Embark On A Culinary Tour D’italia With Trattoria Toscana’s New ‘Festa Italiana’

Author John Thomas
Get that La Dolce Vita taste with a new culinary celebration of Italy’s best dishes


                                                        
Whether it’s authentic pizza from Naples, creamy risotto from Venice or fresh seafood from the coast of Capri, there’s no denying the Italians know best when it comes to world-class cuisine. And this September sees the launch of the inaugural Festa Italiana at Souk Madinat Jumeirah’s Trattoria Toscana – a culinary celebration that takes guests on a gastronomic journey through the exquisite towns of Northern, Central and Southern Italy, with different specialities on rotation each fortnight.

The brainchild of Trattoria Toscana’s artisanal Head Chef Antonio Iacovelli and his dedicated team, Festa Italiana runs from September 15th to October 31st. During Festa Italiana guests will be able to tuck into specially-curated dishes and beverages inspired by the unique cuisine of each region, from northern Milan through to Rome and Tuscany, right down to the exquisite southern coastal areas of Puglia and Sicily. What’s more, the restaurant will be adorned with traditional Italian decorations to showcase the celebrations and really set the mood.

The immense culinary tour is split into three phases, and kicks off in northern Italy from 15th -30th September with a menu comprising starters of Polenta Grigliata e Baccala Mantecato (grilled polenta with creamed cod fish) and Tartar di Manzo all’Albese (beef tartar with truffle oil, olive oil and lemon dressing). Trofie alla Genovese, pesto, patate e fagiolini (trofie pasta with basil pesto, beans and potato) and Risotto all Milanese con Midollo (saffron risotto with bone marrow melt) make up the ‘pasta and risotto’ course, while mains include Granchietti Fritti, Insalata di Radicchio (fried soft shell crab with radicchio and cherry tomato) and Cotoletta di Vitello all Bolognese (veal steak with beef prosciutto, parmesan and light veal jus). And not forgetting dessert – there’s always room for a little Strudel di Mele (cinnamon-rolled apple cake with raisin and pine seed).

Between October 1st - 15th, guests can spend their evenings dining on some of the best dishes hailing from central Italy –Bucatini all’Amatriciana (fresh bucatini pasta with beef pancetta, onion and tomato sauce), Pici con Salsa d’anatra (fresh pici pasta with duck ragout) and Arrosticini di Agnello con le patate (lamb chump skewer with roasted potato) being a trio of dishes to delve into.

The festival culminates between 16th - 31st  October with a menu inspired by the south where Polpo con Patate, aglio e Prezzemolo (warm octopus with potato, garlic and parsley), Strascinati, cime di rapa, acciughe e pan tostato (fresh strascinati pasta with turnip top, anchovy and toasted bread) and Pizza di Scarola alla Napoletana (Napolitanean pizza with escarole, olives, capers, raisin and anchovy) will come to the fore.

Head Chef Antonio Iacovelli said: “As temperatures start to dip, the Festa Italiana menu is the perfect way to get a Dubai taste of the La Dolce Vita in the cooler temperatures and idyllic waterways of Souk Madinat Jumeirah – we are bringing the best of Italy to the best of Dubai.

Trattoria Toscana operates a no reservations policy but diners can call 04 432 3232 or email: restaurants@jumeirah.com for more information.


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