Per Te Ristorante – Truly Italian For You + Giveaway (200 dhs Voucher)

Per Te Ristorante E Café, is an Italian restaurant with a modern twist. It has opened its doors in the UAE on January, 14th 2015. Nestled in the by lanes of Jumeirah 1, away from the hustle-bustle of the modern day chaos. It is a quiet and serene corner haven with elegant and welcoming interiors. Per Te is tastefully designed to offer multiple dining experiences consisting of a cozy coffee lounge, an elegant dining section overlooking the open kitchen, alfresco terrace seating for exclusive corporate or private events. It’s serving authentic Italian cuisine made from fresh and carefully sourced ingredients mostly from Italy. While celebrating Italian Cuisine on Mahi Blog we decided to explore the taste at this venue and it’s splendid.

  

Upon our arrival, we were greeted warmly by Kaye and a very humble and ever smiling host & Manager Anushka, who then gave us a tour of the premises. He also introduced us to Chef Glady, who has an impressive list of credentials on his CV. I noticed him being so well-versed in Italian cooking and found him too involved in, and aware of every aspect/every ingredient in Per Te kitchen. We also noticed lots of coordination and team bonding he had with team of other chefs which is commendable. He has worked for the likes of Sheraton, Urbano Dubai, Carluccios and Ferrari World. Originally from Chennai, India Chef Glady has worked with big names in the Italian food business and his twelve year long career in some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens has given him a sixth sense when it comes to Italian flavors. Chef Glady owes his success to Chef Samuele Crestale who helped him realize his true culinary strength.

STARTERs

Antipasto Classico

Tartare di tonno al frutto della passione

Tuna tartare with passion fruit

Fritto Misto

Mixed fried seafood and vegetables with rock salt and pepper served with pesto mayonnaise and lemon wedges

While we waited for chefs team to plump up above starters, we were served the squashy cubes of bread Focaccia stuffed mushrooms with three delectable dips and it was divine; Basil Pesto, Arabiata Sauce, and Sundried Tomato. All three were thoroughly enjoyable but the sundried tomatoes sauce was op notch. We even requested for chili oil and were promptly obliged.

First Starter had arrived  which has Beef bresaola, spicy salami, rocket and parmesan, black sesame tuna fish, grilled vegetables, semi- dried tomatoes, olives, focaccia, prawns wrapped with turkey bacon, sun dried tomato pesto and buffalo mozarella cheese, in short it’s a mini world on antipasti and Per Te does complete justice to it. It is full of taste and every minor details is been well taken care of on this black round slab. The Seafood Fritters were a big attention grabber, served in a stainless steal Colander it consists of Calamari, Shrimps, Broccoli and Fried Potatoes. This was just a regular dish you will find in other places too however it had lots of flavour and is cordially accompanied Tartar sauce. Next up, we received a numinous Tuna tartare placed on a bed of passion fruit and topped with olive tapenade. Hubby was a little undecided about raw fish, but as soon as I had a guarded little nibble, I just dove right into and couldn’t stop munching in anticipation of more passion fruit tangy taste with tuna . It was the such a tropical and invigorating amalgamation between the softness of the fish and the crusty sourness of the fruit. It is indeed a sensational starter ❤

MAIN COURSE

Orecchiette con Polpette

Typical Italian ear shaped pasta with spicy meat balls

Bistecca alla’ Grigilia

Grilled beef rib-eye steak with mashed potato and wild mushrooms

Pollo Piccante Pizza

Marinated chicken, red onion, roasted bell pepper, oregano and chili

Pure di Patate di Tartufo

Mashed Potato with truffle

The next spectacle, Grilled beef rib-eye steak from the main courses arrived, it is well done and the premium quality meat just presented itself very well being tender and juicy along with perfect concotion of spices and herbs. We tasted our main course steak with Mashed Potato with truffle along with that arrived Pollo Piccante Pizza being inspired by Antonnio Carluccio they kept it simple and concentrate more on core elements i-e great crust, fresh sauce and good quality cheese this pizza was very much like an attainable dream. Larger on size but compact on attainability.

DESSERT

Lieto di Cioccolato

At the end the chef himself came along with the manager to ask if we enjoyed our meal and well presented his unique Per te dessert platter. The whole presentation of the dessert was fantastic and it seems indeed prepared with special care and complete dedication.  It is 75% Cocoa smooth and shiny chocolate brick with roasted nuts, orange sweet zest (beautifully crafted and placed), creamy coffee sauce served with passion fruit semi freddo, vanilla semi freddo and mixed berry semi freddo.

Chef gladdy also shared his simple recipe of tuna tarter that we loved. Team Per Te also invited us to visit their newly opened branch in which we are heading to very soon. In actual fact their service was tremendously awesome. Per Te in it’s literal sense means ‘for you’! Kaye, Anushka, Chef Glady and the whole staff do make sure to make us feel that they are there for us by giving exceptional service and notice! The vision of the owners literally speaks in it’s true version by hospitality at Per Te and its presentable & best taste dishes. The portion size was decent and so were the prices. If I had to give some criticism, I’d suggest softening the lights in the Restaurant to strike out more into their wall hangings etc.  Though I love the variety of set-up and you may still choose a corner suiting your mood and gathering actually. Other than that, these guys need to just keep putting that awesome food on our plates and keep up the great service. After visiting Per Te I feel more vicinity Italian restaurants should definitely be introduced in Dubai with same temperament and this is indeed a hail toting up in the Italian cuisine

All in all, a great find and a new favorite for Mahi Blog. Can’t wait to go back and take friends and family with us.

GIVEAWAY/ COMPETITION: (1 WINNER)

Mahi Blog and Per Te have teamed up to offer One lucky reader “200 DHS value voucher valid for 2“ to spend at the restaurant.

How to win:

For your chance to win simply do the following:

1- Subscribe (via email id) on Mahi Blog,

2- LIKE & FOLLOW Per Te Dubai Facebook & Twitter pages and mention that @mahiblog has sent you.

2- Share this post using buttons below of FB, Twitter, IG etc

Tag Mahi Blog on FB, Instagram, Twitter to let us know that you share !!!!

“WINNERS WILL BE CHOSEN ON MAXIMUM SHARES BASIS”

To win you must do all the above steps. Winners will be announced on October 5th, 2015.  Only UAE fans can take part.

Disclaimer & Notes: A huge Thank you to Anushka, Per Te’s Management & humble staff for coordination. We were invited however it did not influence our thoughts and reviews, all opinions content are our own. Please do not use any pics without prior permission.

 

Congratulations – Mahi Blog #EID #Giveaways Winners Announced.

“CONGRATULATIONS”

Thank you for immense participation by all on behalf of Mahi Blog and our Clients, there were many shortlisted on participation basis as so many of you have shared day and night and on different social media pages and have also encouraged and liked our posts respectively.

 “Have a sneak preview of our upcoming Re-Branded website HERE ! “

Unfortunately not everyone can be a winner, however we do notice efforts from many other participants too like Sahar, Marsha, Ayat, Shameela, Shamee Khadija, Arham, Dina, Nabila (just to name few of them), don’t be disappointed as there are many more Prizes coming soon.

Also not to forget 5 beauty hampers are still there to Win.

You may find the Winners chosen for each category in their own post (Click the contest name- linked below)

Find Winners’ names here:

• PIZZA DI ROCCO (2 Winners ) – 200 dhs voucher for each

• PREGO’S @ Media Rotana – (1 Winner) – Meal voucher for 2

• Mahi Blog Thankyou Giveaway – Beauty Hamper – (Still 5 more winners to be announced)

• 60 Min MASSAGE – Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana (1 Winner)
  

THANK YOU 

 

“PREGO’S” at Media Rotana – Petite bit of Italy + Giveaway

CONGRATULATIONS:

Winner is Selma Romola . Please send email with your full name and contact details to mahiblog.ae@gmail.com to claim your voucher within 2 days, incase of failure another winner will be chosen.

——————————————————————

Keeping up with Italian Cuisine celebration on Mahi Blog, we are featuring some of the best Italian restaurants around UAE. Hence decided to explore Prego’s, one of the 5 exquisite dining venues at Media Rotana, offering Italian cuisine. We love this place and planned to return back after we visited last in Ramadan and reviewed Channels.

Media Rotana is a luxury 5-star hotel ideally located in the Heart of Dubai, TECOM area and within easy reach of the Dubai Internet City Metro Station & Major Shopping Malls. Prego’s is known for its authentic spirit, with various award achievements such as the Time Out Dubai Restaurant Awards, World’s Best Italian Pizza Competition and the Italian Industry & Commerce Office in the UAE. Prego’s is able to be distinguished as one of the leading Italian restaurants in the city over years.

Opening its doors daily, they serves a wide range of Italian specialties from thin crusted pizzas to freshly baked homemade breads blazed in a wood-fired oven. We completely fell in love with ambiance and interior featuring an exclusive chic and fashionable design with great use of red light. Mosaic tiles at the entrance, wood flooring and open kitchen make it a lively, manageable and welcoming atmosphere. This venue is extremely popular with diners as you get to see a lot of cooking and baking going on in the kitchen. An open front kitchen (Which I must say is very well organized and well divided into sections, in spite of its compact size) showcases their chefs creating the finest in Italian cuisine. Prego’s offer all time culinary favorites and delightful monthly specials. This specially designed menu is known for its noted delicacies, ranging from white asparagus, artichokes, porcini mushroom, white and black truffles.

Pictured below: Linguini Carbonara, Fried Calamari/ shrimps , margarita pizza, breaded veal chop with rucola.

 

Food we tasted;

Oven fresh bread with cheese & white canolini beans sauce welcomed us on the table. From soup options we tried creamy porcini mushroom soup on chef’s recommendation, it was served real hot and we could smell the aroma of white truffle oil coming out of the bowl. It was too rich and creamy though, hence too filling on our stomach.

Burratra di Andria was first antipasti to hit the table and wow what an impression it made. It was good looking and simple yet delicious, Chef stick to the basics and presented the classic Burrata Cheese  in a platter served with semi dried cherry tomatoes, baby spinach and Taggiasca olives with a sprinkle of oregano on top, very fresh and crunchy at the same time.

Our very favorite antipasti amongst all was Eggplant rolls with ricotta cheese, the basil pesto sauce and tomato confir combo was so well balanced that it made the dish mouthwatering. From Carpacci section we tried Tuna Tartare with mango, avocado and aged balsamic vinegar reduction, I loved the sweet sour and tangy taste of it at the same time balsamic jus adds to its flavor.

I still remember the mouthwatering taste of the Grilled lamb chops with vegetable ratatouille and sautéed potatoes in olive oil, lemon zest which gives this extra tang and flavor to sauce with garlic and rosemary. Very well done and perfectly grilled and juicy in taste.

 

Finally, we concluded on desserts, the highlight of the evening. Tiramisu was so moist and delectable, drenched in coffee was so imperious it certainly raised our expectations hence we went on and ordered another star of the evening “Hot Lava Chocolate Cake with lemon sorbet and berry coulis.

With a comfy, convivial ambiance, warm and friendly interiors, this restaurant offered us a delectable journey with the true flavors of Italy. Dress Code is Smart Casual however you can’t show up wearing shorts. Pastas are freshly made on a daily basis, and the pizzas are baked in a traditional wood-fired oven. Prego’s Chefs’ team showed us petite bit of Italy with their selection of authentic dishes for which we rate them 4.5 out of 5.

 

For more details on Media Rotana & Prego’s click HERE

Contact – To Book a table call +971 (4) 4350201

Email – fb.media@rotana.com

VOUCHER GIVEAWAY/ COMPETITION:

Mahi Blog and Media Rotana have teamed up to offer Mahi Blog readers “Meal Voucher for 2 at Prego’s – Media Rotana“

How to win:

For your chance to win simply do the following:

1- Subscribe (via email id) on Mahi Blog,

2- Share this post using buttons below of FB, Twitter, IG etc

Tag Mahi Blog on FB, Instagram, Twitter to let us know that you share!!!!

“WINNERS WILL BE CHOSEN ON MAXIMUM SHARES BASIS”

To win you must do all the above steps. Winners will be announced on September 22nd, 2015.  Only UAE fans can take part.

Disclaimer & Notes: A huge Thank you to Media Rotana Management, Sahil Gour, our host Marketing team, Chefs, Staff at Prego’s. We were guests there however it did not influence our thoughts and reviews, all opinions content are our own. You cannot use any pics without prior permission.

 

“Festa Della Pizza” Celebration at Eastern Mangroves Carluccio’s – Reviewed

Carluccio’s is the highly praised Italian cafe renowned for bringing authentic and conventional Italian cooking and ingredients to families in a comforting and friendly environment. Carluccio’s open kitchens are operated by qualified chefs who create all the food in-house including pastas and breads. It offers great worth for cash with the whole lot from scrumptious morning breakfasts and exclusive blends of coffees through to light meals and lunches. Carluccio’s deli is the food shop offers a range of specially imported products from Italy to give the authentic taste of Italy to this region. It is well-known for its pastas, pizzas, classic Italian desserts, fresh salads, and antipasti to name a few.

Festa Della Pizza Celebration at Carluccio’s

Festa Della Pizza Festival 

Nothing says Italy quite like its food, and nothing says Italian food like pizza. Sharing its passion and expertise for the Italian speciality; Carluccio’s is hosting a two-month long celebration of all things pizza. Started from 26th July and it will go till end of September, Festa Della Pizza will showcase an array of limited edition sweet and savory pizzas alongside interactive kids’ pizza making classes. In addition, Carluccio’s food shops will feature a special display of chilli oils and chilli based products, the ideal accompaniment for pizza at home. You can choose from Sweet or Savoury Choices.

Coverage of Festa Della Pizza at Eatern Mangroves Carluccio’s

To cover the grand festival we have been invited via PRCo and been warmly hosted and greeted by the generous staff at Eastern Mangroves Outlet of Carluccio’s. Venue is cozy and has an amazing view of mangroves and stretched out sea full of boats, Eastern Mangroves is also home to other water sports activities hence attract a lot of goers and Italian food lovers which simple can’t miss this branch of Carluccio’s due to aroma of baked pasta and pizza & smell coming from their kitchen. Restaurant has fining area covered inside and outside on terrace as well, in good weather you can sit outside and enjoy the breezy atmosphere, however we preferred inside in the prevailing temperatures in Capital and were guided via staff to a warm corner with a glass window for an outside view.

Bowl of Olives

I am a big fan of Carluccio’s and have visited so many branches by now and a big lover of their bread and Olives hence it was must to try the same before we roll on to festival tasting and we enjoyed BOWL OF OLIVES this time. Being a thin crust pizza lover, it’s a treat to find they are serving authentic Roman-style pizzas with perfectly charred crusts, We tried Anatra e Fichi, Calzone Ortolana and Granchio e Gamberi.

Anatra e Fici

First one consist of tomato, mozzarella, shredded duck confit (You may ask staff to replace with chicken), fresh figs, rocket salad, parmesan shavings and aged balsamic vinegar which has very empowering taste in a good way and the figs added that extra citrus taste to this highly recommended pizza from the festival offerings.

Granchio e Gamberi was a treat for seafood lover

The second one Calzone Ortolana was basically a folded pizza will balsamic roasted vegetables, goats’ cheese, mozzarella and black olives and has this incredible softness of combination cheese they topped it with and the balsamic roasted veggies give you a great crunch and taste at the same time.

Meanwhile, seafood fans will appreciate the Granchio e Gamberi, topped with crab meat, shrimps, mozzarella, grated zucchini, red chilli, basil and lemon oil, though we are not huge fan of seafood but this pizza is very flavoursome and did gain few interest point on our tastemeter.

Porcini e Tartufo is one unique in range too

It you have Sweet tooth you may indulge in one of the unique dessert pizzas been offered at FESTA DELLA PIZZA Treat; served on a crispy golden base, they are the perfect way to finish a meal. You can try the fruity Passione e Amarena topped with mascarpone passion fruit cream and Italian Amarena “Fabbri” cherries or the classic Nutella e Banana with Italian Nutella and sliced banana. My kids thoroughly enjoyed their nutella banana edition and it actually made them charged to even run for a small walk around mangroves.

 

Apart from Festival Offerings we even tried our all time favorite antipasti mixed board. There is nothing to complaint about this extra gorgeous complete board which has each element of our liking ranging from home-baked Focaccia bread to roasted bell pepper with basil pesto.

I also ordered Beef Gnocchi, which truly impressed us this time with slowly cooked pulled beef and potatoes dumpling, rosemary flavor added to its taste.

I tried Cheese cake with Latte Coffee and finished off my meal in a delightful way.

 

Oils and other products range at Deli:

Well if you would love to carry what you tasted in the offerings for number of months, here is a charm, as this festival is running for a certain time however you may purchase the hot stuff which goes into taste over these pizza.

 

Yes we are talking about sauces and special infused oils. If you are looking to add a little heat to your menu can head to Carluccio’s famous deli, which will be showcasing a selection of chilli oils and chilli based products throughout the festival. Made from quality Italian olives and infused with chillies dried under the Calabrian sun, chilli oil is endlessly useful in the kitchen and perfectly complements pizza as well as pasta, salads and any other dishes that require a kick. Choose between the traditional chilli oil and chilli and garlic oil, whilst the Tre Oli set makes a lovely gift for any keen cook. In keeping with the fiery theme, a selection of chilli salsa, pesto and pasta will also be available for rustling up impressive suppers for friends and family at home. They are also been offered at much reasonable price and in some cases bundle offer.

Pizza Master Classes for Kids

In case If you have mini chefs in the making like mine 2, Carluccio’s also offers fun and hands-on pizza master classes for kids, I can recall the memories when my kids had attended the same few months back and guess what they have same been offered throughput the festival; Led by an expert chef, little ones can get messy whilst kneading, baking and decorating before sitting down to enjoy their creations. You may contact your nearest Carluccio’s for dates and timings.

Follow Carluccio’s on Facebook and Twitter for more information on Festa Della Pizza.

Indeed it’s a great chance where pizza lovers will discover a range of inspired flavor combinations throughout the festival, visit with friends to enjoy a variety in the menu without managing to dilute the running italian theme too.  This festival is available at restaurants in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Mahi Blog loved exploring the festival at Carluccio’s and rate the Fiesta offering 4.5 out of 5 on our tastemeter.

KEEP CALM AND EAT ITALIAN – ITALIAN TO GO…

 

Brunching at 18 Degrees – Hyatt Capital Gate Abu Dhabi

Featured Brunch:

 

From Jazz brunches to lavish brunch buffets, Mahi Blog declare 18° as one of the best weekend brunches available in #UAE. It was startling & an indulgent experience itself to brunch at Worlds Furthest Leaning Man-Made Tower.  Venue stars as the winner of the “Best Modern European Restaurant”, however their Friday buffet also includes cuisine from Italy, Turkey, Greece and Lebanon. Its ambiance and structure is surely manifest. It is so modern in sophistication yet so simple & family oriented, as I believe Brunch is all about the most relax and cozy time you ought to spend with family and friends catering to variety of choices and yet keeping a balance to its theme. To make that perfect menu is an art itself and a lovely presentation and set-up has indeed made our experience at 18 degree brunch Exclusive and Exciting.

Let’s TALK ABOUT Food Menu:

 Arabic cold mezze, Fattoush & Muhammara dip stands out; Quinoa salad is very distinctive in cold dishes. Soup Section’s variety didn’t impress us a lot, though their cheese Counter is ample and diverse with some tasty chutneys and pickles.

Ostensibly the Modern Counters and cooking stations tells the story of Huge pantry loud out. Their Raw bar (seafood section) may appear to have a lot in common with other European style brunch buffet however Dil marinated Salmon and Local Blue Crabs are must-try items. The Roasted juicy Corn fed Chicken, Striplion Beef meat and Wood baked whole Stuffed Fish is so rich in its taste & display and was beyond par, Béarnaise sauce made of clarified butter emulsified in egg yolks was there to complement the roasted item and we love strong Herbs flavor in case you are not fan of this taste than veal jus reduction comes to rescue as it adds to the richness of the dish, grilled veggies was our favorite side along with fish Yorkshire pudding.

Keep enjoying the elegant view of Abu Dhabi city while brunching and efficient services and decorum stands on its hold merits.

 

WOW Factor:

• Antipasti – (Missed giving special attention to minor items !?!? often happens to big buffet) Guess what It’s definitely not the case here we loved the Grilled eggplant, zucchini, Roasted Mushrooms and deep fried Artichokes (I never tasted them so well if fried; before).
• Their Beetroot Mutabel is their tastiest and good-looking shooter you will love and enjoy.
• Kids loved their Sujuk (Sojouck – Spicy Sausage) and Margarita Pizza.
• There is fair attentive communication involved if you wish to customized any of the item from the spreaded menu counters, rest assure they will make sure to get your exact requirements and bring your dish to table exactly how you need, we loved our steak with mashed creamy potatoes and pomegranate.
• Don’t forget to ask ever-smiling staff for your Bread basket, Rye & Panini Roll were delicious with seasoned butters. Smoked paprika & Garlic give us a face-off judging moment there.

Wait – It’s Not yet Done !

A visit to the dessert counter is a decadent must as it finished off our meal really well. You have an array of items to choose from, we loved Passion Fruit and Banana Meringue, Banoffie Pie, Tiramisu, Poached Strawberry with Vanilla Cream and Hot Chocolate Pudding !

Winding Up:

It definitely promises an elite and impressive experience where diners can enjoy a wide array of Eastern Mediterranean fare, inspiration is drawn from the restaurant’s à la carte menu, their hot dishes also presents Saffron Rice, chicken curry and Homemade Pasta in case you have fussy little humans along with you. Worth knowing that all their ingredients are sourced from the freshest local produce to not only produce sumptuous food, but commit to sustainable practices as well. If you are not in hurry for home when brunch ends you may enjoy a sundowner on The Terrace of 18° – 80 meters up, with panoramic views of City coastline, at their Sunset Cocktails while watching the ebbing sun.

 

Ratings: We rate this brunch 4.5 stars out of 5.

Info: 

Classic Brunch – AED 250 ++ – brunch with soft beverages and juices

Sky Brunch – AED 300 ++ – brunch with hops, grapes and sparkling

Bookings are essential for the Sky Brunch and Sunset Cocktails.  Please call 02 596 1440 to make a reservation, or visit www.abudhabi.capitalgate.hyatt.com for more information.

FB: http://www.facebook.com/HyattCapitalGate

Disclaimer: Special Thanks to Ms. Fernandez, Mr. Villacanas and the staff team. Mahi Blog were guest at 18° – Hyatt Capital Gate, however it does not influence our opinion and all the views and thoughts including the pictures captured on the Brunch day are our own.

 

Winner Announced: “Life is a combination of magic and pasta” – 400 Dhs voucher, SACCI (Westin AbuDhabi) Reviewed !

Congratulations, And the winner is:

1) TAYEBAHUSAIN

Please send us your full name and contact details on mahiblog.ae@gmail.com

  We visited L’Abbuffata – The Italian Brunch during Gourmet Abu Dhabi promotion. The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa as one of the hotel partners of event has hosted it At Sacci, we thoroughly loved it and headed back to enjoy their Classic Italian treat on a fine weekend over the huge and refined set spread Buffet . Standings:  It is the number 1 rated Italian restaurant in Trip advisor. Meeting with Chef de Cuisine Sacci – Stefano Micocci, he is from south Italy, and is here in UAE for past 3 yrs, He is fond of Asian, Indian & French food. He is associated with Westin chain for quite some time now. As per him Italian is the tastiest food yet with variety, he has also mentioned that most ingredients they used in Buffet at Sacci are from Italy. He enjoyed the mix of customers in this region and recommends Italian for being most flexible cuisine. WOW factor: Out of many buffet I have attended during my blog reviews I never get to spend so much of family time I had that day, it is because you can indulge in a Family table style brunch the Italian way at Sacci! Yes, it’s a cozy buffet where the ever smiling and well-informed waiters will serve each item to your table hence non-stop family time and memories revival and uninterrupted story sessions with friends and family. Sacci indeed brings alive the aromas of the Italian cuisine. Their menu takes you on a culinary journey including a delightful selection of antipasti, Pastas, Pizzas, Main dishes and Desserts. Their welcome antipasto is so delicious with soft and crunchy Focaccia with par-balanced taste of Rosemary & tomato , They also served Panini with braised beef which is not as good as the former one. In starters we began with their Cold Antipasti a tavola: Marinated Zucchini with anchovies was a knock-out on your taste buds so moist and full of taste, fior di latte mozzarella was of stamdard liking however their calamari and prawns salad will burst the flavor streams in your mouth, panzanella , pinzimonio, beef carpaccio accompanies other Antipasti. (Caution: though some of it seems like mini bites but they are so filling hence till here keep yourself light as a trail of Italian treats is about to begin 😉 At first the combination of Hot and Cold items seems difficult to blend it but giving out totally unique range and balance, I can undoubtedly say this is one reason why it’s ranked 1. You simply cants decide which of the Antipasti is better than the other as both are flavorsome. Hot Antipasti a tavola: Baby octopus with potatoes, parmigianna, i-e basically Eggplant Parmigiana covered with quality cheese which surely augment the dish above your customary Abu Dhabi Italian cost. I tried the same at other places too but trust me now I can relate why it is so global- popular. Bellpepper scapese is more of a grandmamma recipe which is so simple and will definetly reminds of those times where in home you have eaten stuffed veggies with assorted fillings. Well I must confess I haven’t had such a big variety of pasta and all at its crest in taste and cooked at precision. Timings indeed matters a lot when it come to Italian Cooking and you can tell by aroma and tang how much love is involved in this cuisine and cooking at Sacci. Crespella filled with mushroom in cheese béchamel sauce and Cannelloni Ricotta on Spinach bed were my favorites in the menu. Mezze Tagliatelle all’aglione was kid’s glee and staple appetite for them. After reaching to this mark we were so full to enjoy our Mains, we took a mini break and enjoyed outdoor view of pool and lush green terrace for a while unfortunately it’s a sandy day and couldn’t sit out for long due to dusty weather. I bet this place is amazing to sit outdoor and enjoy in good weather days.   Main Course has arrived to the table in splendid manner, I must say I love the co-ordination and diners- psyche awareness level of the staff, they will bring the food on your table with full bang and will update you about each detail, you can check on the spice levels with them. We enjoyed our Carne e Pesce includes Picanha, it’s a prime cut of top sirloin and one of the very famous Brazilian Steak, Chef has done great justice to their roasted marination, harmonizing the savor of it with Cherry Tomatoes and parmesan, Slow Cooked Beef Ribs were also tender and well done. Grilled Prawns are king sized and yummy, Fish Fillet is of Mediterrean flavored and brought variety to this complete meat affair. Rabbit in Cacciatora Style is also served. It’s a famous choice for diners having low-cholesterol and leaner meat preferences.     Contorni or the Sides includes Roasted Vegetables (I wish if more veggies are there and with some extra crisp), Spinach Gratin , Mashed and Baked Potatoes (has big serving, which I will rate 5/5 as I did not find it greasy) , Mixed Green Salad was OK. Desserts, most cheerful part of Sacci meal and was in abundance. You can’t just say No, even if you are not a huge fan of sweets. Lovely presentation and master patissier skills results in mouth-watering Dolci: Selection of Italian sweet mignardises, there is a world to choose from, though I am guilty of tasting from each on them. Believe me you will not at all feel sad to see a great meal come to a close, as you can count on the arrival of mignardises, to lift your mood and leave happy (OR)as my bubby Misha quoted “ Happily ever after”     ADD ON: You may also enjoy their Formaggi range which is basically selection of Italian cheeses and variation of jams and crackers presented in cheese trolley and entice any cheese lover. Need a perfect ending try their Mocha coffee and cookies, you have indeed all reason to smile at SACCI. For More information on click Sacci & Westin AbuDhabi Facebook, Twitter, IG.

There is a famous Italian proverb. “A tavola non si invecchia.” Translation: At the table with good friends and family you do not become old.

GIVEAWAY / COMPETITION:

Guess what!!! they were so generous to offer Mahi Blog Readers more reason to smile, hence in collaboration we are having a #giveaway of Sacci dining voucher worth 400 dhs. How to win: 1- Subscribe (via email id) on maheenabbas.wordpress.com 2- Share this post on as many social widgets, Like, Follow, Share & Tag friends on following: Facebook (facebook.com/mahiblog ) Twitter (twitter.com/mahiblog) Instagram: www.instagram.com/mahiblog 3- Comment below name of any one dish we tasted at Sacci. To win you must do all the above steps. Winners will be announced on APRIL 01, 2015. The more you share Mahi Blog on social widgets and this post, better the chance to win! All UAE fans can take part.

Scrumptiously yours,

Mahi.

Disclaimer : All feedback and observations are MB hold as are the Kaby Klicks (logo) photographs.

 

Victorian Style Dine-in-Review of Shakespeare and Co.

 

If you are an admirer of and elegant décor inspired by 18th-Century Europe, Fancy-Chic styling, Laces & Frilly Lining, Old, Granny’s floral garden setting and Victorian style furniture, Shakespeare and Co. is the place for you to be. It’s a warm and appealing venue over all. Their Breakfasts are so good and I usually go there for Morning Coffee its indeed an ideal place, but I haven’t been to their yet newly opened branch in newest and most talked about place in Abudhabi – Yas Mall so Mahi Blog has decided to visit there for dinner & review.

     

It is located on Ground Floor in Mall’s urban Heart & societal haven the “Town Square” featuring Brand’s trademark Posh and Lush aka plush multi-colored seating for above 100 customers, donned with striking florid & ornate Victorian traces & interiors, calming melody and exceptional patron check. It is indeed a great venue for  brunch and lunches for those laid-back afternoons with your loved ones and want to relax on those cozy chairs. The place has an amazing indoor & Outdoor terrace with live view of pulsating Town Square’s, which is pivot to all the entertainment activities going on in the mall. Arrive hungry, no worries, you will get very attentive service and food-care.

 

Recognitions : Shakespeare and Co. won the prestigious “Best Middle East and North Africa Franchise Brand” award in 2014 from the Middle East and North Africa Franchise Association.

 

Brunette Love Factor : Oh yes, I am a die heart fan of their Chocolates and in case you as well, news is their full patisserie and chocolate selection is on full display, along with signature menu that features a selection of International classics, and all day breakfast. Open from 7AM – 12AM everyday of the week.

Buttery Spot-on & Starters : I totally went vava-voom over their homemade Herby-garlic Butter served with crunchy bread. What is bad, they don’t sell it 😦 I wish to be lucky enough to get right waiter and see if a bucket of it could be slipped with my bill on next trip 😉 Crispy Shrimp Wontons appetizer were infact fried shrimp dumplings, don’t worry you order is not been changed instead you will love the non-greasy shrimpy taste of these Dumtons (name give by Mahi Blog to their perfect fusion of’ Dumpling & Wonton’) they are complimented with Sweet chilli sauce and potatoes croquette, its cheesy and yumm!

Menu & Mains : Protracted seems not enough to describe the depth of their menu, it’s bulky as a manuscript having known and distant options and staff definitely are so helpful in elaborating each dish to you. We liked the hospitality and knowledgeable Manager and Staff members, a very well coordinated team.

The branch and its set-up deemed to be suiting our liking for privacy too having enclosed seating arrangements with same reflection on its interior from the walls till ceilings. We loved the atmosphere and ambiance. The prices have been jacked up but you will get the same quirky quality.

My kids enjoyed their Kids Menu chose the chicken burger and the nuggets deal. The burger was delicious and came neatly served with crisp fries they are indeed of knock-on quality. The toasted bun was so fresh and crunchy and was filled with a generous patty, extra cheese and mayonnaise and Served with ketchup on side.

 In mains we ordered Scaloppini Al Limone, it is basically seared beef scallops, served with Crispy Rosti potatoes which is indeed the best crusted item I had so far, and a very light and fresh mixed green salad. A word of advise the tangy lemon sauce might taste a bit much and tame the taste of well-seared scallops, though you can ask the waiter for alteration while placing an order.

Their Fettuccine Alfredo was a true Italian treat, basic and perfect timed, accurate creamy balance and aroma of sautéed mushrooms in sauce could still be tasted.

Our 2nd main was Cordon Bleu, it’s actually a breaded chicken escalope puffy with turkey, mushroom , cheese, resting on the bed of garden vegetables and sun-dried tomatoes served with sautéed potatoes with glazed and soft onion and beef bacon. A very well balanced and worth it’s value item on the menu.

   

Desserts: Fondant Au Chocolat, just left us awestruck with its warm gooey chocolate cake and vanilla ice cream on the side, the amalgamation of the 2 indeed did wonders. Oh and they server variety of Sorbets too, You should give it a try.

For drinks and beverages we tried Oreo Milk Shakes and Love potion, which is more of kids liking while pink lemonade tasted more like sugar syrup and the rose factor was missing.

Over all I rate the place 4 out of 5 combine on their Food and Venue having romantic ambiance and freshness. When you visit them often and set your food choice, definitely will enjoy the menu and time you will spend there. Don’t forget to check out their website www.shakespeare-and-co.com for pricing, locations and more info.