What to Expect at Taste of Dubai 2013-Carluccio's

It has been a non-stop food frenzy over in this part of the world.  With Taste of Dubai (TOD) just around the corner, we had the pleasure of being invited to preview a taste of the goodies set to be shared at the three day festival this coming March.  The first of these tasting series was at Carluccio's Dubai Mall.  Now, Carluccio's is no stranger to TOD, but they expect to see a lot more foot traffic this time with the popularity of this event growing year after year. The menu featured here are the exact items available at the festival, and in the same generous serving size! Chef Alessandro put his heart and soul into these dishes and has created the perfect menu to represent the country of his origin. 

Pictured below are the famous Carluccio's Arancini.  These morsels of goodness are deep fried saffron flavored risotto balls filled with melted mozzarella cheese. Served with a side of marinara sauce these Sicilian style antipasti are a delicious way to whet the appetite for the other treats to come. If you like extra sauce like me, don't be afraid to ask for more!

Next up for the Secondi we have here the Risotto al Limone con Pollo, a lovely light and flavorful signature Carluccio's dish, that is just enough to leave you wanting more.  The chicken is marinated in lemon, rosemary, and olive oil which gives it that extra dimension of flavor.  The Risotto is cooked al dente, which is the true Italian way! Chef Alessandro takes his cuisine very seriously and it is evident with this perfect presentation of an Italian original. 

Since this was a tasting, we were able to enjoy yet another Carluccio's favorite, the Penne Giardiniera.  Apparently this dish was created on the spot in the kitchens at one of Carluccio's first restaurants at the Market Place in London.  Antonio quickly came up with this recipe to feed a hungry vegetarian customer.  It has since become a key dish and also helps to raise thousands of pounds for children in Liberia, with money being donated to Action Against Hunger for every dish sold.   This dish has to be one of my personal favorites, the crunchy and wholesome taste of the spinach balls contrasting with the creamy pasta is comforting and balanced. 

Available on the dessert menu are the Panna Vanilla pictured below as well as a selection of Gelati including chocolate, strawberry, vanilla, and lemon sorbet.  The panna cotta's consistency was silky and smooth, lemon and vanilla flavored cream with a raspberry coulis and fresh raspberries is a harmony of sweet and tart which makes for a tasty dessert!

If you're like me and plan your meals for days and weeks to come, make sure you work Carluccio's into that schedule.  The restaurant itself has a couple of outlets in Dubai including Dubai Mall, Marina Mall, and Mirdiff City Center.  However if you are planning on attending Taste of Dubai 2013, (http://www.tasteofdubaifestival.com/) then put this eatery on that list.  With items ranging from Aed 15-Aed 20, you are getting excellent value for money at this quality establishment.