Italian Flavors @ Bella Italia

October 20, 2016
1,215 Comments

A few days back, we went to experience
authentic Italian cuisine @ Bella Italia, Holiday Inn Aerocity. A spacious
lobby area of the luxury hotel welcomes diners with a warm greeting. The
hospitable staff at the entrance usher you to the wide and spacious restaurant
– Bella Italia.

We were welcomed by the
Restaurant Manager who has a profound knowledge and expertise of the Restaurant.
Bella Italia presents a modern take on regionally inspired Italian cuisine that
is both delectable and refreshing.

The restaurant displays a lively surrounding
of Italy that is a visual treat. The colorful artifacts cheer up the mood
instantly as you walk inside the beautifully decorated place.

While the floors display artistic
finesse, it is the wall décor that catches the eye. The comfortable chairs give
comfort and relaxation, while the soothing light transcends you to mini Italy. There
is an ample space for couples and a big family gathering. The wine cellar
displays the finest wines anyone can think of.
The highlight is the open
kitchen, where you can watch the performance of maestros in disguise who craft
exotic Italian dishes that are a treat for the eyes. You cannot miss the
artistic performances of the geniuses at work who prepare fresh doughs for
pizzas and breads.
Paying homage to true, rustic Italian
gastronomy, the menu at Bella Italia comprises signature dishes, from Risotto
to pizzas. Consistent with Indian culinary preference, the menu features vegetarian and non vegetarian options.
While I was admiring the selection
of dishes, a plate of fresh bread with a basil dip was served – a succulent
start indeed. We devoured it with warm Minestrone di Verdure soup and Zuppa del
Giornio soup. The former one was rich with a tangy hint of ripe tomatoes that
hardly overpowered the flavor while the latter was a chicken soup with a
perfect balance of celery and Padano cheese.
The Executive Chef began the
culinary odyssey with a hearty salad that is definitely a good spin on the
conventional rubbed salads. Complete with sundried tomatoes and grilled
Asparagus, Kalamata Olives, and Romaine, it was succulent to eat.

The salad was gone in a few
seconds and satiated me to a level impossible to express. Next we ordered some
Calamari and gamberi that were crunchy and finely done.  A delicious start it was indeed! The  Vegetarian platter we ordered next was a
smorgasbord of diced vegetables, Buffalo Mozzarella cheese and bruchettas.  The bruchettas made with sun dried tomatoes
are very vocal with their flavor and appearance.

Before the antispati, I devoured
watermelon juice that helped to cleanse the palate, and primed my taste buds
for the main course to follow. The antispati was a Pollo
Milanese – Chicken breast baked in lemon crumbs and served with beans,
spaghetti and fresh basil. The dish was satiating and I loved the beautiful
presentation. We also relished the Filetto spigola – The Fillets of sea bass
baked with cherry tomatoes and oregano is a second light and tasty dish.

The Pollo Milanese we ordered
next had the perfect flavor duo of lemon and garlic in this crispy chicken
Milanese. For a light yet hearty meal, the alongside crispy roasted potatoes
and a bright side salad is the perfect full meal.

The highlight of the review was
the Wheat Pizza that simply stole my heart. The assorted vegetables with
parmesan definitely have the right balance of health and taste.

It occurred to
me that a pizza can be delicious, healthy and playful. The perfect way to seal the
meal was Cioccolato diavola – a sinful chocolate delight that teased our senses
and satiated the palate.

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