Otahuna Lodge Dine Around the World: Milano

Benvenuto a Nostra Casa!

While we may be unable to travel beyond New Zealand at present, we're partnering in 2021 with several distinguished chefs in far away countries to bring their favourite recipes to you, right here at Otahuna.

For the first event of our "Dine Around the World" series, we invite you on a delicious journey to the majestic landscapes of Northern Italy. To craft a menu authentic to the countryside of the Piemonte and Lombardia provinces, Executive Chef Jimmy McIntyre is working virtually alongside one of Otahuna’s very own kitchen alumni, Filippo Morggi. Formerly our Sous Chef, Filippo returned to Italy in 2016, joining the kitchens of fellow Relais & Chateaux hotel Palazzo Seneca in Umbria. He and his lovely wife Giulia are now the proprietors of their own award-winning restaurant, Locanda Viola, located just outside Milano in Filippo’s native village of Pagazzano.

On the night we’ll begin with an absolute Piemontese classic: Vitello Tonnato – thin slices of delicately cooked veal blanketed in a silken mayonnaise and accented with tuna. To continue, we’ll recreate one of Filippo’s signature dishes: "Lo Spaghetto." (Filippo’s version of this deceptively simple masterpiece helped to contribute to the awarding of a Michelin Star during his tenure at Palazzo Seneca.) Next, we’re off to explore the cornfields of Brescia with a creamy "Polenta alla Coda di Bue," a creamy polenta served with a rich oxtail braise. A light intermezzo of rocket and pear salad will follow. Finally, we’ll conclude our tour through the culinary wonders of Northern Italy with "Pastiera Napoletana," a dessert traditionally served throughout Italy around Easter.

Included in the tariff of $200 per person are:
- 6:30PM arrival with wine and canapés served in the Lodge’s Drawing Room and Entry Hall
- An exquisite 5-course degustation dinner celebrating the best of Northern Italian cuisine and served in the Ballroom
- A curated selection of accompanying regional Italian wines
- Tea and coffee
- GST

For those who act fast, the first bookings for this evening enjoy the option of an indulgent overnight stay–inclusive of breakfast the following morning–at the highly preferential, additional rate of $950 (GST inclusive).

We look forward to welcoming you to Otahuna for this very special evening that promises much “cuore e sapore” (heart and flavour). A presto!