DELIZIOSO!

Classic Italian cuisine with an authentic and charismatic dolce vita flair; Scalini Doha lets you taste its diverse heritage from London and Italy to Qatar says Emille Loyola-Artigas.


Italian cuisine certainly has its place. Everyone I know, family and friends with varying lifestyles and preferences, would definitely have a favourite red- or white-sauce dish. Almost every neighborhood seems to have at least one spot for a casual trattoria or a romantic evening with impeccable service, homemade pasta, or, what I truly fancy, a fusion of traditional and contemporary flavours that maintains its authenticity. Stepping through the doors of Scalini, I just know, I’ve got it.

The Doha iteration of Scalini, London’s long-running and much sought-after celebrity favourite, is nestled in Al Gassar Resort at the St. Regis Doha. We were immediately drawn to the distinctive décor with calm, elegant and sophisticated details. We would normally choose the outdoor seating but, this time, the interiors and the ambiance lured us inside. The feel gave us the real essence of rustic Italy, perfect for an intimate family dinner.

The extensive menu is a celebration of classic flavours with a modern twist – a true quintessential experience, from antipasti, caldi, zuppe, primi piatti, il pesce, la carne and contorni to the dolci that will have you salivating in anticipation. And the service is flawless, yet unobtrusive. We were served the Carpaccio di Manzo con Rucola e Parmigiano, a palatable serving of a very thin raw fillet of Wagyu beef with mustard dressing, parmesan cheese and rocket. The beef was thinly sliced yet not flaky and it melts  in your mouth, divinely complemented by the flavours of the parmesan and rocket. Avocado Scalini, featuring avocado, artichoke, spinach, tomato and mozzarella, was served shortly. This classic Italian dish, perfectly made, was easily our unanimous favourite. The avocado, perfectly ripe and rich in texture, was served with balsamic vinegar, and the playful mix of sweet and sour completed the taste. The Burrata con Datterini did not fall far behind as our next favourite, it’s a flavoursome serving of burrata from Puglia mixed with rocket, toasted focaccia bread, lending some crunchiness to the dish, cherry tomato and a rich velvety sauce that freshens the palate.

Asparagi Contessa is served with fresh and sweet asparagus au gratin with flavourful hollandaise sauce. This medley is so heavenly, I could not get enough of it. Calamari Fritti, the classic fried calamari served with tartare sauce, was perfectly salted and fried lightly. It reminded me of an event I went to, when you saw it once on the table then it vanished! My son devoured it – from the first bite, he was not able to stop.

The main course dishes showcased the very best that Italy has to offer, in a charismatic presentation with flavours that tease your senses. The Risotto ai Porcini e Taleggio is made with porcini mushrooms and taleggio cheese risotto that got my taste buds dancing, while the Gamberoni Fra Diavola is a hefty serving of king prawns in a spicy garlic and butter sauce. Filetto di Manzo Arlecchino, the fillet of beef topped with green pepper sauce and cream sauce, is my favourite main dish. The beef is flawlessly cooked the way I have requested, crispy on the outside, exceptionally juicy and tender on the inside, with the creamy sauce that blended the flavours perfectly.

The main courses were served with side dishes that’re well worth revealing. We chose the mashed potato, that was so tasty and creamy; the perfectly fried and flavoured zucchini; and, my favourite, Funghi di Stagione Trifolati, sauteed seasonal mushrooms, so flavourful that they could easily go with everything. We enjoyed the primavera, a classic mixture of herbs and tomatoes, which refreshingly cleans the palate. The tasty homemade focaccia bread and the savoury olives were also a significant part of the flavour symphony.

For dolci, or dessert, the Tiramisu looked so irresistible, we had to have it. It didn’t fail and even exceeded our expectations. The rich yet light mascarpone barely sweetened was perfectly complemented by the bitter, coffee-soaked lady fingers. A dusting of a sweetened cocoa powder finished it off beautifully.

With a focus on the finest quality and freshly sourced ingredients, the dishes are memorable, traditional and honest – down to earth, and without pretension. The rustic and contemporary interiors, the cosy ambiance and the faultless service all added to the experience.

I have to admit, I had heard a lot about Scalini since it opened, and we had high expectations before we tried it. Now I know why it’s become so popular and will definitely go back. ✤

GO: CALL 4424 4850 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.