Ottimo - the superlative Italian Ristorante at the ITC Gardenia is having a unique promotion on right now till the end of the month. Called "The Fire of Italy", the inimitable Chef Vittorio Greco brings to our tables the Diavoletti, deep red chilli peppers that add a whole melange of flavors to the food. Predominantly used in Southern Italy, the dishes showcased during this promotion are from the Southern Region. The menu may seem small, but trust me, each dish is an ode to Italy on its own, especially when each of them has that unique twist from Chef Vittorio.
We were invited to sample this menu and while it was a pity we did not have Chef Vittorio around to guide us through it, we were in the very very capable hands of Chef Sasha. Here's a look at what you can expect.
At this point we were also introduced to a lovely South African wine - Kumala, a Shiraz from the Western Cape. A lovely ruby red, not too dry on the palate and a good pairing with the meal.
We moved on to the Lobster and Chilli Double Stuffed Ravioli - Honestly, need I say more!
A very colorful main course for the vegetarians - This Vegetable Risotto with Fontina, chilli and a generous dusting of Berry Powders. The risotto retained its bite and was placed on a bed of vegetable puree - all other blanched veggies were placed around it. The dried strawberries made for an interesting flavor profile as did the generous dusting of the powder. A wholesome a filling dish.
And then, the dish that reiterated yet again why we love Ottimo so much - Slow cooked pork belly with pistachio and black pepper. In the little cup is some jus with a hint of coffee. The Pork Belly is encrusted with thin slivers of pistachio and shaped into perfectly square chunks. Personally, not one for coffee, this jus has a bitter touch to it that actually balances the crunchy and fatty textures and tastes you get from the pork. The little medallions of blanched vegetables always balancing the plate out well.

And for dessert - Drum Rolls and Trumpets Blazing, we welcome Ottimo's classic - The Torte Caprese Version 2.0. A much more delicate chocolate orb, dusted with edible gold, melts away when molten chocolate is poured over it, giving way to a blend of white and dark chocolate on the inside. Heaven is a place on earth you say? Well, Heaven is the Torte Caprese 2.0!!
This promotion is on at Ottimo at the ITC Gardenia. A meal for two is approximately Rs 4000
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