24 Restaurant in Assila Hotel is putting up an impressive display of Sicilian food this week.
With the help of chefs native to the Italian island, the authenticity of the food is being ensured. The food is presented as a tribute to Assila’s sister hotel in Vendura — a resort comprising colorful traditions and the freshest local products.
The hospitality by the staff of the hotel ensures one of the best, if not the best, experiences of Italian food.
The division of all the courses into different stations gives a more organized view of the food. The cheese and fruits, salads, main courses, desserts, drinks and, on a separate counter, the two chefs from Sicily work to make fresh pasta and risotto.
The décor, too, is well thought-out and looks cozy with a touch of luxury. With a combination of wooden carts for the bread and ice sculptures on the other stations with a pizza stone oven on the back of the buffet, the organizing was skillfully done.
“We follow the recipes we get from our chef in Sicily to make sure people are eating the most authentic food,” Executive Chef Maurizio told Arab News.
Some of the most popular dishes from Sicily are presented in the buffet, such as the Arancini, which are deep-fried stuffed rice balls. According to the chef, “If you say ‘Sicily’ you have to say ‘Arancini,’ because they always go together.”
Also in the buffet were sardines, lasagna, risotto, and pasta, with a choice of sauce made by the skilled team of 24 Restaurant. The desserts, too, bring out the cuisine’s best with tiramisu, macarons, lemon meringue tarts, sweet cannoli pastries and so much more.
“Italian food is well known in Saudi Arabia, so it’s easy to bring Sicilian food here, and we hope people will like it,” Maurizio said.
“Assila is unique because of its location and the authenticity of the food. We really try to capture the essence of it,” he said.
“I think we are offering something different. It is not Italian; it’s Sicilian. They use different ingredients and herbs to create the dishes. All the dishes presented today are the inspiration of Chef Fulvio Pierangelini, the creative F&B director in the Rocco family,” said Bayan Zainy, head of marketing.
She added: “Assila Hotel is more than a luxurious hotel. It is an iconic landmark that has character. It’s unique in its own style and this is what makes us successful and certainly different.”
