The Italian-born renowned Chef Fabrizia Panzani was recently in Pakistan to share her culinary expertise with the denizens of Karachi at Movenpick Hotel
food
The Italian-born renowned Chef Fabrizia Panzani was recently in Pakistan to share her culinary expertise with the denizens of Karachi at Movenpick Hotel, where the management had organised a classy Italian Food Festival in collaboration with the Italian Consulate at their chic restaurant La Mamma - a favourite among all Italian food lovers. The hotel has always strived to provide authentic flavours from various parts of the world to its guests and this time too, it did not fail to deliver.
Fabrizia was born in Modena, a part of Italy, famous for its traditional flavours. And it is these indigenous flavours that she wished to spread across the world, Pakistan being one of their main areas of interest. She has been living in the Asia Pacific for the past 20 years. It is this love of food that has kept her travelling for the last two decades.
Fabrizia has organised exotic food festivals besides planning different courses for the budding chefs to train them. Her efforts have resulted in her students being spread out all across the globe including Australia, Singapore - in fact everywhere that she has travelled.
For the much awaited Italian food festival, she collaborated with Executive Chef of the hotel to create an absolutely authentic menu, comprising Italian dishes from various parts of the country. The idea behind this festival was to give an authentic taste of Italy to discerning Karachiites and food connoisseurs.
On a pleasant balmy evening, guests had congregated at the pool side waiting for the official inauguration by Italian Consul General, Dr. Gianluca Rubagotti along with Mirza Mansoor, General Manager of the hotel in Karachi. To add an Italian flavour to the ambiance, colourful Italian artwork was displayed on easels which proved to be a point of interest for guests arriving at the venue. Once the ribbon cutting ceremony had taken place guests were ushered into the restaurant and were seated on their respective seats. An elaborate sit-down dinner had been planned for the evening promising to be a delightful affair.
An impressive array of Italian delicacies had been whipped up by Fabrizia and her team including fresh crunchy salads, finger licking appetisers, gastronomically satisfying main course ending with a delectable dessert. Oh what a treat it was! Starting with Insalata di Patate Tartufate (Truffled Potato Salad), Shrimp with Cocktail Sauce Insalata, BresaolaRolls with Soft Cheese and Chives, Zuppa di Gamberettie Granciporro (Crab & Shrimp Soup), Pizza Quatro Formaggi, Pizza Quatro Staggioni, Penne Con Pinolie Malanzane (Penne with Mushrooms & Aubergine), Risott with Mushrooms & shaved parmesan carne, Breaded Deep Fried Chicken Breast with parmesan and Tiramisu.
Towards the end of the evening, as all those present were polishing the last of the crumbs off their plates, Fabrizia addressed the guests and spoke about the festival, and how excited she was to serve her Pakistani friends a taste of her homeland. She was excited about her latest presentation and hoped the guests had enjoyed the flavours she had introduced to them. Judging by the success of the food festival, Fabrizia sure did succeed in creating quite a stir in Karachi last month.
