This June, savour the sun-drenched flavours of Sicily at ITC Royal’s Ottimo. The Italian restaurant is hosting a Sicilian Summer Delights menu that will remind you of European summers. Indulge in fresh seafood items and vegetarian offerings that not only have rustic flavours but it also celebrates the island’s culinary heritage. Each dish captures the essence of la dolce vita.
“We are paying a tribute to all the summery dishes that are made in Sicily. When you compare the climate of Sicily, it is quite similar to the one we have here when it’s hot. We want to have something light, refreshing and fresh… and that is something we have tried doing here. But if you see ingredients like mango and avocado, they are not originally grown there but are now being cultivated and we love them here, so we blended both worlds,” said Darshani Harikrishna, junior sous chef, Ottimo. t2 dropped in.
‘Insalata di due mango con mozzarella’ is a mango and mozzarella salad with a light dressing, sour cherry and berry coulis. It is refreshing and a great way to start a meal.
‘Asparagi Bianchi al Burro di Agrumi’ defines the concept of less is more. Exotic white asparagus are tossed in a citrus butter made with Sicilian lemon and butter and presented with some garlic chips, arugula and microgreens on top.
Keeping Calcutta’s love for fish in mind, ‘Branzino al Peperoncino con Caponata’ has been curated. The colourful dish has sea bass marinated with pepper, hint of chillies and salt that comes with salad and spicy tomato coulis.
You will blow a chef’s kiss when you try ‘Tagliolini con olive e Marinara’. Olive, olive oil and herb tossed pasta sat pretty on a bed of subtly spiced marinara sauce made with tomatoes, garlic, onions and herbs. Parmesan shavings on top lends a savoury, umami taste.
Our fave pick on the menu is Lobster Ravioli with its creamy texture. “The secret behind the dish is the lobster ravioli itself and sundried tomatoes, tossed in a delicious bed of sauce made from lobster shell. We do a reduction with butter, star anise water and a bit of burrata on top that makes it very tasty,” explained Chef Darshani.
Summers are best for salads. This being the season of mangoes, you will enjoy ‘Insalata di mango, avocado, albicocche e noci pecan’ — a vibrant salad that harmonises the sweetness of mango and apricot with creamy avocado and crunchy pecans.
Darshani Harikrishna, junior sous chef, Ottimo
What: Sicilian Summer Delights
Where: Ottimo, ITC Royal Bengal
When: On till end of the month
Timings: 7pm to 11.30pm
Reservations: Call 033-44464646
Meal for two: ₹2,500-plus