What: Portal to Italy
Where: Seasonal Tastes, The Westin Kolkata Rajarhat
On till: July 22
Timings: 7pm-11pm
Pocket pinch: Rs 1,399-plus

It was an evening of fine Italian wine and dine as Portal to Italy, the Italian food fiesta at The Westin Kolkata Rajarhat, kicked off with chef Roberto Zorzoli from Romano’s — the Italian restaurant in JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar — demonstrating a host of classic Italian recipes that will be a part of the dinner buffet spread. And if you like Italian wine, then a selection will be paired with your dishes. t2 got the first taste, and here’s getting you our faves.

Indian Seabass Livornaise Style: “The dish derives its name from Livorno, a city in Italy known for its seafood and basil. The star of this dish is the sauce made from cherry tomatoes, olives and fresh basil,” explained chef Zorzoli as we tucked into this artistically presented dish. 

Melon and Parma: A seasonal fave, this has musk melon wrapped in juicy Parma ham and is served as an antipasto. “This is ideal for summer months because the musk melon lends the right amount of sweetness to the fresh Parma. It also goes well with fresh figs when they are in season,” said chef Zorzoli. 

Tiramisu Classico: What’s an Italian meal without some tiramisu? Light, fluffy and soaking in Kahlua, this dessert was polished off within minutes of arriving at the table. #SweetLove

Burrata with Fresh Tomato and Asparagus: Sourced from a vendor in Gujarat, the burrata is fresh, creamy and melt-in-the-mouth. The crunch from the asparagus and the tanginess of the tomatoes, along with pesto and olive oil, made it hit the right flavour notes. 

“The key to an Italian meal is not the chef but the ingredients. If you get your ingredients right then more than half the work is already done,” said chef Roberto Zorzoli as he sportingly whipped up a plate of gnocchi for the t2 camera, and took us through the idea behind each dish. 

“It was a truly Italian experience thanks to chef Roberto and the entire Westin team. I really appreciated the flavours and taste of the plates. My pick from the night? The Potato Gnocchi with Bolognaise,” said Italian consul-general Damiano Francovigh (left), as he toasted a glass of Prosecco with Rahul Maini, general manager, The Westin Kolkata. “It is our endeavour to keep offering varied cuisines to the city by means of these food festivals. We hope the city will enjoy Portal to Italy,” said Maini.

Text: Zeba Akhtar
Pictures: Rashbehari Das