Summer in Italy: A Celebration of Flavors and Traditions

At Ottimo, ITC Kohenur in Hyderabad, Chef Apar Chatterjee is bringing the essence of Italian summers to life with Stagione Della Calda, a seasonally inspired table-top à la carte experience that showcases the best of the season. “We are focusing on fresh ingredients, heirloom tomatoes from Italy, seafood, summer squash, and eggplant,” says Chef Chatterjee, adding, “We want to create dishes that are not only delicious but also visually appealing, just like the Italian summers.”

One of the standout dishes is the Tomato Tea, a unique take on the traditional consommé. “It’s a part of Italy, where tomatoes are a staple ingredient during the summer months,” explains Chef Chatterjee. “We have made an attempt to create a dish that captures the essence of Italian summers, and this Tomato Tea is the perfect representation of that.” The dish is made with tomatoes, which are roasted to bring out their natural sweetness, and served hot as an appetizer and summer evening tea.

Another highlight of the menu is the Burrata with Tomatoes, a classic Italian dish that showcases the creaminess of burrata cheese and the sweetness of tomatoes. “We are using three types of tomatoes today, including brown, yellow, and red,” says Chef Chatterjee, adding, “Each one has its own unique flavour and texture, and when paired with the burrata, it’s a match made in heaven.”

The Carpaccio di Gamberi, or Prawn Carpaccio, is another dish that’s sure to impress. Thinly sliced prawns are minimally poached and served with a zesty lemon flavour, ricotta cheese, and a bed of melon gazpacho. “It’s a refreshing dish that’s perfect for the summer months, The combination of flavors and textures is truly delightful,” says Chef Chatterjee.

To accompany these dishes, Chef Chatterjee has also created a unique dessert, the Semi-Frozen Alkafe. “It’s an old-fashioned ice cream that’s made by freezing the mixture and then scraping it with a fork to create a smooth texture,” explains Chef Chatterjee. “It’s a creamy and icy dessert that’s perfect for hot summer days.” The dish is served with a hazelnut sponge and chocolate soil, adding a nice crunch and texture to the dessert.

Throughout the month of April, Ottimo, ITC Kohenur will be offering this special menu, showcasing the best of Italian summers. “We want our guests to experience the essence of Italy during the summer months. Our menu is designed to transport them to the Italian countryside, where the sun is shining, and the food is fresh and delicious,” he signs off.

With Stagione Della Calda, Ottimo, ITC Kohenur is bringing a taste of Italy to the table, and it’s sure to be a culinary experience to remember. Stagione Della Calda is available throughout the month of April at Ottimo, ITC Kohenur.