Vespa Sighting: a scoot in Mandarin Oriental Manila’s lobby
Our website, WeddingsAtWork.com, was the online media partner of the wedding fair held last weekend at Mandarin Oriental Manila. After coordinating with Erika Aquino (the hotel’s Public Relations Manager), my wife handed the phone to me. Erika asked me if I’d be willing to lend my Vespa to the hotel for its upcoming Italian Food Festival at Paseo Uno. Though I wouldn’t normally pass up for an exposure like that, I also know that my scooter is only as Italian as Jolibee Spaghetti. 
Before we hung up, I promised Erika that I would seek the assistance of the Vespa Club through Wawel, our club president, so we could look a more suitable Vespa for their event. In the course of our email correspondence, we learned that the hotel preferred a vintage Vespa. Or a red one. Or better yet, a red vintage Vespa!
I personally felt it was a tall order considering the time constraints. But our club president was able to find the requested scoot within the day. It’s a fully-restored, vintage red Vespa S.S. (Super Sport). The scoot is owned by actor Gabe ‘Okay ka ba tyan!’ Mercado, who’s actually Wawel’s younger brother.
Here’s the Italian beauty by the hotel’s lobby.
The Italian Food Festival is happening until March 28. More info about the event after the jump.
Paseo Uno once again whets appetites with Cucina Romana, a week-long Italian Food Festival featuring guest chef Paolo Vitaletti. From March 22 to 28, Chef Paolo brings the cuisine of his homeland, Rome, to the interactive kitchens of Mandarin Oriental, Manila’s all-day dining buffet.
Guests can savour the diverse array of cheeses, antipasti, pasta selections and main courses. The menu items vary daily, but diners can look forward to such treats as salti in bocca di vitello (veal chop and fontina cheese, sage and parma ham); baccala con olive gaeta, pomodorino, limone (sautéed salted cod, olives, capers and fresh tomato); trippa di manzo alla romana (tomato and beef tripe stew with mint and pecorino); bucatini all’ amatriciana (bucatini pasta with tomato and pancetta); mezze maniche alla carbonara (mezze maniche pasta, egg and pancetta sauce); as well as an assortment of Italian cheeses, bruschette, and salads. For a sweet ending, Chef Paolo also prepares such desserts as classic zabaione, a creamy custard; torta di ricotta; tiramisu, and cannoli. Cucina Romana’s menu is available for both lunch and dinner at PHP1,480+++ for adults and PHP740+++ for children.
For those who wish to bring home the flavours of Italy, Chef Paolo Vitaletti — Bangkok-based Italian chef whose culinary expertise has taken him to five-star hotels and establishments all over the world, including the United States, Italy, England, Egypt and Jordan — conducts a special cooking demonstration on March 27, 9 am at The Tivoli. The cooking class is at PHP2,850+++, inclusive of a light continental breakfast, as well as lunch featuring the dishes prepared during the demonstration.
For more information and reservations, call Paseo Uno at 750-8888.
Now I’m hungry.
~ABET
