Anzanis cook up luxurious cuisine for Cebuanos

While Cebu is positioned as an upscale tourism destination in the Philippines, an Italian chef together with his Cebuana wife ventured into opening a luxurious dining facility in Cebu, called "Anzani."

Young couple Marco and Kate Anzani opened the Mediterranean lifestyle restaurant at Panorama Heights, Nivel Hills, Lahug.

Kate, whose family owns the Dychangco Group of Companies got the support from her father Renato Dychangco to utilize part of the family-owned estate formerly the area where Café Orchidia was located and transform it into a "restaurant destination."

Apart from opening the chic resto "Anzani", the company also opened an African inspired theme restaurant adjacent to "Anzani" called "Out of Africa".

The couple is focusing on introducing the total lifestyle food service, as they considered the place as an "extension" of their home.

Anzani offers a luxurious ambiance as Chef Marco offers personalized menu to clients.

Armed with a vision to recreate the best of their travels around the world, the couple established "Anzani" to cater to those that want and need the "personal touch".

The Ala Carte cuisine is offered at the 70-seat capacity indoor dining room. A 10-seat private dining is specifically designed for exclusive meetings and occasions, which the chef defines as "red plate."

"There is no menu for this room. Chef Marco creates according to his mood," said Kate.

This elegant multi-million-peso dining destination also boasts of its largest underground wine cellar in town, with 1,250 choices of wine, with prices ranging from P700 to P50,000 per bottle.

Kate, who earned a bachelor's degree from Le Cordon Bleu in restaurant business and catering events management, said that Cebu should be provided with good, luxurious find dining restaurants as it has become a favorite alternative destination for affluent foreigners, as well as domestic travelers.

Anzani Resto also offers a champagne and cocktail bar concept at the Al Fresco area of the restaurant called "Bellini Bar."

What's more intriguing about this new restaurant concept for Cebu is it showcases Cebu's finest furniture pieces.

"We [often] hear of Cebu furniture and home accessories used in Dubai or in the United States. This time, our patrons will see these world class furniture pieces here," she stressed.

Amid the global financial turmoil, the couple believes that "Anzani" is a perfect refuge for "stressed out" individuals as it is located in a place where ambiance—style, comfort, and experiential dining, is a priority.

Chef Marco, celebrated by the New York Times as one of the pioneer founders of "New Mediterranean Cuisine" introduces to Cebu, coastal Mediterranean flavors on a spin.

Chef Marco has 25 years of industry experience exploring 30 cities in 18 countries in the world’s seven continents.