“As an Italian chef who loves Dubai, I had the good fortune of leading the kitchens of some of the
city’s most renowned Italian restaurants during extraordinary years”. Renowned Italian chef Andrea
Mugavero, now the head chef of Vero Coastal Italian restaurant at Hilton JBR, invites diners to
embark on an unforgettable gastronomic journey.
As one of the founders of the 14th ITALIAN CUISINE WORLD SUMMIT, commencing on November 7,
2023, Chef Andrea is gearing up to mark the event’s 10th anniversary with an exceptional offering:
“Dubai – Ieri, oggi, domani / Yesterday, today and tomorrow.” This two-night dining experience at
Vero Coastal Italian promises to be a culinary celebration like no other.
“I believe no one has ventured into such an endeavour before. With this unique menu (see below), I
aim to revisit some of my most beloved dishes framing in them the essence of Dubai,” Chef Andrea
shares. “My homemade Ravioli della massaia were a sensation back in 2006, a time when both the
Dubai Fountain and Mall were still under construction. Those were the days when I incorporated
ingredients not strictly in the Italian tradition, like avocado, coconut jelly, and pollen, but it was all
the trend”
For Chef Andrea the “oggi” of Dubai, the “today”, starts with the opening of the Burj Khalifa in 2010,
symbolized by his Carré di agnello arrostito, a slow-cooked rack of lamb. “The opening of the
Canal as well, for me is still part of the present of Dubai. That 9 November 2016, it’s like today, we
were hosting yet another edition of the Summit, and my Cannolino alla siciliana was a customer
favourite”. The tributes to today’s Dubai end with the Polipo in crosta di quinoa, a homage to the
Zabeel Park Frame, the symbol of old and new Dubai.
The tributes to the Dubai of today culminates with the Polipo in crosta di quinoa, a homage to the
Zabeel Park Frame, which bridges the old and new Dubai.
Looking towards the future of Dubai, Chef Andrea showcases his excitement with the Crudo di
gambero rosso (fennel-infused raw prawn) and the Babà al rum with lemon custard, representing
“domani” (tomorrow). He elaborates, “I included these dishes while envisioning the forthcoming
Dubai Creek Tower and also thinking about lesser-known initiatives like the Agri Hub in Al Barari or
the Vertical City proposed by Italian architect Luca Curci.”
