"Viva L'Italia" - Chef Matteo at JW Marriot, Bangalore -

Read Time:3 Minute, 10 Second

JW Marriot has always been my favorite in central Bangalore. And when I was invited to experience the culinary Masterpiece “Viva L’Italia” by Chef Matteo at Italian fine dining restaurant , Alba , my joy knew no bounds.

It is a elegant Italian restaurant, serving authentic Italian dishes from the regions of Tuscany, Sicily, and Sardinia. Paired with the some of the finest wines, Alba brings the true flavor of Italy to the heart of Bengaluru.

Since I was the first to reach Alba , I had the pleasure of talking with the Chef Matteo in length about his career and personal life. He is a specialty Chef at Mezo Mezo at JW Marriot , Mumbai presently visiting Bangalore for the special promotion for few days.

Born and bought up in Piedmont in Italy, Chef was inspired by his uncle who was chef in various hotels in Milan. Apart from his stint at Sicily as Sous Chef ,his prior international assignments includes China, Qatar, Maldives , London and Munich among others.

When I asked him about the Italian cuisine , he told me that Piedmont, the region of Italy bordering France and Switzerland, is seat of Italian classic cuisine. Most of the great chef are from the same region which is also known good Piemonte wine like Barolo and Barbaresco.

The regional Italian cuisine is his forte and enjoys using modern cooking styles on original Italian recipes. His creative presentations enhance the whole experience. He loves India a lot as his better half is a Indian.

The event started with the Master Class from the Chef. He demonstrated us how to prepare the Pecorino Ravioli stuffed with egg plant , fresh tomato coulis and emulsions.

We then started our “Viva L’Italia” culinary experience with Ti Amo prosecco , fresh and rich fruity wine with a lingering after taste of citrus.

alba

The traditional first course of a formal Italian meal, Antipasti was served to us.The vegetarians opted for Asparagi – Green asparagus done in three ways with tomatoes and micro herbs.

Gamberi in crosta di Mandorle Insalata di finnocchi ed Arance Riduzione al Balsamico (Sicilian style almond crusted prawns, orange and fennel salad, Balsamic reduction) was served to the non vegetarians.

The Primi or the first course was Risotto alla Zucca funghi selvatici, Ragout Doi Quaglia col suo Fondo—Roasted pumpkin risotto, wild mushrooms, quail ragout, quail jus

13051769_10154042658912674_1939397001891747020_n

(Photo Courtesy: Abhinav Verma)

SECONDI or the second Italian course that generally consists of meats was Filetto di Maanzo con erbette di compo e gratinato al Pecorino , passatina, salasa al Mercante di vino ( Beef Tenderloin with organic green and pecorino cheese , sauteed greens , celeriac , and red wine sauce)

But as an exception, vegetarians were served the Parmigiana Leggera di Zucchine, Pesto e Provola su Salsa alla Burrata (Baked zucchini, pesto and provola Parmigiana, Burrata sauce). It was very cheesy with layers of tomatoes, zucchinis and garnished by micro herbs. It was a meal in itself for me.

The final course was the Dolci or the desserts as we love to call. Cassata Ghiacciata with tropical twist was simply fit-for-the-gods dessert.

The other one , Il Bonet (Piedmont amarettia and cocoa pudding, fresh blueberry, blueberry coulis) was delicious and creamy, with fresh blueberries, it could easily be foodie’s choice.

Here is your chance to experience the culinary Masterpiece “Viva L’Italia” by Chef Matteo at Italian fine dining restaurant , Alba between 21st – 27th April 2016. Buon Appetite!

For reservations & bookings, please call at +91 966 33 299 61 (Mandy)

JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru

24/1, Vittal Mallya Rd,

Bengaluru, 560001

Karnataka

Phone:080671 89999

” With our cooking, we do not aim to only satisfy your appetite, but to also convey our emotions through an aromatic balance of scents, colors and flavors that come together in an infinite love for this work. ” – Team ALBA