How we spent a day in Macau (Gourmand edition)

We took a quick trip to Macau for the Don Alfonso 1890 X L’Olivo MICHELIN Star Table at Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau, and discovered the city’s contrasts along the way.

When we heard that the Don Alfonso 1890 X L’Olivo MICHELIN Star Table was happening at Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau, we booked our tickets and packed our bags, eager for a taste of their gastronomic ode to Italian mastery.

Part of a two-day event, the highly-anticipated menu was created by Chef Andrea Migliaccio of two-MICHELIN-star L’Olivo, Capri, Italy, Chef Ernesto Iaccarino of Don Alfonso 1890, Sant’ Agata sui Due Golfi, Italy and Chef Federico Pucci of Don Alfonso 1890, Palazzo Versace Macau.

Here’s how it went, with a side of Macau.

7AM: UNESCO HERITAGE STOPS

They say the early bird gets the worm, and our “event” isn’t till lunch time, so we throw the sheets back, set the Francis & Francis Illy Espresso Machine buzzing and seize the day. The Macau region is made out of the Macau Peninsula, with the islands of Taipa, and Coloane south of the Peninsula.

Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau is set in glamorous Cotai—home to some of Macau’s most iconic luxury resorts, MICHELIN-starred restaurants, and designer shops—and is a mere 30 minutes away from the city’s historic sites. Starting early means we avoid the crowds which inundate these areas, so we wend our way past the Ruins of St. Paul’s, join the taichi ladies on the grounds of Fortaleza do Monte, then explore the twisting streets down to Senado Square and beyond.

International brands stand alongside old-school medical halls, jewellery emporiums and cha chaan tengs, and we breakfast on steaming noodles brimming with tender cuts of beef, washed down with milk tea. Four hours later, our IG shoot lists checked off and steps gotten in, we headed back to Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau.

10AM: EXPLORE THE GRAND LISBOA PALACE RESORT MACAU

With the hotel being a grandeur landmark itself, we couldn’t miss out on the chance to explore every nook and cranny on the property. We make our way through the halls that are dotted with art pieces by local artists. After taking it all, in it was time to get ready for lunch!

12 NOON: MICHELIN STAR TABLE AT DON ALFONSO 1890, MACAU

It’s time for the highlight, the MICHELIN Star Table lunch at Don Alfonso 1890. Despite having done my research on the restaurant in anticipation of this star-studded meal, we were still brimming with excitement to see what the menu entailed.

Adjacent to Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau, Palazzo Versace Macau is stunning in every sense. From the artwork adorning the walls to intricate chandeliers, perfectly cut uniforms and objets d’art, the Versace Baroque accents continued through to the restaurant, where custom-made Versace flatware featuring Don Alfonso 1890’s signature gold and red tones delivered sublime dishes such as the L’Astice Blu Bretone, a dish of Brittany blue lobster, seasonal mushrooms and potato foam.

Each course was perfectly complemented with an Italian wine, culminating with the restaurant’s signature II Nostro Tiramisu and the intense amber 2021 Donnafugata ‘Ben Rye’ Passito di Pantelleria DOC. The MICHELIN collaboration is a deliciously successful one and the resort curates similar gastronomic experiences throughout the year, so it’s definitely something for foodies to keep tabs on.

3PM: SHOP TIL YOU DROP

Time to walk off that magnificent MICHELIN lunch, and how better to do that than to get in some shopping? Within the resort itself, NY8 New Yaohan is a luxurious one-stop shopping destination offering everything from fashion and lifestyle items, to a “Kid’s Cavern”, deluxe supermarket and digital and electronic section. Beyond the department store, cdf Macau Grand Lisboa Palace Shop showcases even more luxuries, ranging from watches and jewellery, to skincare, make-up and fine wines.

5PM: SPA & JARDIM SECRETO

Escaping the bright lights of the shopping area, we emerge into the natural light and manicured gardens on the third floor of the resort. We wander through the lush maze of the Jardim Secreto, taking photos and getting lost in the romanticism of the European-style garden, with its water features and magnificent cupola as a backdrop.

We also managed to fit in an indulgent session of the famed Bastien Gonzalez Foot Massage at PEDI:MANI:CURE Studio by Bastien Gonzalez. For those with more time, pamper yourself with one of its numerous treatments or massages that use none other than French luxury skincare brand Biologique Recherche at The Spa at Grand Lisboa Palace. Once we were suitably relaxed, we moved on to pre-dinner aperitifs. 

6.30PM: MESA BY JOSE AVILLEZ, THE KARL LAGERFELD MACAU

Seated at the bar at the jaw-droppingly beautiful Mesa by José Avillez, in the equally distinctive THE KARL LAGERFELD MACAU–the world’s only hotel designed by the fashion legend, we are served sophisticated signature cocktails inspired by the rich, bright flavours of Portugal and Macau. Avillez is probably the most acclaimed chef out of Portugal, with his Belcanto restaurant in Lisbon holding two MICHELIN stars.

Dining in Mesa is like being in a gilded birdcage, from its burnished copper alcoves, to black marble, gold mosaic and the digital “skylight” with nature scenes. Equally gorgeous is the food, a parade of contemporary Portuguese dishes from Crispy Codfish balls, Tempura Cones with Tuna Tartare and spicy soya, Cascais-style Crab & Caviar, Arroz rico de marisco: Mesa Seafood Rice and succulent Suckling Pig “sandwiches”. For a slight dose of theatrics, we ended the meal with the signature Kumquat dessert.

9:30PM: STROLL & SLEEP

After the indulgent meal it was time to head to bed before our flight out the next day. Our takeaway? Macau is a constant contrast, the charming narrow streets of a UNESCO World Heritage site juxtaposed by the glittering Cotai Strip. The steady hum of spoken Cantonese against Portuguese street names, a legacy from over 400 years of their rule, and finally the simplicity of congee with offal cooked street-side, shoulder-to-shoulder with MICHELIN-starred restaurant chefs helming stunning spaces, all of which we will definitely be back for.

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