When you receive an exclusive invite from BBC Goodfood Middle East for a VIP Italian Dining experience, you drop everything and rsvp! The invite was for Nineteen at The Address Montgomerie Dubai Golf Resort and Spa located in the prestigious Emirates Hills, Dubai.
The restaurant’s ambiance is modern and romantic with 180 degrees view of the golf course. Well, the view at night is almost nil but I am pretty sure it’s a sight before evening. The photograph below was clicked with a long exposure!
Appetisers
As we arrived, the welcome drinks were being passed around and some fine appetizers. I loved the cherry tomato with goat cheese and oregano, while Dubaigirl craved the deep fried olives ascolana.
After mingling at the bar, we were seated in the dining area where an open kitchen overlooks. There was also a large screen set up and Chef Alessio Pitzalis was going to give a live demonstration of our 3-course meal of the night.
Chef Alessio Pitzalis
Chef Alessio Pitzalis at first glance is Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s doppleganger. The Chef also was charming and funny while presenting the live demo. We were ready to be mesmerized by his food.
Starter
He prepared three appetizers for us. 1. Scallop sauteed with herbs, asparagus and light red pepper cream. 2. Beef carpaccio with rucola salad parmesan and carasau bread and 3. Prawns sauteed with lemon dressing and fresh kale.
All three excelled with their distinct flavors and would be unfair to pick a favorite.
Main course
Grilled sea bass on salt, smoked with fresh thyme and served with a mix vegetable scapece and tropea onion cream. It was a not just a plate of food but a piece of art. Sea Bass was grilled perfectly and the sauce brought all the flavors in.
Dessert
Tiramisu prepared by Chef Alessio Pitzalis was one of the tastiest desserts we tried. Light and fluffy were the texture I would describe it as. Dessert, on the whole, was simply elegant!
The event ran smooth and was by far the most organized that we have been to. Believe me, we have sat through A LOT of unorganized and chaotic events. Kudos to the team of BBC Food ME for doing a great job.
Nineteen has been relaunched and Chef Alessio Pitzalis is the new star in town. Italian fine dining at its best. Nineteen is also a multiple award-winning restaurant and looks like they would win a few more in the near future. We would love to be back in daytime to capture the greenery!
Taqato.com 
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