Photo ops at Paparazzi

There's a new chef in town, and guess what, he's only 25 years old!

Edsa Shangri-La invited me to try the new menu of Chef Robert Cimmino, the chef de cuisine at their primo Italian resto, Paparazzi. He was born in Marino near Rome and used to help his grandmother prepare the traditional Sunday lunch for their family. Ceg Rob studied at Michelangelo Buonarroti in Fiuggi for 5 years and comes from a 6-year stint in China. Like me, likes to take photos of his own food too!

They had sent me a mask with the invite and requested me to bring it. Of course, silly me didn't read the fine print and I was supposed to decorate it. Oops!

Luckily, the intelligent people at Edsa Shang provided extra masks, assorted sequins, feathers and other fun things for decorating with as I was not the only one who forgot my assignment. I chose a unfussy black swan theme for my mask.

Chef Rob in action

 Chef Rob did a cooking demo for us to see how easily he prepared his dishes. He prepared a 5-course degustation menu, which I really prefer as you get to try all the dishes without feeling too full afterwards. Plus, they paired some very nice wines with them as well :)

Gorgeous table centerpieces made in Italy (front)

(back) Which view do you prefer?

Freshly baked bread

First course: Aragosta

The first course of lobster carpaccio, vanilla infused oil, classic lobster tomato emulsion, roots and leaves, gelato of balsamico and dried raspberries, tomato mango and cilantro salad was a light and delicious starter to the meal. I love those microgreens! They paired this with Bella Mia Bianco Cataratto & Chardonnay 2009, a crisp, fruity white.

Second course: Paccheri

The second course was paccheri with scallops, porcini and arugula ragout served with seaweed consomme was paired with Solepapa Frascati Malvasia Bianco & Trebbiano Tuscano 2009. The assortment flavors were good but I prefer a less thick sort of pasta.

Third course: Wagyu

The Wagyu course was braised Wagyu short ribs served with morel and black truffle., served with Chianti Docg Sangiovese 2009. The beef was extremely tender and tasty though I would've liked to have more morels! And truffle for that matter.

Fourth course: Merluzzo

 The next dish was of cod fillet, roasted and poached in seafood consomme and seafood stew. This was served with Orvietto Classico Grechetto and Procanico 2009. My seatmate had a very interesting story about Merluzzo; now it will forever have a different meaning for me!

Dessert: Cioccolato

 "Chocolate can't quit" is what it said in this menu and it was (from left to right) a chocolate Grand Cru cigar filled with marscapone orange chocolate mousse, gelato of Gianduja truffled truffle and the best ever, a small bombolone.

Now, I must tell you, that bombolone was the BOMB! It was like a little doughnut filled with rich chocolate. Simply amazing, I ate another one but left the rest of the chocolate. That evens out calorie-wise, doesn't it?

Extra extra

 We were treated to a husband and wife team, baritone and sporano, respectively who belted out tunes such as Nessun Dorma and hits from Phantom of the Opera. It was a very enjoyable evening with great food and even better company.

You too can come and try Chef Rob's menu of sophisticated dishes showcasing quality ingredients for lunch Monday to Friday and for dinner daily.

Many thanks to Leslie and GM Henry Lee!

P.S. I did not win an overnight stay for 2 at Edsa Shang for my Black Swan mask but the lady who did win had her mask decorated in pink glitter by her daughter! Kids have an eye for decorating like no one eye...

Paparazzi

2/F Edsa Shangri-La Manila

1 Garden Way Ortigas Center Madaluyong City

tel +632.633.8888

www.shangri-la.com