Real Italian fare in Boracay

MANILA, Philippines - Italian chef Marco Ghezzi of Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort and Spa pays homage to authentic Italian cooking with the recent launch of Rima’s new á la carte menu.

The resort’s award-winning Italian restaurant is perched on a tree house and creates a relaxed atmosphere where guests get a full vista of the property’s landscape and the ocean. 

“We changed the entire menu, from starters to dessert. The old menu was creatively inspired, but is suited for modern Italian fine dining. We realized that many diners who are on vacation in Boracay are searching for novelty and authenticity and that is what we will offer,” says Chef Marco.

The chef wanted the menu to reflect a wide range of regional Italian cuisines, though predominantly inspired by dishes from Lombardy and Tuscany, where he gained much of his culinary experience.

He adds, “Italy has many different regions, each with its own subtle flavors and styles of cooking.  It is my wish that diners who come to Rima will gain better appreciation of authentic Italian cuisine.”

Chef Marco hails from the city of Milan, the capital of Lombardy. Reliving his fond memories of traditional Milanese fare inspired him to introduce dishes, such as Risotto classico alla Milanese (classic Milanese risotto), Minestrone tradizionale Lombardo and Carpaccio di manzo (raw thinly sliced beef with freshly shaved Parmesan cheese, truffle oil and crisp arugula leaves).

Chef Marco has more than 18 years of professional culinary experience. Prior to joining the Shangri-La group in 2010, he was a sous chef at a leading hotel in Milan, Italy. He has worked for several iconic establishments in Italy, including the Restaurant Trigabolo.

(Rima is open for dinner from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.For inquiries and reservations, call (6336) 288-4988or e-mail [email protected].)