Italian Job

A dinner that takes you back in time to medieval Europe is what defines the Tuscan food themed Chef's Table at the Alto Vino, Pune Marriott Hotel and Convention Centre. Chef Christian Huber, Chef de Cuisine, Alto Vino stays true to the simplicity and originality of the cuisine. Tuscan food which generally depends on local produce incorporated the flavours of the Tuscan landscape, the forests supplying the fresh herbs, the coasts the best sea food and hills the best T-bone steak Bistecca along with extra virgin olive oil. This treat for the palate is a part of the Tuscan Food Festival which is going on till November 30.

Tuscan cuisine started off with common appetizers like a selection of vegetarian and meat Crostinis where hot bread complemented the perfectly spiced cold toppings with Tuscan herbs. The Insalata Rustica Di Maremma, a bowl of fresh salad with grilled bell pepper, mushrooms and generously seasoned, was an interesting change to the regular salad. Meat is generally never served as starters on the Tuscan table. The Bruschetta Al Pomodoro followed the original Tuscan recipe – no butter, no cheese, the taste that has been going on for centuries with Tuscan flat bread, cherry tomatoes and basil as the basic ingredients. Meat lovers can look forward to the Pappardelle Al Ragu d'agnello which has pasta with red wine lamb ragout. There were no fancy sauces involved or heavy complicated seasoning – just light, simple flavours playing around with your palate. Gnocchi Alla Fiorentina, Gnocchi Florence style with spinach, pecorino, butter and sage reflected the strong flavours central to Tuscan cuisine. These were followed by the main course dishes for the non-vegetarians Costata Di Manzo and Galletto Con Funghi giving the palate a taste of good cooked beef and chicken breasts with garlic bread. Cacciocco, a dish that brought in various flavours of the coast together, was enticing and brought out the true Tuscan coastal colours. An assortment of dishes and a variety of simple flavours, colours and wine completes the Tuscan dinner along with a shot of espresso, the authentic way to finish off the traditional Tuscan experience.

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