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 its distinguished reputation for offering a myriad of exceptional gastronomic experiences and an unparalleled variety of cuisines. Among the luxe resort’s sought-after outlets is Acqua, a gastronomic haven renowned for its contemporary Italian cuisine.

After overcoming the pandemic and Typhoon Odette, Acqua has officially reopened its doors to the public, eager to showcase fresher, authentic Italian fare. To mark its return, the team 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.

A wine pairing event were select guests, patrons, and friends from the media gathered to indulge in an exquisite feast featuring wines from Rhône Valley winemaker, Luc Baudet.

The winemaker, Luc Baudet made sure to enlighten diners on the unique gastronomic line of fine wines. It was the perfect avenue to introduce selections expertly curated by Shangri-La Mactan Cebu’s new Italian Chef, Luca D’Amora. During the curated Italian full-course dinner by the distinguished chef — Guests indulged in a sensory feast expertly paired with exquisite wines 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 2019 and Clos des Centernaires Grenache Vieilles Vignes Rouge 2020, Pays d’ Oc, and Clos de Centenaires Art Rouge 2018, Pays d’ Oc.

Acqua Proudly Welcomes its New Italian Head Chef, Luca D’ Amor

Shangri-La Mactan Cebu’s new Italian Chef, Luca D’Amora.

Acqua’s tasteful, tropical interiors are set to reopen and welcome gastronomes, with fresh and authentic selections under the wing of its new Head Chef. Armed with 15 years of experience in Italian Cuisine, Chef Luca D’Amora has honed his craft while working with global teams in various 5-star hotels around the world, including 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, such as renowned restaurants Gualtiero Marchesi and Pierino Penati, both located in Italy.

Shangri-La Mactan Cebu’s new head Italian Chef, Luca D’Amora, with Acqua chefs.

The young and dynamic Italian Chef shares his love for the rich and diverse culture of his home country to discerning diners through his newly curated selections. As a native of Napoli, also known as the Land of Pizza, Chef Luca shares how he found his passion for cooking in a place full of tradition and a thousand nuances. Growing up with a professional wood-burning oven at home, his grandfather used to spend Sundays baking pizza for the whole family. This served as his inspiration on how he revamped Acqua’s menu to feature delectable options, with its main offering being Italian pizza that comprises of eight (8) selections of classic ingredients ranging from different kinds of vegetables to meats, all baked to perfection. Pizzas include Marinara, Margherita, Diavola among the many flavours and varieties.

Acqua, a gastronomic haven renowned for its contemporary Italian cuisine.

Acqua’s menu, which will officially be launched on May 14 in time for this year’s Mother’s Day festivities, will feature an assortment of culinary delights, like Fegattini di Pollo, Tagliere di Salumi and Insalata di Mare as appetizers (antipasti e zuppe), pastas and risotto’s like Puttanesca, Vongole and Risotto Pere e Zola, and even well-loved courses (secondo) like Tagliata di Manzo or Rump Cap Wagyu and Agnello Scottadito also known as Grilled Lamb Rack. To end the entire journey on a sweet note, 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 sure to provide guests with a complete epicurean sojourn to Italy.

The Acqua service team with Shangri-La Mactan Director of Operations, Somik Banerjee (left most) and Shangri-La Mactan Director of Food and Beverage, John Kow (right most).

For those seeking to partake in a delightful Italian gourmet experience, Acqua is situated at the Ocean Wing Poolside of Shangri-La Mactan Cebu and operates during lunch from 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM and during dinner from 6:00 PM to 10:30 PM, Mondays to Sundays. For table reservations, guests may contact (6332) 231 0288 or email fbreservations.mac@shangri-la.com.

About Shangri-La

Shangri-La, an iconic flagship brand of the Shangri-La Group, puts heartfelt service at the core of its distinctive Asian hospitality experience. Through imaginative and nature-inspired design, delightful culinary and cultural experiences, and its authentic and thoughtful service, the brand enables guests to realise their own moments of Shangri-La.

Today, the brand experience is brought to life in over 80 deluxe hotels and resorts at destinations around the world, including Australia, Canada, Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR and Taiwan, Fiji, France, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mongolia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Sultanate of Oman, Thailand, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.

A transformation of the award-winning Golden Circle loyalty programme, Shangri-La Circle was officially launched in April 2022 as an aspirational travel lifestyle platform that connects all of Shangri-La’s brands, hotels and restaurants. As curators of the good life, Shangri-La Circle guides guests to discover their personal Shangri-La and offers a selection of travel and lifestyle offerings, captivating rewards, and unparalleled access to the best Asian hospitality. To enrol or learn more, visit Shangri-La Circle. For more information, please visit Shangri-La.com.