Bella Cucina, one of Le Meridien Gurugram's newest restaurants, is winning patrons for its hearty gourmet fare. However, for their new menu, they have no set menu at all. Yes, you heard us. Chef Roberto Apa, Head Chef, Bella Cucina is creating experiential dining experiences depending upon the mood of diners. Curated out of initial conversations with guests, the 'new menu' that springs out is a spread of your preferences peppered with chef's culinary expertise. Delightful, unique and tailored to perfection, the extensive array of dishes impress if you are craving authentic Italian.
We started out with chef's signature liquid caprese salad. Tomato, olive, and mozzarella blended together in a thick slurry is an interesting rendition of the classic caprese salad. The bruschetta packed with the goodness of fresh tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, and basil leaves make an impressive statement. The fritto misto- made with prawns, squid, seabass calamari, Indian grouper, carrot julienne, zucchini served with sweet and sour sauce on the side - is a crispy and delectable appetiser. Chef told us that he purposely chose to make it the old-fashioned way; simple and effortless. Another stellar and simple recipe that wowed us was the chef special chicken soup made in chicken consomme, spruced up with pulled chicken strands, parsley, and egg drops. While the mushroom ravioli didn't seem too pleasing to the eye, but it was intensely creamy, comforting and delectable. The lamb ravioli was also bursting with soothing mix of lamb and choice herbs. For mains, we had the Pollo alla cacciatora. Made with chicken boneless legs, tomato sauce, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, olive oil, ground black pepper, fresh red chili, the saucy preparation is saucy and palate-pleasing but the portion size disappoints.
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We had quite a range for our desserts. A celery sorbet with almond crumble served as a pre-dessert, which was followed by a chocolate explosion in chocolate almond cake that was served with a refreshing pista ice-cream. We also tried the chocolate volcano that was served in English sauce. We were expecting some chocolate oozing out of the dessert, but that did not happen. Nevertheless, the dessert was pretty rich and decadent. We rounded up our meal with the canoli stuffed with melt-in-mouth cream served in bitter marmalade is an interesting composition of varied flavours.
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The new menu is largely an homage to rustic Italian preparations, but there are several quirky and innovative dishes up the menu too. Since the team is engaging with you throughout to cook according to your mood, the dishes may take a while to arrive at your table.
Where: Le Meridien Gurgaon, Gurgaon-Delhi Border, Sector 26, MG Road, Gurgaon
Cost For Two: INR 4500