Punto Brabo - First there was the French Steakhouse, practically an institution on the island, serving exceptional dinners for over three decades. The famed French Steakhouse is a very popular choice among visitors in search of juicy North and South American cuts of beef and continental cuisine complemented by an extensive wine list. Recently, the launch of the Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa, Italian Gourmet Garden Terrace, made headlines, adding an extra culinary dimension to the oh-la-la- experience at the intimate beach side resort. “We wanted to give our guests,” says Chef Oscar Steba, “an extra treat, a trip to the Mediterranean, without having to move from their favorite beach.” The Italian gourmet menu now served at the garden terrace lists Oscar’s Top-40, consisting of his favorite specialties, cooked from scratch. Angelo, you cannot be more Italian than Angelo, overseas service in the beautiful alfresco dining room and Enzo, you cannot get more Italian than Enzo, plays the accordion. Close your eyes and you’d swear you’re in Napoli.
Recognized on the island as one of the leading Italian-cuisine experts, the Dutch-trained Chef Oscar perfected his skill working with famous Italian chefs. He spent the last nine year’s at the fondly remembered Valentino’s and when the restaurant closed recently, was immediately recruited by the Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa. He then proceeded to work on the development of a masterpiece menu, which debuted at the beginning of March, and was very enthusiastically received my locals and guests. On the menu, Antipasti Freddi and Caldi, cold and hot appetizers such as Mozzarella Caprese and Carpaccio al Filetto Manzo. Chef Oscar’s plates are always beautiful and as they emerge from the kitchen they are served with great pride by the efficient and friendly terrace staff. Eggplant lovers would be happy with Chef Oscar’s Melanzane alla Parmigiana, and his Zuppa di Pesce alla Mediterranea, which combines assorted seafood and just-caught fish, flavored with basil, parsley and garlic, laced with white wine and enriched with light tomato broth.
At the heart of the experience, the Italian Gourmet Garden Terrace entrees, which feature the freshest fish, the best cuts of beef and veal, and tossed to order pasta. The restaurant’s best selling Seabass au gratin, is served under a blanket of mixed seafood in a mustard béchamel sauce, sprinkled with parmesan cheese. The Piatto del Pescatore heaps fresh seafood high on a bed of linguini prepared with marinara sauce. The terrace serves an unbelievable Osso Buco di Vitello, con Risotto Milanese and a signature Carre di Agnello, certified New Zealand lamp chops marinated and grilled to perfection. Ten different pasta and Risotto dishes make it difficult to leave any room for dessert which is truly outstanding from Tiramisu Amaretti to Cannoli stuffed with Cream. The terrace also specializes in flavorful coffees and no living soul can possibly resist the famed Café Don Juan. While the Ambassador’s Five Course menu is the password at the French Steak house, the Early Bird Italian dinner is what packs the terrace. For $22.95, Chef Oscar delivers a four-course wonder enough to convince you that eating more Italian food is definitely your ticket to happiness.
Open 7 days a week from 5:30 pm - 11:00 pm
Pictured here some of the Garden Terrace personalities, including Chef Oscar and the Culinary brigade: Philemon Astrel, Erwin Loopstok & Gerald Chirino.
