Nestled within the elegant ambiance of Sofitel Hotel on Jumeirah Beach Residence, is Rococo, a restaurant boasting classic Italian fare with a contemporary twist. Upon entrance guests will find themselves envelopped within stiking black and aubergine interiors providing for a vibrant and exquisite atmosphere.
My guest and I were immediately taken with the luscious surroundings amplified by dim lighting and soft background music. Knowledgeable staff explained each dish as well as the appropriate wines suited for each plate. Having lived in Italy for many years and expecting a more traditional meal, I was pleasantly surprised by the creativity applied to each dish; classic Italian tastes were exquisitely transformed with new tastes and avant-garde looks.
Our seven-course meal began with three starters consisting of lobster carpaccio and beetroot sorbet sprinkled with a sharp Vodka lemon oil; roasted scallops with peperonata (stewed peppers), polenta croutons and micro cress and also a plate of Gorgonzola cheese with mascarpone figs and rosemary honey, one of my immediate favorites.
Although rich in taste and consistency, serving sizes were measured just right – meaning room was easily left for the next course. For the mains we were served squid ink tagliolini with prawns, parsley sauce and bottarga (salted fish roe) and smoked pumpkin cappuccino with “DOP” taleggio fondue and amaretto brioche, a plate which was startling in appearance and pleasantly creamy and sweet in taste. We also chose a fresh line caught sea bass with sun dry tomato crust celeriac and vanilla purée. Intensely satisfied, we eagerly anticipated the dessert.
A beautiful plate of dark chocolate fondant with amaretto sabayon and vanilla gelato was placed before us. The perfect way to conclude such a sophisticated meal; our chocolate fondant was our digestif and my guest and I finished our meal in gastronomic fulfillment. Chef Vladimiro Gadioli paid us a visit and explained the unique methods by which he prepared his creations. Rococo is a culinary experience worth many returns.
Rococo is located in Sofitel Hotel on Jumeirah Beach Road +971 44484848
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