Local products in Mediterranean nature

CEBU, Philippines - Chef and restaurateur Marco Anzani is hosting Gusto, SkyCable's first cooking show in Metro Cebu, which had its pilot episode last August 9.

Gusto is aired every Monday at 9 p.m. on Channel 15, with replays on Wednesdays and Sundays on the same timeslot.

Marco said he is set to transform local dishes into new Mediterranean in nature – coastal Mediterranean style with flavor based mostly on the following ingredients: olives, tomatoes, chickpeas, lemon, herbs and cheeses.

In a “sneak preview” of a taped episode, roast suckling pig, for example, took advantage of stuffing like ground pork, boiled eggs, pistachio nuts, semi-dried apricots with few drops of green apple sauce to temper a helping of sea salt, and then garnished with rosemary. The product looks a lot like our embutido, but which goes perfectly with wedges of fried potatoes.

Marco is bound to continue awakening the epicurean in each diner, this time in broadcast, with the rest of the various textures and flavors he would be creating from local products.

When asked what wonder he would put upon our kamunggay (horse radish), Marco said that it would be one of the highlights of the show in the process. “Here in Cebu, it is used mostly in soups. But I'm thinking of presenting it like the pesto for pasta with emphasis on olive oil to match its nutritional values.”

As for balut (boiled duck embryo), which he described to be one of local food items that first stirred his curiosity, he vowed to elevate it to a classy level. “Balut with mozzarella – that would be a presentation to look forward to.”

SkyCable production and airtime sales officer, Mae Ann Yee, pointed out that Gusto would show to audience that Cebu is more than sinugba, tinuwa, or kinilaw. It would feature endless culinary possibilities even to simple local products. 

There are 13 episodes to Season 1. Prime packages are already available for those interested to avail of spots. For inquiries, call Mae at 09175022097/(032) 345-8249/(032) 346-8247.

By the way, Italians and Cebuanos share the same word for “taste; to live life with passion and heart; enjoyment and pleasure.”

“Gusto” is it! That's why the title is most appropriate. ?