Few cuisines can offer the sheer comfort of Italian cuisine. Edwin D’Souza shares his mouth-watering culinary journey at Mondo, Taste of Italy.
Nestled within the sleek confines of the Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa, Mondo promises a modern Italian experience. Intrigued by its contemporary take on classic Italian dishes, we embarked on a culinary adventure, prepared to be transported to the heart of Italy.
Our journey began with a symphony of vibrant starters. The Seasonal Salad was a refreshing medley of crisp greens, juicy tomatoes and a light balsamic vinaigrette, offering a refreshing start for the evening’s dining experience.
The Pomodoro Bruschetta was a classic executed with finesse, the toasted bread perfectly complementing the sweet and tangy tomato topping. For the meat lovers, the Carpaccio of Angus Beef was a decadent treat. The thinly sliced beef was melt-in-your-mouth tender and was elevated with a drizzle of flavourful truffle oil. Our personal favourite was the Frittura del Golfo, a delightful combination of calamari, shrimp, and zucchini fritters, perfectly fried and seasoned to crispy perfection.
Moving on to the main course, the diversity of our selections truly showcased Mondo’s versatility. The Lamb Chops Scottadito was cooked to perfection and was absolutely tender and juicy. The sides including the fresh cherry tomatoes and thinly-sliced sweet potato added a balance of flavours making the dish a perfect representation of Italian cuisine.
It’s not an Italian feast without some pizza, so we were delighted to tuck into the Diavola Pizza which provided a spicy kick with its generous topping of pepperoni and chili flakes. The Margherita Pizza remained a timeless classic, boasting a perfectly blistered crust, fresh mozzarella and basil leaves.
For seafood enthusiasts, the Lobster Ravioli offered decadent bites of lobster encased in pillowy pasta flavoured with rich saffron. This was generously covered with their special creamy sauce – mouthful bursting with umami richness.
No dining experience is complete without dessert, and Mondo didn’t disappoint. The Tiramisu was a classic rendition, the ladyfingers soaked in coffee and layered with creamy mascarpone, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and bitterness with a beautifully decorated plate. The Semifreddo al Limone provided a refreshing contrast; its light and airy lemon mousse made a delightful end to the meal.
The true showstopper, however, was the Rich Chocolate Soufflé, a masterpiece that rose majestically upon arrival. The warm, molten chocolate centre oozed out upon breaking the delicate crust, creating an indulgent chocolate experience paired perfectly with the accompanying vanilla ice cream.
Throughout the evening, the service was attentive and professional, the staff knowledgeable about the menu and offering recommendations that complemented our preferences. The ambiance too was elegant and contemporary.
Mondo delivers a modern Italian experience that caters to diverse palates. The menu offers classic dishes with a contemporary twist, the ingredients are fresh and of high quality, and the execution is flawless. If you’re looking for a taste of authentic Italian cuisine with a modern twist in a stylish setting, then Mondo is definitely worth a visit.
