European Union celebrates #TastesofEurope at Maritime by San Lorenzo

Mumbai, India

Maritime by San Lorenzo at the Taj Lands End is in celebratory mood, firstly it  successfully completes a year in India, their first outside of Knightsbridge, London in its 50 year history and secondly it has proudly associated with the European Union (EU), who is showcasing cuisines and produce from the region from the 6^th-12^th September and have aptly name this endeavour; Tastes of Europe. Maritime is all set to revere in the occasions by hosting a special 3 course menu with wines at a festive price of 2500+ taxes and I got a lavish preview to the same.

Maritime, the décor, the table settings and the service would leave everyone assured of it to be a fine-diner; however the music and the cocktail nights every Friday give the place a contemporary twist. We started with a Zuppa di Funghi, a broth laden with the 5^th taste element and meaty porcini mushrooms, I paired it with a light and crisp Tuscan Chardonnay and it worked pretty well, the menu gave me choice of 3 wines with every course. I couldn’t resist but to also ask for a taste of the Crostini di Polenta, the fried polenta cakes topped with porcini were very simple but flavorsome.

The thick and long Arborio rice is perhaps the only rice that is known to most of us who make or eat  risottos in this part of the world; however Carnaroli a thinner and longer rice is one of the most exquisite for risottos and our for the mains was made exactly of this rice. This rice is more starch and absorbs more liquid thus making a creamier risotto. The Risotto All’Empolese was creamy with the crunch of the asparagus  and redolent of its flavour. The sharp and easy drinking sangiovese complemented well. The Melazane Ripieni, egg-plant stuffed with vegetables and ricotta did not appeal to me much, the wine Montepulciano D’ Abruzzo was chewy and fragrant though.For dessert the Pannacotta was light, perfectly sweetened and served with a tangy berry coulis and the Tiramisu was heavier and rich with a flavour that lingered on. We paired or rather washed down the meal with a Luna Argenta Prosecco.

Overall a complete steal, Go taste some Europe at the Taj Lands End Mumbai!