Simply Abu Dhabi XIII

7 2 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I previously served as Executive Chef at the Michelin Star Ristorante Re Di Macchia in Siena, Italy. He believes that respect for tradition is equal to respect for inventiveness and improvisation, and this is reflected fully in the menu, which represents a culinary path through Italy, incorporating its finest ingredients along the way. Villa Toscana’s fare also wonderfully complements the interior design, which bridges tradition and elegance to create the feel of visiting the inviting summer home of an Italian noble. With our virtual journey through Italy underway, we were ready to order from the mouth-watering menu. Jordana began with an elegant Caprese salad of Bufalo mozzarella, tomatoes, Tuscan extra virgin olive oil and 10 year old aged balsamic vinegar. A hallmark of Italian cuisine is the simplicity and freshness of the ingredients harmonising together to elevate the whole dish to the next level – and this refreshing salad was no exception. Having heard the praises of the Tuscan beef, I decided to try the Carpaccio of cured raw chianina, with rocket, radicchio, tomatoes, parmesan cheese and caramelised onion. I was not misled – the beef was exceptional, full of flavour and balanced perfectly by the acidity of the vegetables.