As the Calcutta monsoon rages on, the weather calls for comfort and warmth. Ottimo at ITC Royal Bengal answers with a Roman affair, courtesy of their food festival Quintessentially Roman, curated by young chef Darshani Harikrishna. This festival promises a delightful journey through the vibrant streets and elegant dining rooms of Rome, all without leaving the city.
From Italy’s timeless classics to specifically Rome’s unique culinary treasures, this menu is an ode to authenticity. Think thick, shapely Roman pizzas with bold toppings and soul-satisfying pastas that whisper tales of ancient trattorias. Start the feast with the ever-popular Bruschetta and move on to the comforting Polpette al Sugo (meatballs in sauce), perfect for a rainy day. Pizza lovers can go for the Roman-style pizzas like the fiery Chorizo, while pasta purists can revel in the creamy simplicity of Tagliolini Alla Cacio e Pepe, or dig into the robust Fettuccine Alla Gricia. If you are looking for some hearty and wholesome meals this monsoon, you can opt for the creamy steaks with polenta or Pollo Saltimbocca, and a lot more. Here’s what we liked…
Start with the Bruschetta, a deliciously crafted plate featuring Roman artichokes, sundried tomatoes, arugula, and the nutty richness of Parmigiano Reggiano.
Dive into the heartiness of Polpette al Sugo, where succulent chicken meatballs are drenched in a rich and zesty tomato and basil sauce, served with crispy ciabatta (flat and crispy Italian bread). A must-try!
Try the zesty Chorizo Pizza enhanced with arugula, Pecorino cheese, and a splash of olive oil.
Swirl through the creamy Linguine Alla Amatriciana, topped with crispy Guanciale (salt-cured meat) bits.
For a more hearty meal, try the savoury Pollo Saltimbocca (sautéed chicken breasts) paired with the delectable and creamy Parmigiano Risotto served with fresh veggies.
To end the meal on a sweet note, break into the Chocolate Cannoli, filled with smooth ricotta and mascarpone cream, and served with hazelnut gelato.
“I had to pay a tribute to Rome… it’s the capital of Italy, and its cuisine is deeply rooted in culture and history. Unlike other parts of the country, Roman food has both rich street-style offerings and elegant fine-dining traditions. People have travelled to Rome for centuries, and its food reflects that diversity. I wanted to bring that experience here with high-quality ingredients like Pecorino, Parmigiano, Guanciale, and seasonal vegetables like artichokes and broccoli. While staying true to Roman roots, I’ve added small local touches for a zingy twist, without ever compromising the essence of Italian cuisine,” said Ottimo’s junior sous chef Darshani Harikrishna.
What: Quintessentially Roman
Where: Ottimo, ITC Royal Bengal
On till: End of July
Timings: 12.30pm-2.45pm (lunch), 7pm-11.30pm (dinner)
For reservations: 033 44464646