Fine dining: Authentic Italian cuisine to be served at food fiesta

LAHORE:

Chef Giulio Ciccotelli will be cooking at Covo at Pearl Continental Hotel for an Italian cuisine fiesta starting on Tuesday (today). The fiesta will continue till March 30.

Ciccotelli has been invited from Islamabad to lend authenticity to Covo’s Italian menu.

Talking to The Express Tribune, Ciccotelli says he came to Pakistan last year. He says he came to Lahore especially for the Italian food fiesta.

“I am very excited about serving Lahoris authentic Italian cuisine. I am looking forward to meeting many people at the restaurant,” he says.

Ciccotelli says he learnt English before coming to Pakistan. He says he is humbled by Pakistani hospitality. He says he is now learning Urdu.

He says he believes foreign cuisine should always be customised according to the tastes of native people.

He says he will cook Italian food with more onions, ginger and spices than he normally does to match the intensity of aroma and taste that Lahori food-lovers tend to appreciate.

Pearl Continental Executive Asssistant Manager Asif Maqsood says, “Such food festivals will be a regular feature at Covo. We are looking forward to welcoming a large number of guests.”

Starters

Ciccotelli will serve Fritto Misto Vegetariano Alla Romana, deep fried fresh vegetables in a crispy batter.

He will also serve Capaccio di Salmone Marinato; marinated salmon Carpaccio with arugula, pink peppercorn in citrus sauce. La Mozzarella a la Caprese Con Bruschetta Al Pesto Di Basilico (buffalo mozzarella, served with bruschetta pesto sauce, sun dried tomato and shaved parmesan) is also on the menu.

Pasta

Ciccotelli has a variety of pastas in mind, but hopes his Ravioli Ripiene Di Pesce in Salsa Di Noci E Parmigiano (ravioli stuffed with fish served with walnut sauce and parmesan cheese) and Risotto Porcini e Zafferano Mantecato Con Salsa (risotto with porcini mushrooms, saffron sauce and parmesan cheese) will be the top choice for customers.

Main course

As many as eight Italian dishes cuisines are on the menu for the main course with Dentice e Salmon con Salsa al Limone (salmon in lemon sauce served with vegetable flan), Caciucco Alla Livornese (Livornese fish served with green chilli, tomato sauce and garlic bread) and La Grigliata Di Pesce Del Giorno (grilled fish served in lemon garlic vinaigrette) as dishes to look out for.

Dessert

Fondant Al Cioccolato Con Gelato Alla Vanigilia (chocolate fondant with vanilla ice cream) will be served as dessert. Other desserts include Panna Cotta and Tiramisu.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 25^th, 2014.