Italy to Bhopal

Ciao a tutti,

You guys must be thinking that I’ve left writing and updating my blog. Well, that’s not true.

Somewhere in mid-June, I met with an accident in Mumbai and things have been a severe mess since then. While things are getting better now, I am recovering and there’s a lot of food involved anyway so I thought it’s time to do a comeback. 😀

Another good news to share is that Chef Sarvesh is back with some lip-smacking Italian food. YAY!!

Talking about the Italian food that hits on top of the charts on my favourite cuisine list. I am a person who loves authentic Italian rather than the desi styles incorporated these days. Dined at few finest restaurants in India like Mezzo Mezzo, Romano ’s, Alba, Toscano, Alto Vino, Bene, Chianti and many more. I have always been a bit particular about this cuisine. Well, Bhopal sure has an Italian specialty restaurant but I look for more options and authenticity from what I have learned through my experiences of dining at various Italian restaurants.

The 10 days Italian Food Festival at Courtyard by Marriott wherein guest Chef Sarvesh doing his come back to Bhopal after being a massive hit last year was a good news for a food lover like me. Chef Sarvesh, coming all the way from JW Sahar and was a team member during the opening of the Famed “Romano” restaurant which is currently India’s Best Italian restaurant.

Oh Well! That call just evoked a lot of long-lost Italian memories. <3

Olive Oil, tangy tomatoes, fresh basil, roasted mushrooms, sundried tomatoes, the aroma of garlic simplest ingredients bringing in the finest taste and world-class cuisine.

Chef Sarvesh mentioned when his dream came true when he got selected to travel to Italy along with his Italian Master Chef to learn and understand the specific cuisine they wanted to showcase at “Romano”. He spent two long weeks in Florence Marriott with his chef and learned the traditional Tuscan cuisine from renowned chefs, visited vineyard, cheese makers, olive farm etc.

Coming to the food festival, Momo Cafe is all decked up with live stations to give you a short trip to France and something you would want to come back to every day. One thing I want to appreciate about the menu is that, since Bhopalites or rather I should quote Indians are more into going fusion style and adding extra spices and Indian touch to things, just in case you don’t like authentic Italian which is bland, you can also try the fusion versions of Italian food or get it customized as per your choice.

Thick slices of bread grilled, rubbed with garlic, drizzled with olive oil and topped with the simple ingredients is a fresh, simple and delicious Italian appetizer.

Tomato & Basil Bruschetta:

Sweet, seasonal tomatoes along with basil are such a perfect pair. This classic bruschetta is worth all the praise.

Tomato & Basil Bruschetta

Piadina:

Piadina is an Italian flatbread and is highly famous as a street food in Italy. It’s pretty similar to tortilla or naan and has different styles of filling such as pesto sauce, tomato, veggies, cheese etc. Tastes Heavenly! DO NOT MISS!

Chicken Pizza Indiana and Vegetable Garden Style Pizza;

India meets Italy in this unique Indiana Pizza! P.S. Thin Crust – Check!!

Thin crust pizza is perfect for a pizza lover like me who prefers to taste more of the sauce, cheese, and other toppings. An assortment of veggies along with chicken was richly flavored, marinade and then sautéed to intensify the flavour. Good to try!

Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli:

Ravioli is a type of dumpling made of plain flour dough, stuffed with cheesy, garlic-flavored spinach. It is then topped with white sauce and cheese, and baked till the topping melts and coats the Ravioli. The first bite itself takes you to heaven. Must Try!

Mushroom Tortellini:

I thoroughly enjoyed this dish. The tomato sauce was light enough to offset any heaviness the cheese in the tortellini may bring, and the mushrooms contribute an earthiness that is always amazing with tomatoes.

Penne Arabiata:

Sugo all’arrabbiata or commonly known as Pasta Arrabiata is a spicy Italian pasta sauce made with garlic, tomatoes and red chili peppers cooked in olive oil. This lip-smacking Penne Arrabiata was a real champ, because of the perfect texture and because of the use of some cheerful herbs and some cheese too.

Spaghetti in Creamy White Sauce:

This dish is like a warm hug! The Cheesy layers with splattering spaghetti is sure to satisfy a connoisseur’s inner urge. Must Try!

Porcini Rissoto:

A simple yet sophisticated meal. The traditional way involves cooking it with white wine but this was without that and simply flavoured with porcini mushrooms, butter, and Parmesan cheese. Tasted delicious.

Vegetable Lasagna:

Vegetable Lasagna is an Italian staple dish. It is vegetable mixed with sauce and cheese and layered in between of the lasagna sheets. Tasted brilliant.

Eggplant Parmigiana:

Yet another Classic Italian baked dish. It’s molten hot therefore it creates an Ozzy mess. The eggplant layer is shallow fried then layered with cheese and tomato sauce and then baked. Tastes delicious.

DOLCI

Tiramisu:

Tiramisu is one of my all-time favorite desserts. Tiramisu was made in the classic Italian way, with mascarpone, espresso-soaked ladyfingers, eggs and marsala wine.

It was Creamy, rich, and was bursting with bold coffee flavours. Heaven looks like this. <3

My Take:

The menu has excellent options for vegetarians and non-vegetarians and unquestionably has more than what you just read here. What I love about the Italian style of cooking is the gentle use of seasoning and spices. Everything is done ensuring that the core ingredient stands out.

An excellent opportunity for Food lovers of Bhopal to learn and explore Italian cuisine. The festival is for 10 days, so no excuses required. Head to Momo cafe today!

Till then, Happy Hogging!

Thank you Prakruti & Mr. Ravindra Soni for the invite.

Thank you, Mr. Girish,, Chef Ravinder, Chef Sarvesh, Mr. Alok, Yash & team for an exceptional culinary experience every time. I look forward to coming here again during the festival.

P.S. The author was invited and the reviews are personal.

Tastes are subjective and may differ from person to person.

Food Festival: Singh Sahab Italy Return

Restaurant: Momo Cafe, Courtyard by Marriott, Bhopal

Address: DB City, Arera Hills.

Date: 01st September to 10th September 2018

Timing: 1930 Hours to 2300 Hours.

Valet Parking: Available

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