THE Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines Inc.’s (ICCPI) acclaimed business networking event, L’Aperitivo Italiano, was recently staged in Alabang, Muntinlupa City, for the first time.
The event was hosted by Buona Vita Ristorante Italiano, one of the chamber’s premium business members owned by Thomas Moersheim and Hayde Escay.
Billed as “L’Aperitivo Italiano Alabang: Risotto Night at Buona Vita”, the guests were served with five different types of risotti and other delicacies all paired with Italian wines.
Aside from enjoying an all-Italian buffet and the trademark aperitivo Italiano, guests had the rare opportunity to still do business networking, meet friends and make new connections.
The restaurant—the name of which is translated as “a taste of the good life”—started as a “hole-in-the-wall” concept along Daang Hari Road in Bacoor, Cavite, back in 2009. More than eight years later, it now proudly serves authentic Italian cuisine created by Chef Davide Lombardi from Milan.
Aperitivo comes from the Latin verb aprire, which means “to open”; thus, it connotes the opening or stimulating of the appetite. The most common drinks during an aperitivo are simply red and white wines from Italy, as well as various other drinks and mixers, like Prosecco, Spritz, Campari, Bellini and many others.
Italians love having these pre-dinner spirits accompanied by various antipasti; cold cuts, like Parma-ham; Milano-salami; various sausages; parmesan cheese with other mixed-cheese plates; mini-pizzas, or pizzette; caprese and other cold salads; preserved vegetables, such as mini-onions and bell peppers; and other local delicacies.
With a wide menu representing the Italian regions of Tuscany, Lombardi, Piemonte, Lazio and Sicily, among others, Buona Vita offers the unique experience of a home-cooked Italian menu, complemented by especially selected wines, beers and cocktails.
Holding the first L’Aperitivo Italiano in Alabang at Buona Vita was surely a great start for the chamber, its guests and the restaurant, as well. The event was also made possible through the partnership with Molito Lifestyle Complex.
