THE ESSENCE OF ITALIAN HOSPITALITY

Laura Morris discovers food like Nonna used to make at Cucina in Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Hotel.

Transporting you into the heart-warming ambience of an Italian home, Cucina encapsulates the essence of authenticity and warmth that defines Italian cuisine. It’s akin to a visit to a grandmother’s rustic countryside kitchen, where each dish is a labour of love. Here, the emphasis is on simplicity, with highquality ingredients taking centre stage.

The restaurant’s charm is evident in every detail, with ‘family photos’ adorning the walls, offering a warm glimpse into what lies at the core of its essence. Entering, it’s as if you’ve wandered onto the cobbled streets of an Italian town, with a bustling atmosphere. Giant candles cast a gentle glow, that bathes cosy booths in a comforting warmth. The air is filled with the soothing sounds of chilled jazz, brought to life by a talented singer. And to add to the immersive experience, an open kitchen allows you to witness the culinary magic as it unfolds right before your eyes.

Leading at this rustic gem is the charismatic Chef Claudio, boasting two decades of culinary mastery, eight of those in Cucina. He artfully creates classic Italian dishes with unparalleled expertise. Chef Claudio is spearheading an exciting venture at Cucina, with the creation of a signature Recipe Book concept menu. This innovative addition, complementary to the existing à la carte offerings, will feature a curated selection of signature dishes. Diners will have the opportunity to experience this premium menu, which expands the restaurant’s repertoire beyond its beloved ‘home-cooked’ classics. Chef Claudio’s vision blends the comfort of tradition with an extended range of flavours, allowing guests to savour unique and enticing creations while still enjoying the familiar atmosphere they’ve come to cherish.

First to arrive, Insalata di Mare al Gazpacho di Limone. In a tribute to Sicilian traditions, it includes seafood reminiscent of a bustling Sicilian market. What sets this dish apart is the dedication to preserving individual flavours. By skilfully presenting each element separately, the dish allows the true essence of the seafood to shine. To accentuate the natural flavours, a touch of acidity from orange slices and a hint of zesty lemon juice are added. This thoughtful approach lets the seafood’s inherent character take centre stage. With a harmonious combination of octopus, mussels, calamari, clams, prawns, salmon and cherry tomatoes, all elevated by a simple yet exquisite olive oil and chilli dressing, this dish is journey of flavours.

Next, Ravioli agli Spinaci e Funghi, featuring delicate parcels meticulously crafted from two distinct types of pasta. The first, elegantly plain, lets the pasta’s pure essence shine. The second, a vibrant blend of basil and spinach, rests atop a velvety truffle, parmesan and mushroom creamy sauce, delivering an unmistakable truffle aroma and flavour. What’s more, the thoughtful sequencing of dishes ensures this plate offers a delightful contrast to the preceding acidity, creating a harmonious symphony of flavours that lingers on the palate.

Rolle di Branzino Gratinato is expertly rolled seabass stuffed with a paste of prawns, mussels, fennel, olives and capers and full of flavour, cooked to perfection and served like a sculpted work of art, alongside a delectable side of La Nostra Caponata. This Sicilian side-dish speciality mirrors the essence of a ratatouille, featuring a medley of aubergine, bell peppers, zucchini and tomatoes, sprinkled with basil to bring the flavours together. What sets it apart is the sweetness of the agrodolce sauce, artfully elevated with a reduction of black vinegar, which imparts a delightful acidity to complement the delicate flavours of the sea bass.

On to the chef’s favourite creation: Guancia di Manzo. A culinary delight that marries the robust flavours of beef with the richness of chocolate. This dish draws inspiration from Modica, known for producing some of the world’s finest cooking chocolate that’s uniquely bitter. Chef tells of the tradition of combining chocolate with slow-cooked meat dating back to the late 1800s when ladies would savour a piece of chocolate while waiting for their meals to cook, eventually incorporating it into the preparation to avoid unwanted attention. A masterpiece of perfection, the beef cheek is served with a spoon and melts effortlessly in your mouth: a harmonious blend of savoury and sweet flavours.

La Pizza al Pistacchio defies convention, offering a unique and delightful twist: it is double cooked! The result? A crisp, golden crust, stuffed with velvety ricotta and layers of mascarpone to blanket the base. Adorned with circles of colourful vegetables and peppers, it’s a visual jewel that bursts with vibrancy. The combination of creamy and smooth textures is mouth-wateringly good and unlike anything I’d sampled!

We also taste Filetto Wellington all’Italiana, Cucina’s take on a Beef Wellington, with a mushroom paste between perfectly cooked beef tenderloin and flaky pastry, it’s a dish that speaks for itself.

To end the meal, a generously portioned Tiramisu, showcasing its rich and creamy layers. The flavours are a harmonious symphony of mascarpone, coffee-soaked sponge and a hint of cocoa, providing a delightful contrast of textures and a perfect balance of sweetness and bitterness.

From this month, guests can look forward to this enriching experience at Cucina. A recipe book to take home explains cooking methods, temperatures, ingredient stories. Additionally, from October, Cucina will host Mozzarella Masterclasses, offering a chance to learn, share, try and taste various cheeses: an engaging evening with expert speakers.

For us it’s evident that Cucina seamlessly blends Chef Claudio’s unwavering passion for hearty Italian fare with an inviting, cosy dining atmosphere. Each bite of his creations offers a tantalising glimpse into the delightful experience of dining at Chef Claudio’s own home, where genuine Italian recipes come to life with passion and flair. ✤

GO: CALL 4419 5510 FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A RESERVATION.