! All these food looks delicious. I like the Italian culture.
ReplyDeleteIt is hard to resist. I haven't meet anyone who doesn't like Italian foods.
DeleteOh my my..! All these food looks delicious. I like the Italian culture.
ReplyDeleteLove it a lot babe!
DeleteWow this restaurant looks incredible! I absolutely love the Italian cuisine something about bringing people together and enjoying delicious food. You just can't beat it you've really captured the place perfectly the food looked yummy
ReplyDeleteYeah, you'll know its Italian when you have to enjoy the food for long hours, just sitting, eating and chatting with friend and family, until the next round. Its amazing and so relax.
DeleteYum! I love Italian food so much. I'm always happy to check out places with Italian food. This looks scrumptious.
ReplyDeleteMaybe that's one of the reason why I love my boyfriend a lot.
DeleteWow that's such a spread. I wouldnt have known where to even start. Thanks for all the pictures too.
ReplyDeleteYou are always welcome. I hope I made you hungry, LOL seriously.
DeleteWow! What a presentation! The Paella looks awesome. I love your glasses Blair. It's a good look for you.
ReplyDeleteThank you dear! I have to wear it or else I wouldn't recognize whose waiving at me.
Deletewa I am drooling. all the food look so yummy
ReplyDeleteSorry I made you hungry again Wai Yee.
DeleteWhat a great italian feast, I'm drooling all over my keyboard! Looks like you had amazing food and a great time!
ReplyDeleteI am and am so lucky to enjoy the first dibz!
DeleteOMG, I would just die and go to heaven at this place! The food looks simply amazing! And while authentic is great, fusion is always wonderful too!
ReplyDeleteOne thing that I haven't tried that time is their wine. I need to come back and enjoy it!
DeleteThis place looks delicious! I love Italian food, I would love to check this place out.
ReplyDeleteYou are always welcome here in Marco Polo Ortigas Manila!
DeleteThis post made me hungry! Everything looks so yummy! I love Italian food and the slow-paced family-oriented dining style.
ReplyDeleteFamily + Food = FUN!
DeleteYour images are making me so hungry. Definitely interested in participate in this.
ReplyDeleteThank you Anonymous! You are so sweet even you are hiding!
DeleteCome to papa now! Oh my God! The food! The food!
ReplyDeleteI am speechless. hahaha.
I am sure you had a great time there.
I am! Oh now I feel like I want to go back at Marco Polo and have my feast part 2.
Deletethe food looks so yummy!!make me hungry now!!
ReplyDeleteSorry but not so sorry babe. Food is life!
DeleteThe food looks reallyyy delicious. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteYou are always welcome here Iman.
Deleteas an Italian myself I must say I am very jealous and all of this food looks amazing!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Tiffany. Which part of Italy are you?
DeleteThis place looks amazing and the food so yummy I bet you enjoy a lot, for sure if I had the chance I would love to visit. Seriously felt in love with the seafood and the rice, well everything I am not going to lie.
ReplyDeleteHahaha thank you Lorena, okay okay they are so delicious I know you are feeling hungry now.
DeleteBeautiful mix of flavors and there's definitely nothing like Italian Cuisine. I'm glad you had an amazing time there! It's worth going to!
ReplyDeleteWorth every bite Carol.
DeleteI wouldn't leave the grill station probably if I go! Great Pictures.
ReplyDeleteThank you Pranali!
DeleteI love the Italian cuisine and would love to explore this restaurant. Your pictures speak for itself how delicious its food is!
ReplyDeleteThank you Ana. I am continuously inspired with your very kind comments.
DeleteOh wow! That's a lot of food. I want to try an Italian lunch some day
ReplyDeleteOh you must try it during Sunday's lunch. You'll LOVE it AF.
DeleteAll those antipasti choices look delicious! This is definitely a place where I'd pig out!
ReplyDeleteYeah and always be ready to have an full tummy when you leave the restaurant.
DeleteWow! What an amazing array of food. I am getting hungry just looking at the photos!
ReplyDeleteOMG Thanks Kelly. Keep on exploring my page for more foodie post. But grab yourself with some crackers because my page is freaking will make you super hungry.
DeleteAll the food looks so delicious. Great place to dine. Great photos.
ReplyDeleteThank you Cynthia :)
Deleteawww... look tasty ... Italian food lover
ReplyDeleteGlad you visit again dear! What is your most favorite Italian food, aside from pizza?
DeleteWe are big lovers of Italian food. I love your photos. This looks like an amazing place. That giant fish is scary!
ReplyDeleteSalmon feast!
DeleteThis is a foodie's dream! I don't eat meat anymore, but I can never say no to a delicious dish of pasta!
ReplyDeleteMe too. I ate less meat, but when I go to Italian restaurant, everything is gone.
DeleteThese photos make me so hungry! The food looks absolutely amazing :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Nadine, time to visit your nearest Italian restaurant now.
DeleteOh wow look at dish portion! Can I just have it all, would definitely want to visit this awesome Italy Restaurant.
ReplyDeleteLet me know if you'll visit Manila. I'll take you there!
DeleteAll the food looks appetizing! Quite a big spread there. But I am a small eater, would be tempting me too much.
ReplyDeleteAm also a have small appetite, but with these amazing foods, I tried my best not to have a diet :)
DeleteWow- What an amazing selection of goodies! Everything looks delish!
ReplyDeleteHahaha each time am checking this post, I felt so hungry. I think it's time to visit Marco Polo again :)
DeleteSuch a scrumptious buffet spread, i wish to go back to Manila soon.
ReplyDeleteOh you better stay at Marco Polo Ortigas. They are awesome.
DeleteThis restaurant looks awesome. I have a friend who loves italiano good, she's gonna love to read this article.
ReplyDeleteThat's great then! Oh many your friend is a good cook too.
DeleteOMG this looks amazing! the food... all that food! Italian food is always so good! xx corinne
ReplyDeleteHello Corinne,
DeleteYou are right! What are your top 5 favorite Italian cuisine?
Wow, you're so lucky to be invited! I've lived a few years in Florence and seeing this makes me absolutely 'homesick'. It must have been delicious! Un abbraccio!
ReplyDeleteWow, you're so lucky to be invited! I've lived a few years in Florence and seeing this makes me absolutely 'homesick'. It must have been delicious! Un abbraccio!
ReplyDeleteOh that's great Nena, I am also dreaming Florence and enjoying its traditional food, and experience market shopping. They say it is fantastic experience.
DeleteWow looks like you had a great time. Food looks delicious
ReplyDeleteYeah I went home with a full-tummy!
DeleteI visited in Italy a few years back, and the first part of your post reminded me of my gastronomic experiences there. On another note, I should have read this post before I last visited Manila, almost an year back.
ReplyDeleteYou can always come back!
DeleteThe restaurant is amazing, and that looks tasty. Italian food is not always the real ones everywhere, but we are glad you find the real taste on it.
ReplyDeleteYeah, more reason I want to visit Italy because only from Italian homes and kitchen you will experience authentic Italian cuisines, and hospitality.
Delete