It wasn’t just about eating, our OpenRicers got a behind-the-scenes look at how Chef Alfredo Colle prepares his very own mozzarella from scratch
For this Food Tasting session, six food bloggers/OpenRice members joined us for an Italian feast at Pietrasanta together with Chef Alfredo Colle.
The native Italian chef started the Food Tasting session off with a demonstration on how to make fresh homemade mozzarella cheese. Let’s just say it was an educational gastronomic experience for all. After that, everyone was left to do what they did best – EAT!
Clockwise from top left: Mozzarella ball & burrata combo (Focaccia Bread in background), Parma Ham Mozzarella Rolls, Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli, Fettuccine al Tartufo
Cheese lovers got to overdose on the homemade mozzarella along with dollops of creamy burrata, which really gave the mix of cheeses that extra boost of flavour. Paired with warm Focaccia Bread (and some extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinaigrette), the “Italian cuisine essentials” disappeared within minutes of being served. Yes, they were that good!
As an extra appetiser, the OpenRicers helped themselves to the Parma Ham Mozzarella Rolls. Wrapped with rocket leaves, this ham-and-cheese roll did a great job as a palate prepper before the foodies moved on to the big boys – the mains.
The Fettuccine al Tartufo ($24.90), to simply put it, was a real truffle treat with its mix of homemade fettuccine, minced sausages and truffle mushrooms. As for the other pasta dish, the Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli ($17.90), its amazing taste wasn’t the only thing that caught the attention of our OpenRicers. Blogger IzzyPeasy Isabelle wrote: “What struck me was the texture of this homemade pasta – so fine and soft unlike the normal kinds of store-bought pasta! It was not only able to soak up the full flavour of the tasty butter and sage sauce, it also acted as a warm and gentle ‘embrace’ to the savoury taste of its ricotta cheese and spinach filling. Yummy!”
... Makes us hungry just thinking about it!
Clockwise from top left: Risotto Porcini, Lamb Shank, Mixed Sausages, Grilled Lemon Sole
For the other mains (and a plate of small bites) – the Risotto Porcini ($23.90) was pretty interesting with its saffron-filled risotto and side of delectable bone marrow, while the classic Lamb Shank with Chianti Wine ($28.90) and zesty and fresh Grilled Lemon Sole were both cooked to perfection and touted as “addictive” by many. As for the plate of tasty Mixed Sausages, it was a perfect ending to the belly-filling mains as the OpenRicers had to make even more room for the sweet stuff.
Clockwise from main centre image: Tiramisu, Pistachio Semifreddo, Lemon Tart
The three desserts were simply phenomenal. The must-have Tiramisu was surprisingly light with its alluring combination of coffee, cocoa and mascarpone cheese, and the Lemon Tart was just heavenly. Another creation that got everyone’s attention was the Pistachio Semifreddo – the gelato-base dessert was milky yet fluffy at the same time. That’s something that isn’t easy to achieve in the kitchen!
Chef Alfredo Colle poses with the OpenRicers at the end of the tasting
As with many Italian meals, the countless courses during the tasting probably lasted our foodies the whole day. All we can say is: try it for yourself. Buon appetito!
Interested to join us for a fun time at upcoming Food Tastings? Simply fill up this form and you may be the next one to get invited to a FREE food tasting session with us:
