Celebrate Sicily with the new menu at Carisma
Today we are being hosted by the recently appointed Chef Andrea Guidi and his team from Carisma at the Warwick Doha. We are here for a sneak preview of their revamped menu.
First, we are presented with a fresh Mediterranean salad, which is shortly followed by a creamy mushroom soup comprised of shiitake, champignon, and porcini mushrooms.
The Risotto al Pepperoni is a bell pepper risotto made with typical Italian flair. I’m not a massive risotto enthusiast, but this dish won my heart. The flavor of the piquant parmesan, combined with the sweet bell pepper, marries the flavors beautifully.
Spaghetti Aglio olio e pepperoncino is a classic spaghetti dish. The sautéed garlic, parsley, and the peppers pop with flavor in an effortless way.
We move on to the main dishes, and first in line is the Pollo Alla Diavola. The rosemary and lemon flavored chicken is so soft, it melts like butter in your mouth. The preparation method, diavola, is an Italian method of cooking on a very hot plate and that is why they have named it ‘diavola’.
Next up is the Tuna all Mugnaia. Today we are served a Japanese tuna. The seared tuna is juicy and comes together with a mouthwatering tomato, caper and black olive sauce. The name Tuna all Mugnia is named after the woman that collected the olives and capers when this dish was conceived.
Another classic revamped dish, the Risotto all Milanese, makes its appearance. This is a risotto with a saffron twist and comes with a delicious slow cooked Ossobucco and parmesan sauce.
The chef proudly presents the Agnolotti Tartufati with pride. The homemade Agnolotti pasta is stuffed with braised veal Ossobuco and topped with a mushroom and truffle cream sauce. A truly delectable and a wonderfully unique ensemble.
We wrap up the Italian spread with an array of Italian desserts. First, we try the Banana and Gianduja—a fresh banana with slight touches of chocolate and hazelnut paste is served with Janda chocolate.
The typical favorite for most Italian moms is the classic chocolate tart. The rich chocolate, butter, and biscuit tart is served with a decadent chocolate sauce. A chocolate lover’s dream!
The Coconut Pannacotta is a big treat. This dessert delivers a tangy mango punch with a lemon undertone.
The chef creates Cassata Siciliana with an artistic twist. The sweet and sour flavors reminiscent of the original dessert straight out of Sicily. The caramelized orange, nuts, pistachio and mascarpone cheese is an interesting mix of flavors creating a bittersweet symphony. This one is definitely for a refined palate.
Finally, what would a true Italian meal be without the signature Tiramisu? Chef’s rendition of this classic dessert is a unique spin on the recipe and delicious. A perfect way to wrap up this Italian feast.
Chef Guidi has breathed new life, with a traditional Sicilian twist, into the recipes using a classic Italian palette.
This is definitely a menu worth trying and I will fondly remember the Agnolotti Tartufati for weeks to come.
