Connoisseur central: Capital gets a fresh slice of Italy

Zigolini’s Pasta at Marriott opens its doors.

ISLAMABAD: The latest addition to Marriott’s cuisines promises an authentic Italian experience for foodies in the capital.

Zigolini’s Pasta made a grand entrance at the five-star hotel on Sunday. The guests at the exclusive launch, mainly the diplomatic community, sampled through the brick-oven pizzas as chefs garnished the pizzas with cheese, olives and red sauce before sliding into the oven. The head chef was flown in from Rome especially for the event.

Additionally, the guests helped themselves to white and red sauce pastas, an instant hit.

“The brick oven pizzas are delicious and the restaurant has managed to create an Italian experience,” said Italian Ambassador Adriano Chiodi Cianfarani, the chief guest.

Others could be seen helping themselves to platters of finely-cut cheese and olive mini sticks, mocktails with mint leaves and nacho dressings over garlic bread.

“The pizzas are just perfect. There is no excess oil or grease. Now that’s a real Italian pizza,” said Jahangir Zeb, a guest at the launch.

The minimalist décor remains the characteristic red and beige. But the space is too small for a restaurant within a five-star hotel.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 17^th, 2012.