Dubai: Not just cuisines of the four seasons that the famous Baroque composer Antonio Vivaldi glorified in his celebrated violin concerto, at Vivaldi by the Michelin-starred Alfredo Russo culinary delights from all four corners of Italy come alive.
Start with the Radicchio, barbabietola e gelato di gorgonzola, noci e balsamico jelly (Dh58), a stunning cold salad of chicory and sliced beetroot whose bitterness is beautifully countered by 15-year aged balsamic and freshly made gorgonzola ice cream topped with crunchy walnuts.
Their Tartarccio (Dh88) is yet another fabulous offering – a fine blend of beef tartare and carpaccio stuffed with fresh parmesan foam and rocket salad for a truly unique finish.
Nothing’s as dramatic though as the Crudo di pesce (Dh85) or the mixed fish carpaccio made of tuna, scallops and shrimps that’s served on a tray of dry ice.
Pizzas are always round the corner in an Italian restaurant but the one I had was a special foie gras pizza which chef Genghini plans to introduce to the menu soon.
One that’s currently available for everyone is their Ravioli di magro (Dh60), a very special pasta dish made of ricotta ravioli with parmesan and spinach. Easily the pick for a vegetarian diner.
However, if mushrooms are up your alley, then their Paccheri (Dh70) is the one for you. I simply loved the large ring pastas - made fresh with egg yolk like the ravioli and other pastas at this restaurant – and cooked with wild porcini mushrooms and three-month matured taleggio cheese in a delectable thick sauce.
Their Branzino (Dh150) or seabass from the main courses is yet another gem - slow cooked in extra virgin olive oil. For meat lovers, however, the real deal is the Stracotto di vitello (Dh120) or Piedmont braised veal that comes with foamy mashed potatoes. Cooked for four hours, the meat is so soft that you will never miss the knife.
Details:
Meal for two: Dh500
Location: Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers
Contact: 04-207 1717
Timings: 12pm-3pm, 7pm–11pm
