Stefano Ciotti’s craftsmanship lifts country’s culinary standing
Al Messila, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Doha, part of the Luxury portfolio of Marriott International, opened Veritas, its refined Italian restaurant, last Wednesday with a day-long VIP event.
Veritas is expected to lift Qatar’s global gourmet standing with its rich, authentic Northern Italian cuisine crafted by Michelin Star Chef Stefano Ciotti, one of Italy’s most noted culinary stars.
“At Al Messila Resort and Spa, we focus on epicurean excellence which is evident in our innovative culinary portfolio DNA – Dining Network at Al Messila- encompassing our eight innovative culinary outlets,” explained the resort’s General Manager Patrizia Hofer.
“Excellence is synonymous with Veritas. Chef Stefano is dedicated to using fresh products, many of which are sourced locally. This approach enables him to create dishes that are a subtle mix of elegance and understatement. There is a degree of simplicity in their form and content which leaves plenty of scope for taste reflecting Al Messila’s standing as a one-of-a-kind destination,” she added.
The seasonally influenced menu is anchored by fresh antipasti, rich house-made pastas, grilled meat and seafood. The menu’s leaning towards thoughtful small plates and pure ingredients, bears all the hallmarks of traditional Northern Italian fare which is characterized by a lesser use of olive oil and tomato sauce and more reliance on butter, risotto, corn polenta and cheeses for cream sauces.
“We aim to give guests in Doha an epicurean experience similar to that which people would savour in Northern Italy – dishes which reflect pride in unspoiled countryside and ingredients that are sensual in flavour,” said Chef Ciotti, one of Italy’s most admired culinary celebrities.
The epicurean expertise is served up in the elegant, sophisticated yet modern Veritas setting where a soft décor palette summons up the relaxation of a Northern Italian destination escape. The ambience is complemented by a subdued and chic playlist of Italian jazz and pop while clientele are pampered by skilled service staff.
The resort’s unique ‘Dining Network at Al Messila’ is overseen by noted Italian Michelin-starred Executive Chef Pino Lavarra and supported by a cadre of some of the world’s most renowned culinary names and Michelin-starred Chefs. DNA is where people get together to explore a journey full of flavours and experiences.
