Truffle Season Is Back At Cipriani Yas Island – For A Limited Period Only!

All the way from Northern Italy, an Alba white truffle is the second most expensive thing you can eat – the first is gold leaf – and is only found in a handful of places around the world. The truffles themselves are hidden underground and it’s the rarity of being able to find them that makes it so prized.

The increasingly rare and coveted treat is back at Cipriani – solidifying its place as the official home of truffle season – and delicious shavings of fresh white truffle can be devoured on everything from pasta to risotto to steak for a limited time only.

When looking for a dining experience to remember, Cipriani Yas Island ticks all the boxes – decadent interiors mimicking those of a super yacht, a terrace abuzz with life overlooking Yas Marina and within earshot of the world famous Formula One track, and then there’s the food! With its rich Italian heritage and prestigious locations around the world, Cipriani is an iconic brand famous the world over for offering its patrons a truly authentic and indulgent Italian dining experience. It goes without saying therefore, that we jumped at the chance when kindly invited to sample the indulgent seasonal truffle menu and soak up the buzzy atmosphere on the infamous Cipriani Yas Island terrace!

Warmly welcomed by our Hostess, we started as all dining experiences at Cipriani should start – with an aperitif at the bar. Given the sumptuously opulent interiors, one can be forgiven for feeling a little fanciful and romantic. It is designed to emulate the interiors of a super yacht and faux portholes displaying realistic imagery of the rolling waves of the open ocean are the ultimate finishing touch. The bar, with its comfortable deep velvet sofas, offers an inviting view across the main restaurant with its immaculately laid tables adorned with crisp white linen tables set against a backdrop of polished lacquered wood and brass – all in keeping with the super yacht theme. The most coveted seats in the house are out on the terrace where the vibrant energy of the Yas Marina nightlife fills the air. We are treated to a central terrace table overlooking the iconic Yas Viceroy hotel and marina below.

As we take a moment to soak in the atmosphere, the air is peppered with the sound of deep Italian accents – at Cipriani, the staff are predominantly Italian and as such, your experience is made all the more enjoyable as they are on hand to offer you authentic Italian hospitality and guide you through their food and grape menus with unparalleled knowledge. We are treated to a Sommelier’s choice of grape to pair with the truffled treats that we are about to savour and it matches perfectly with its tasting notes.

To start with, we opt for Fresh “Burrata”(300 gr) with White Truffle From “Alba” and Carpaccio with White Truffle from “Alba”. Both dishes are served with extremely generous shavings of the precious truffle, the delicate flavour of which wafts tantalisingly across the tastebuds and we can’t wait to tuck in. The Burrata is stunning – oozing meltingly off the spoon as its served – and its rich creaminess compliments the stronger flavour of the fresh carpaccio. The creamy nutty flavour of the truffle is divine and enhances both dishes beautifully. It’s a filling start to the meal, but we are excited about the mains to follow.

shaving-truffles

veal

Next comes Veal “Piccatine” with White Truffle from “Alba” and I opt for Chilean Sea Bass “alla Carlina” with Rice Pilaf. The veal is tender and juicy, cooked in a mild creamy sauce and is once again, generously adorned with truffle shavings. The Sea Bass is cooked to perfection and flakes away effortlessly from the generous fillet and the slightly tart rice pilaf provides an interesting flavour to the otherwise mild fish.

Feeling full, but intrigued to see the dessert menu, we gladly take the waiter’s recommendation and order the signature Vanilla Meringue – a white fluffy meringue treat that melts in the mouth and provides the perfect end a satisfyingly hearty meal… well, that and an Italian Espresso of course!

We highly recommend you to head down and enjoy a night celebrating the ‘Diamond of the Kitchen’. Reservations are strongly recommended – especially for the terrace.