A new chef has taken over the reins at JW Marriott’s Italian haunt, Mezzo Mezzo. Chef Matteo Arvonio – who’s previously worked in the kitchens of Emporio Armani Café’ in Munich – has done his bit to rejig the menu full of time-tested hits. Here’s what we know so far: Arvonio sticks to traditional recipes, but he is biased to slow-cooking. So expect to see more of that going forward!
For now, you can find ‘I cicchetti – gamberi rossi, capesante e baccalà’ – that’s almond crusted shrimps, with asparagus, and ricotta – inspired by his time in Sicily. Incidentally, Sicily is also where he completed a significant three-year stint at a Relais & Chateaux property. There’s also ‘tonnato e bagnet di tacchino’ – roasted, sliced turkey, with tonnata and bagnetto sauces from Piedmont.
In fact, the new menu recalls different parts of Italy. The ‘zuppa di ceci e crudo croccante’ – chickpea soup, with crispy Parma ham, and rosemary scented oil – is a nod to the Tuscan mainland. ‘Varianti del maialino da latte’ – slow-cooked pork cooked two ways, with chocolate and juniper berries sauce – borrows from traditional recipes of Rome and Modica.
If you’re going for something familiar (or classic comfort food), try the thin crust Piccante pizza with spicy pork sausages and salami, bell pepper, onion, mozzarella, and tomato. Or the smoked salmon with Mascarpone, mozzarella, tomato and capers. If you’re feeling indulgent, you can always ask for an extra dash of truffle oil.
Meal for costs approximately Rs 3,000. Mezzo Mezzo, JW Marriott, Juhu Tara Road, Juhu, Mumbai. Tel: 022 6693 3220
