Simply Abu Dhabi Magazine XVI

3 9 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I or even just a fan of the speed and power of high octane racing, you’ll find the world’s most sophisticated racing simulators of the Scuderia Challenge to be an unforgettable experience for sure. Where the morning was perfect for exploring the adrenalin-filled wonders of this colossal theme park, we decided the afternoon called for a more sedate tempo in order to catch our breath a bit and enjoy a relaxing lunchtime meal. Inspired by traditional Italian cuisine and offering a wealth of options, the popular Mamma Rossella pizzeria was our choice. Here you can eat at a gentle, family-orientated venue modelled on one of the most loved family trattorias, often frequented by Ferrari drivers and food lovers back inMaranello. We ate a simple but delicious pizza, built upon a crispy base with exquisite flavoursome sauce and just the perfect amount of excellent mozzarella cheese, fresh cherry tomatoes and aromatic basil – superbly simple, superbly authentic. Alongside this, we also chose the Swiss chard ravioli main course: fresh pasta, expertly made in front of our very eyes, filled with Swiss chard, ricotta and parmigiano reggiano. A beautifully balanced collection of flavours and textures, flooded with delicious creamy sage sauce. The contrast of the ultra high-technology surroundings, juxtaposed with superb, home-cooked, traditional Italian food and warm, friendly service, may sound incongruous. But somehow it just made the whole experience feel more authentic, more Italian, more Ferrari. After our very filling and enjoyable lunch we decided to visit the Galleria Ferrari, one of most stunning collections of Ferrari cars available to view anywhere in the world. It’s the ultimate Ferrari museum, telling the story of Ferrari’s growth from the dreams and aspirations of Enzo Ferrari himself, through decades of growth, success and development into what is now certainly one of the most globally recognised and iconic marques in the automotive world. Many of the Ferraris we saw on display are in fact on loan from rare private collections of owners who are clearly proud to share their treasures with a global audience. Next we decided to try a much more sedate and gentle ride – something more suited to our contented post-lunch stomachs than the Formula Rossa! So we headed over to the Viaggio in Italia, where you are invited to settle into your seat and prepare for an unforgettable aerial voyage over Italy’s breathtaking countryside and cityscapes. The inspiration here is the Photography by: Ashraf Ahmed Ferrari racing legends cinema