I am biased towards Italian cuisine. The cooking techniques are simple but the flavours developed are worth savouring. The invitation to review Italian specialty restaurant ‘IT’ at The Grand Vasant Kunj came as a surprise as it has not been very active with promotions and food fests of late. Its Tuscan décor has all the shades of a nice Italian set up. Artificial candles with melted wax placed all around further impressed me. Now it was left to the Chef to create that everlasting impression through his food.
Cream of asparagus and prawn soup with a soothing green colour and a creamy texture set the tone for the food to follow, though the focaccia seemed a tad dry. Bruschettas with three different toppings — fresh mozzarella, garlic mushroom and scented tomato — were done on a toasted polenta rather than on garlic bread and were really nice. Toasted yet soft, polenta complemented the toppings really well. Before heading to the pizza, small portion of a risotto was a must have.
One thing I love about risottos is that they go well with every age group. Be it kids or oldies, all love the creamy flavour sans spice. I ordered a mushroom and artichoke risotto flavoured with saffron — a combination to die for. As I was enjoying my risotto I could see my pizza being cooked in the huge and classy oven placed right next to my table. Straight out of the oven, the thin crust pizza topped with calamata olives was yummy, though I would have preferred the crust to be crispier so that it could have held the veggies better.
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To foodies who love to have a cheesy bite, I recommend their calzone. I am sure their bomb stuffings of mozzarella and mascarpone will satisfy their cheesy cravings. Lamb shanks, my main course dish, was totally off that day. Sea Bass in caper butter sauce came as a blessing in disguise and helped me to move to my last course which had to be a couple of desserts. Tiramisu, considered to be the national dessert of Italy, and custard cream with a chocolate volcano truffle were made to perfection. I tipped my hat to the volcano truffle by ordering it again. Meal for two: Rs.4000 plus taxes