La dolce vita translates into ‘the sweet life’, a phrase made popular by Hollywood with Federico Fellini’s movie by the same name. It reflects an indulgent and good life, but since it’s got the Italian connection, it’s all about home made deliciousness and freshness. A red Vespa greets the diner at the entrance and our moods are already set for a day out in Italy!
Al Fresco Vibe
The restaurant is divided into two sections – a large indoor seating area that opens out seamlessly into the open terrace overlooking a verdant landscaped lawn. With the resident DJ playing soulful Italian classics (we are told that the music changes to a bit loungy during the evenings) and the aroma of barbeque drifting through, we love the laid back vibe.
The Food
Pizzas are made to order in an open blaze oven while pasta dishes are prepared a la minute by the chefs at the table. The only things laid out on the buffet is an array of salads, cheese, cold cuts and freshly shucked oysters. The mozzarella and burrata cheese melts in the mouth and we scamper to order our meats from the live barbeque station. We order the sauces and the toppings for our pizzas and go back to our tables waiting for the freshly cooked dishes to arrive.
Chef Alberto’s signature pasta, Sicilia in Bocca arrives at the table – it’s rich in flavour – a mezze rigatoni pasta with Sicilian pesto. The pizza crusts are crispy and so at the same time and the toppings of mushroom, pesto, cherry tomatoes in one and the beef bresaola in the other engulf our senses.
The Desserts
For a spread which believes in ‘no wastage’ policy, the dessert station seems contradictory with its enormous spread. But after the cursory first glance, it doesn’t seem so overwhelming. A variety of dessert options which include the signature Tiramisu, are laid out in tiny portions. A bevy of chocolate butterflies line up to brighten up the chocolate mousses, cakes and mini tarts!
Our fresh pizza being made with sauces resembling the flame from the mosaic artwork of the oven.
The only thing that has an elaborate spread is the Dessert
A circular bar counter holds centre stage in the terrace and whether you prefer to raise a toast with a Prosecco or from a glass freshly tapped from the barrel (the only restaurant serving wine fresh from the barrel), the mood is set for the weekend. The wine list promises one of the finest selection of Italian Wines.
As we leave, its already 5pm – past brunch time and enough strolling in the lawns. The music had already transformed itself into a peppy and loungy number and the terrace slowly brightening up for the evening.
[The La Dolce Vita Brunch is available every Friday from 12:30pm- 3:30 pm and is priced at AED 199/person with soft beverages and AED 299/person with free- flowing beers and wines. For more info: +9714317 2222 or visit www.hyatt restaurants.com/Dubai]
The Valentine Day’s menu at Andiamo sounds extremely ‘heart’ warming too – A Ravioli rossi con burrata e crema di gorgonzola made of handmade beetroot ravioli stuffed with creamy burrata and yellow capsicum, Gamberoni e capesante grigliate con vellutata di ceci picante combines juicy grilled prawns and scallops with spicy chickpea cream and more! AED 199 set menu per person.