It was going to be only a matter of time before the culinary events and collaborations, that were so much a part of our pre-pandemic life, would make it’s much-anticipated comeback. Those were glory days indeed as there was always something exciting to look forward to. I would read about the chefs who were putting their kitchen genius together, and I start conjuring up in my mind what to expect on how their degustation would play out.
This weekend sees a two-part culinary happening taking place, and it features Chef Marco Anzani and Chef Sau del Rosario. Part one is a degustation menu with Italian wine pairings prepared by Chef Marco Anzani, and this takes place March 26, Saturday evening, 6:00 p.m., at One World Kitchen, 8491 Kalayaan Avenue, Makati.
And on Sunday, March 27, starting at 9:00 a.m. at Cafe Fleur, there’s an Italian-style brunch that will be prepared by guest Chef Marco and Cafe Fleur’s Chef Sau del Rosario. Cafe Fleur, if you haven’t still discovered this Poblacion gem, is at 5893 Enriquez St, Poblacion, Makati.
In truth, there’s much to be excited about if you’re a foodie, as these are two very different culinary experiences—one a structured degustation dinner, and the other, a casual, free-wheeling brunch. While Sau will be a well-known personage to all who’ve been followers of the Metro Manila and Angeles, Pampanga food scene, Marco may need a little bit of an introduction for those who don’t regularly go to Cebu.
As one of the pioneers of "New Mediterranean Cuisine," Chef Marco introduced these flavors, with a distinct personal spin, to Cebu. We’re talking of a chef with 35 years of experience tucked under his "toque," and one who has worked in 18 countries, five continents, and 30 cities. Anzani Headquarters in Cebu City is now on its 12th year, and in 2021, was awarded as one of only three sustainable restaurants given the Green Choice Seal with ISO 1400 Stamped ECP-GCP 2019034.
In 2017, the Miele Guide awarded his restaurant as the Best Restaurant in Cebu. This was followed in 2018 with a writeup in Vogue India as one of the must-visit restaurants in Cebu. During the pandemic, Anzani created a community project for the Saturday Farmers Market called Food Bank and developed a grocery line during the two-year lockdown.
It’s crystal clear to me that if you haven’t had the opportunity to sample Chef Marco’s cuisine, then this Saturday dinner and Sunday brunch are opportunities not to be missed.