Our server escorted us to our table, handed us the menu and informed us that a buffet option was available. We ordered our drinks, plain soda with lime juice on the side and a Virgin Mojito. The Mojito was perfect. I have to add though, when I ordered for a refill; it wasn’t as perfect as the first one. It tottered on the bitter side.
For Antipasti, we chose Crostini Della Casa. Warm, crisp crostinis, topped with sun dried tomatoes, garlic, basil, roasted Italian aubergine, drizzled with a generous amount of olive oil. They weren’t stingy with the olive oil; the bread too had a lovely bite to it.
Visiting an Italian restaurant and not having pizza? Mamma Mia!! Sacrilege! We requested they make us a half n half so we could try out two varieties. Our choice, Freestate and Manali pizzas.
Manali was topped with spicy tomato sauce, mushrooms, onions, corn, olives and stringy mozzarella. Quite like any pizza at a good eatery. I could find no fault with it.
For the mains, we chose Risotto Funghi E Zafferano, a brown rice, mushroom and cream risotto, delicately flavored with saffron and Parmesan cheese. I wish they’d used Arborio or Carnaroli instead. I guess I’m a tad fussy. What pleased me though was that the risotto was cooked to perfection.
For pasta, we chose Pasta Al Sole Di Sicilia (Penne). I know flavors, I know textures and I know my food, but I have my quirks. I don’t enjoy my pasta al dente (an honest confession, no less). The preparation of fresh tomatoes, garlic, capers, olives, basil, sun-dried tomatoes and mozzarella in which the pasta was tossed, was beautifully created. The flavors just came at you from all directions, in the most wonderful way.
We were contemplating whether we should try the desserts. After 15-20 minutes we opted for two light desserts. I chose Granita Di Limone. A lemon sorbet with a hint of limoncello liquor. A perfect choice for a hot summer’s day. The flavor brought back memories of homemade lime sherbet made by my maternal grand mom. A distinctive taste I’ve craved for years. It was simple, light and elegant.
The decibel level all through the afternoon was pretty high. As the crowd tapered off, we realized they were playing lovely retro music that we just hadn’t been able to hear over the din of loud voices. As the meal came to an end we sat there listening to Roxette sing, ‘It must have been love but it’s over now’. We felt like singing, ‘it was a lovely meal, but it’s over now’ (yeahhhh! I am corny at times)
A peaceful afternoon, delicious food, spent in the company of a wonderful friend. La dolce vita!!
I had a great time writing this review. I hope you all enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it! Until next time… Ciao!!
Ratings (Out of 5)
Ambience: 3.0 | Food: 3.5 | Service: 4.0 | Overall: 3.5
Meal for two: Rs. 1200 | Alcohol: Yes | Credit Card: Yes | Timings: 12.30PM-4pm
Address: Little Italy, D 111/5, Trsla Crest, Next to World of Titan, Old Mumbai Pune Hwy, Chinchwad, Pimpri Chinchwad, Pune | Telephone: 020-66313099
- Kainaaz Writer Bokdawalla
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- Zuppa Di Cipolle
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- Virgin Mojito
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- Nachos witrh Cheese
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- Little Italy
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- The Buffet line up
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- Canneloni alla Florentina