GASTRONOMY WITH AN ITALIAN ACCENT
Turin born chef Alfredo Russo returns to his second home, Rossini's at the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit
Alfredo Russo of Michelin starred restaurant Il Dolce Stil Novo in Turin, returns to Rossini’s at the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, where he is preparing his mouth watering dishes till Monday.
Known for his “New Italian Style Cuisine”, the extraordinarily gifted chef combines tradition and innovation to create unique flavours and texture in an array of sweets and savoury dishes. Over the past year, Russo has been working closely with chef Stefano Merlo, turning Rossini’s into one of Bangkok’s most highly anticipated dining experiences.
This time round, Russo is offering both a five-course carne (meat) menu and a four-course pesce (fish) menu to entice Bangkok foodies.
The carne menu stars with an innovative broccoli soup that comes with turnip leaves, crispy sausages and mozzarella cream – served with dried broccoli bits in a vacuum bag. Another interesting antipasto is the creamy “ribollita soup” with Tuscan kale, olive oil and pecorino cheese. Then comes the tender and juicy roasted pigeon as main course. The dish is served with delectable barbera wine sauce that will have you discreetly licking your fingers.
The “fish” menu might not sound substantial but it is very satisfying and fulfilling. You start the dinner with roasted red mullet served with artichoke on a refreshing bed of sliced winter radish, then gorge on green maccheroni pasta infused with pesto in slightly creamy potato sauce. The main dish is a sizeable serving of swordfish with fennel, black olive and orange. Dessert is a sweet and pleasant red wine pear with cinnamon ice cream.
Russo is hailed for his intellectual “revolution” in traditional Italian cuisine, which has long been associated with heavy seasoning, extensive use oil and large portions. He has retained the best of the country’s tastes and natural ingredients yet uses little fat and salt and hardly any seasoning.
A native of Turin, Russo discovered his gift for cooking when he was just 13. After studying at catering school, he worked in three different Michelin-starred restaurants in Piedmont. In the late 90s, he opened Il Dolce Stil Novo and just three years later won a coveted Michelin star and membership into the Jeunes Restaurateurs d’Europe Association. Russo was also named best Young Chef of the Year in 2004.
ITALIAN BY DESIGN
The set menu is priced at Bt2,800 per person, exclusive of taxes. Reservations are needed.
Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit is close to Asoke BTS and Sukhumvit MRT stops. Call (02) 649 8364.
