Few hours ago, we found ourselves lounging at the Straight Up bar atop Seda Hotel Atria. It was for the press launch for the hotel's upcoming gastronomic event called "La Buona Cucina Italiana".
So how would one translate "La Buona Cucina Italiana"? Among ourselves, we offered our own interpretation but literally and word for word it means "the good Italian kitchen". But before you imagine yourself scuffling around the kitchens of Seda Hotel looking for something Italian to indulge in, Google translates the whole phrase as "good Italian food". And everybody agreed or in Italian "concordato"
"La Buona Cucina Italiana is a travelling themed gastronomic series presented by the SEDA Hotel network across the country" opens up Angela Deocampo-Tan, Communications Officer of SEDA Atria. "It started at SEDA BGC at Fort Bonifacio in Manila and made rounds at SEDA Centrio in Cagayan de Oro City, SEDA Nuvali in Laguna and SEDA Abreeza in Davao City."
"And now in Iloilo, SEDA Atria welcomes Chef Salvatore de Vincentis" adds Angela. Chef Salvatore definitely brings authentic Italian flavors to this SEDA promotional event across the country. Born in Sorrento, Italy (a cliffside hanging resort town famous its lemons and limoncello liquer - thanks Rick Steves!), Chef Salvatore learned to cook the way all great Italian chefs learned to cook - at the side of his mother. “The most important thing is the tomatoes,” he says. With a sparkle in his eyes, an energetic spirit and an Italian accent that is much thicker than the sauce you’ll find ladled over your pasta.
At 15, he enrolled renowned Sorrento Culinary School at the same time worked at his uncle’s restaurant in Naples, an hour away. By the age of 19 he had graduated from the well-known culinary institute and had apprenticed regularly at the side of the masters. With his technical expertise and his practical experience Salvatore has traveled has lent his touch, his flair, his creativity and imagination at some of the most popular restaurants and hotels around the world. The lists includes Sheratons, Hyatts, and JW Marriotts and in places like Barcelona, The Bahamas, Miami, Dubai and Hongkong. And in In the Philippines, he worked with EDSA Shangri-La and Solaire Resort and Casino.
So what's in store for Iloilo? "Chef Salvatore will be preparing well-loved Italian regional dishes presented in modern, creative ways– a first for Iloilo." says Angela. These dishes, she continued, will be as pleasing to the sight as they are to the taste buds as the chef will use only the freshest of ingredients, including famous cheeses and lemons from his country to ensure distinct and authentic Italian flavors.
LA BUONA CUCINA ITALIANA at SEDA ATRIA, ILOILO
Chef Salavtore de Vincentis introduces LA BUONA CUCINA ITALIANA at Seda Hotel Iloilo. Read more >>> http://flavoursofiloilo.blogspot.com/2016/03/la-buona-cucina-italiana-at-seda-hotel.html
Posted by The PR & Events Circuit on Thursday, 17 March 2016
Diners at SEDA can experience La Buona Cucina Italiana at two venues - Straight Up bar and at Misto restaurant. These savory dishes will be served the “apericena” way (combination of “aperitif” and “cena” or evening meal) where dishes are in tasting portions in an appetizer buffet.
At Straight Up bar, these cocktails comes with an Italian "Wine Buffet" - yes, white and red wine to your hearts content! For Misto, it will be integrated within the existing buffet offering with its own Italian corner.
The menu includes an assortment of Italian Cold Cuts, Assorted Italian Cheeses - Pecorino, Fontal and Provolone, a Bruschetta station with assorted Italian breads and crostini with toppings (olives, anchovies, etc) and spreads, Heat Lamp station with Calamari, Italian Meatballs, Pasta in martini glasses, Risotto, Arancini (fried stuffed rice balls, coated with breadcrumbs and filled with mozzarella) and desserts - strawberry/blueberry panna cotta, choco mouse, tiramisu and fresh fruits.
To cap off the night of "good Italian food", Chef Salvatore shares his words of wisdom "I always cook with all my heart because diners can sense a chef’s passion in the way the food is presented. I wish for everyone to have a fabulous dining experience and my message is simple: sit, eat, and enjoy! Indeed, we sat under the starry Iloilo skies, ate deliciously crafter Italian specialties and enjoyed the night, while it was still young.
And to all who will also be trying this over the weekend, we say "buon appetito!"
And to all who will also be trying this over the weekend, we say "buon appetito!"