Members and their guests went to Armani Deli for an authentic culinary experience with an Italian flair at the vibrant Armani Hotel, located in Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world.

The plan was to dine on the hotel’s open terrace with its view of the spectacular fountains however strong winds were precluded this so we had to move the event indoors. The venue had it all in order and we couldn’t be happier.

We were welcomed with a wide selection of canapés and sparkling wine by the beautiful hostesses. The unique black/white design of the venue, the cheese stations and private charcuterie room were the first to attract our attention as we started the reception.

The pass around canapés included:
- Lemon zest panna cotta, yuzu pearl
- Bresaola fagottino with chive and Cantaloupe melon
- Foie gras cannolo, salted pistachio and Tropea onion jam
- Scallop tartare, mango and radicchio Treviso
- Baked Parmesan cheese with aged balsamic vinegar

Such a mouth-watering selection made us excited and eagerly anticipating the dinner ahead. Once seated, we were welcomed by the hotel’s General Manager, Thomas Peruzzo, who had recently joined the team. Then Armani Deli’s Head Chef, Francesco Conzattu, took us through the wonderful menu.

MENU

Marinated tuna
vitello sauce, celeriac and caviar
Gavi di Gavi - La Scolca, Piedmont, Italy

Risotto with burrata, langoustines, sea urchins, and gold leaf
Pinot Grigio - Alois Lageder Estate, Trentino/Alto Adige, Italy

Slow cooked veal tenderloin
foie gras, Jerusalem artichoke, banana shallot
Barbera D’Alba - Enrico Serafino, Piedmont, Italy

Citrus
Amalfi lemon cremoso, Italian meringue
candied kumquat, grapefruit caviar
Moscato Passito - Palazzina, Piedmont, Italy

The dinner was simply delightful. A study in gourmet food, wine, excellent presentation, service and ambience. The 21 members of the kitchen and service brigades handled the event brilliantly.

Special thanks went to our Chaîne member Mark Kirby, Area Manager of Address Hotels Downtown, for his ongoing support and especially for orchestrating this event making it a memorable experience.

Further thanks went to:
- Thomas Peruzzo, General Manager, Armani Dubai
- Vijay Anand, Executive Chef, Armani Dubai
- Otman Bengebara, Banqueting Manager
- Rajesh Seedeeal, Head Sommelier
- Taras Nikishyn, Manager Armani Deli
- Francesco Conzattu, Head Chef, Armani Deli

With best culinary regards

Ahmed El Agouza
Chargé de Presse