“Passion” is what separates the “ordinary” from something
“special”. The Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya has an Italian chef
who exudes the passion of his homeland. There can be no ordinary meals from
Chef Alberto’s kitchen, because Alberto is no ordinary chef.
Chef
Alberto.
When it was decided that Alberto should host a wine
dinner in his Acqua Italian restaurant, he naturally chose an Italian
winemaker, as he wanted wines that would also not be “ordinary”. He chose
Lungarotti, a vineyard that is synonymous with Torgiano. Founded by Giorgio
Lungarotti in the early 60’s, the company now has at its helm sisters Chiara
Lungarotti and Teresa Severini. They have the passion to make wine that
Alberto can be passionate about too.
Everybody in Pattaya must be aware of just where the Centara Grand Mirage
Beach Resort is situated, but for the “newbies” this huge property is
accessed by going down Soi 18 from the Pattaya-Naklua Road. Go right to the
bottom of the soi and turn right and the Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort
is on your left. The entrance is a little hard to spot, but once there you
will find plenty of secure parking. Go in the main lobby and Acqua is on
your right, complete with welcoming staff.
On Wednesday May 15, Chef Alberto is hosting a Lungarotti Wine Dinner, with
five courses and six different wines, and at the amazing price of B. 1590++,
sounding just too good to be true. So, for the Dining Out team to give you
an idea of what this wine dinner is offering, it was necessary for the PR
manager Usa Pookpant to arrange with Alberto for us to come for a special
preview dinner, two weeks in advance, to get around the printing schedules
of a very busy weekly newspaper.
The evening began with a
small reception around the bar at 7.30 p.m., sipping a very palatable Pinot
Grigio while indulging some “Prosciutto al taglio, salami e tante altre cose
buone,” which is Parma ham on the bone, salami and condiments.
With the palates suitably primed it was time for the Antipasto (8 p.m.)
which was (in English) braised broad beans with smoked “pancetta”, poached
egg and crutin truffle cheese fondue, served in a black iron crucible. This
course will be taken with an Aurente Chardonnay.
The second course was a Tuscany soup of cereals and legumes with
“bruschetta” and Colonnata’s lard. Chef Alberto described this as “an ugly
soup” (to look at), but I found it very enjoyable to eat. The bruschetta
very salty, offset by the soup stock and the accompanying Rubesco Rosso di
Torgiano wine.
The first Main course (Primo in Italian) was a Carnaroli risotto with
Porcini mushroom and Addobo Parma ham. This was a very filling dish, and I
suggest you begin to pace yourself from here on in, as there is much more
food to come. This was taken with the Rubesco Rosso Riserva, Chef Alberto
placing much emphasis on the “Riserva” category!
The second main course was a grilled Fiorentina steak
with a choice of sauces and aromatic salts on potato cake. This steak was
served with three sauces, and a choice of four different salt crystals. The
smoked salt I found quite amazing! The wine with the steak is a Sagrantino
di Montefalco.
By this stage I was definitely struggling, and had to pass on the gourmet
cheese course. Fortunately Madame had left some space and relished the blue
cheese, with honey walnuts and fruit jams. The cheese is taken with a Dulcis
Vino Liquoroso.
The Lungarotti wine dinner is a most enjoyable way to spend an indulgent
evening. Even though the courses were just too much in the end, we
thoroughly enjoyed the (pre)event, and we are sure you will too. With the
effusive Alberto stage managing everything, you will be entertained, and at
the advertised price of B. 1590++, this is fantastic value for money. Make a
booking as the numbers are limited by the size of the Acqua restaurant!
Acqua Italian Restaurant, Centara Grand Mirage Beach
Resort Pattaya, 277 M5, open daily, 6.30 p.m. until 10.30 p.m., telephone
038 301 234,
www.centarahotelsresorts.com, secure parking in the resort car
parks.
