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JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru’s Italian restaurant, ALBA

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Have you given a thought to what Italian food actually is all about? While pizzas and pastas are very often passed off as Italian food, there is a large repertoire of dishes that the cuisine boasts of that needs to be explored. And one of the best places to sample some of the finest Italian delicacies is at Alba at JW Marriott Bengaluru. Interestingly, the restaurant has launched a new menu designed by newly appointed Chef Mohammed Eliyaz whose expertise in authentic Italian food ensures that the food here is superlative.

Chef Eliyaz
Chef Eliyaz

Each dish on the menu is specially crafted to bring you a holistic experience of raw Italian culinary art with an Indian heart, without any compromise on authenticity or taste. Interestingly, care has been taken that clichés like excessive cheese are avoided and are instead replaced with foam, jelly and other interesting innovations that leaves the food feeling light and healthy.

Private Dining Area at Alba
Private Dining Area at Alba

The decor of the restaurant is quite ornate and the center stage is the massive chandelier that takes center stage. The restaurant located on the first level has large windows on one side that allow the outdoors in and one part of the seating is next to the window and is set in different levels. There are a couple of private dining spaces as well and it is the eclectic lighting and chic decor that add a touch of class to this space.

Beautiful light fixtures in Alba
Beautiful light fixtures in Alba

We started the meal with a warm freshly baked Focaccia Bread with a tomato based dip that was the perfect start to the gastronomic journey that was to follow.  For the first course we tried the Asparagus Salad made with Granny Smith apple coulis, coated almonds and a creamy Parmesan fondue that combines beautifully to create a texture that feels great when you eat it.

Focaccia Bread
Focaccia Bread
Asparagus Salad
Asparagus Salad

We followed this with the Quinoa and Puy Lentil a mélange of Haricot beans, Italian lemon jelly and vanilla froth that is light and packs a punch with its subtle flavours. The micro greens used in the garnish are all grown in-house.

Quinoa and Puy Lentil
Quinoa and Puy Lentil

We also tried the White Onion and Porcini Soup with Olive powder & crispy herbs served with a drizzle of white truffle oil to enhance the flavours and the crispy fried herbs that feel like popcorn adds a lovely texture to this soup that is a hands down winner.

White Onion and Porcini Soup
White Onion and Porcini Soup

For the main course we tried the delightful Textures of Parmesan that explores the Parmesan in three ways – the filling as a curd and as a water that is poured over the delectable tortellini dish that is served with celery sauce and toasted hazelnut.

Textures of Parmesan
Textures of Parmesan

The Beetroot & Chestnut Risotto served with beetroot chips and gorgonzola sauce is a delectable yet light risotto and never feels too heavy like traditional risottos that are loaded with cheese.

Pizza Platter
Pizza Platter

We also sampled bite sized pizzas – Pizza Versuvio (that has a pesto spread with raosted chilli, sundried tomato and garlic), Primavera (topped with assorted grilled vegetables, tomato and basil pesto), Quattro Fromaggi (topped with Mozzarella, Gongonzola, ricotta and pecorino) and Pizza Dal Duca (with Porcini mushroom, truffle essence and black pepper). Each pizza has its own taste and has a unique flavour that makes the pizza sampler a lovely experience.

We rounded of this wonderful meal with desserts – the Classical Tiramisu layered with mascarpone, kahlua and lady fingers that was sinful.

Classical Tiramisu
Classical Tiramisu

The Basil Pannacotta with a cacao sponge is also a good choice but my vote undoubtedly goes to the Eggless Chocolate Mousse served with a gelato that melts into your mouth.

Chocolate Mousse
Chocolate Mousse
Basil Panacotta
Basil Panacotta

This was the perfect way to end this meal that was full of flavours, fun and funky. A feel good meal that tastes as good. Try it for yourself and you will enjoy it immensely.

Alba at JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru
Address: 24/1, Vittal Mallya Road, Ashok Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001
Phone: 080671 88533

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