#HauteHangouts: Scalini, Four Seasons Resort, Dubai

Bringing the matriarchal kitchens of Italy to Dubai’s Jumeirah Beach is Scalini, with cosy interiors, a menu packed full of classics and a fun-loving atmosphere

First opened in London in 1988, Scalini became home to an A-list following due to its authentic and charismatic ambiance served alongside its renowned cuisine. Scalini Dubai is a natural evolution of the well-established brand, maintaining the charm of the original venue but melded with the fun-loving and unassuming vibe that Dubai’s Bulldozer Group (chaired by Evgeny Kuzin), is celebrated for.

Expect exceptional food and friendly service set amidst the soundtrack of ’80s Brit pop (think Spandau Ballet and Kate Bush) interlaced with Italian classics.

Concept
Inspired by the matriarchal kitchens of Italy and the dishes of their childhoods, Scalini Dubai is an export from London’s posh Mayfair district, where it has been a popular haunt for the UK’s most discerning customer for almost three decades. In both London and Dubai it has become a go-to spot for good Italian food done simply and properly. While the concept is fine-dining and the cuisine and service more than lives up to the descriptive, the atmosphere is unassuming and, well, fun!

Cuisine
Brush up on your Italian or be prepared to ask questions. The menu is littered in Italian descriptives such as ‘Melanzane alla Parmigiana’, aka baked aubergine and mozzarella, and ‘Paccheri con Peorino & tartufo Nero’, Italian for black truffle pasta. But it’s more than worth the momentary mind boggle. MOJEH recommends anything from the avocado and crab salad (potentially the best we’re yet to experience in Dubai), to the ragu veal homemade pasta, to the baked salmon with prawns, butter and garlic sauce.
Arrive hungry and dive head first into a true Italian feast including starters, salad, pasta, mains and of course, Tiramisu to end.

Source: MOJEH.com