Last week, I had the pleasure of being invited by Sheraton Abu Dhabi to experience a delightful tasting at their renowned Italian restaurant, La Mamma.

As a lifelong resident of Abu Dhabi, Sheraton holds a special place in my heart, evoking cherished memories. Despite now residing in Dubai, I continue to avail myself of their exceptional services.

When it comes to hospitality, only a select few hotels meet the criteria of a five-star establishment, and Sheraton unquestionably belongs among them. Every step of the way, from the invitation to the tasting, I was made to feel utterly comfortable and valued.

Accompanied by a friend, we were warmly greeted by the affable manager upon our arrival, who proceeded to acquaint us with the recently introduced menu. One particular detail that caught my attention was the Chef’s dedication to crafting the majority of the pasta by hand, eschewing the use of machines.

From the moment we stepped foot in the restaurant, we were impeccably looked after. Not only were we attentively cared for, but I also observed the manager extending the same level of attention to all the diners, ensuring the staff catered to everyone’s needs.

Located on the ground floor of the hotel, La Mamma exudes a welcoming ambience with its rustic interiors. Seated by a window overlooking the hotel’s main entrance and a picturesque garden, we were further enchanted by the beautiful weather.

The menu and atmosphere cater to diverse palates and preferences. With an extensive array of options, choosing from the vast selection was a delightful challenge. Ultimately, we settled on the two most popular appetisers while perusing the main course offerings.

As we awaited our appetisers, a bread basket was placed before us, showcasing Chef’s attention to detail.

Heading the kitchen is Chef Juri Pelusi, whose culinary journey has spanned esteemed restaurants worldwide, including Michelin-starred establishments. Combining his wealth of experience with his expertise, Chef Juri crafts dishes that leave a lasting impression and beckons for return visits.

Our appetisers, the oven-baked eggplant (Parmigiana di melanzane al Forno) and the refreshing Stracciatella salad arrived promptly. The presentation was visually appealing, and the flavours were equally delightful. The salad was elegantly served in a jar, while the eggplant showcased a vibrant burst of colours on the plate.

Delving into the oven-baked eggplant, we couldn’t help but praise the delightful combination of flavours—tangy tomato sauce melding perfectly with the eggplant. However, a single bite of the fresh cheese salad transported our taste buds to an entirely new realm of deliciousness.

Chef Juri’s artistry shines through in every dish, allowing each ingredient to be savoured individually while harmoniously complementing one another. The inclusion of Stracciatella cheese neutralised the potentially overpowering nature of the rocket leaves, lending a refreshing touch.

As our main courses arrived, I had the opportunity to engage with Chef Juri personally and witness the live preparation of pasta, employing traditional Italian techniques. He graciously shared insights into the different cuts that distinguish various pasta types.

Inquiring about his experiences working in Michelin-starred and casual dining establishments, I asked Chef Juri about the differences between the two. He responded, “Working in a Michelin-starred restaurant is a tremendous learning experience. They adhere to strict rules and recipes, and the techniques may initially appear daunting but bring immense pride and confidence once mastered. Casual dining establishments, on the other hand, allow chefs to draw from their own experiences and create dishes that align with their preferences while managing the kitchen in a manner that feels comfortable.”

Chef Juri’s vision for La Mamma is to offer casual cuisine with the presentation quality of fine dining.

Our main courses comprised the homemade baked ricotta dumplings (Gnocchi di ricotta alla Sorrentina) and the La Mamma special Risotto (Risotto al radicchio, noci e fonduta al gorgonzola). Both dishes were not only impeccably presented but also boasted exceptional flavours.

We relished every bite of the dumplings, appreciating the tender and skillfully cooked pasta, which harmonized effortlessly with the tomato sauce and basil. Meanwhile, the Risotto delivered a delightful walnut kick, perfectly balanced with the savoury Gorgonzola cheese.

To conclude our gastronomic tour of Italy, we indulged in the traditional Pannacotta, savouring each morsel of this aesthetically pleasing dessert.

Surprisingly, having visited numerous Italian restaurants in recent months, I can confidently proclaim that La Mamma offers the most authentic and delectable Italian cuisine I have encountered this far.

Therefore, I urge you to visit La Mamma and embark on a flavourful journey to Italy alongside Chef Juri, without the need for a visa or passport! Prepare to awaken your senses and immerse yourself in an exceptional culinary experience.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Judith and Elena from the marketing team, Tala, the restaurant manager, Chef Juri, and the staff for creating such an enjoyable experience.

With Elena and Chef Juri

I have compiled my Insta stories into a short video, showcasing the Chef’s technique for crafting delicious homemade pasta.

CONTACT DETAILS:
LA MAMMA
SHERATON ABU DHABI HOTEL & RESORT CORNICHE ROAD
T: +97126773333