Walking into Frankie’s at the Fairmont feels like walking into a 1920s jazz bar. The music was humming at just the right volume under chatter from light-hearted patrons as we visited the swanky venue to sample some of their Italian fare.
Italian chef de cuisine, Andrea Biccini has prepared a menu that takes a sustainable approach without sacrificing on quality or flavour.
We sat opposite the live cooking station, watching the chefs dance around each other while we agonised over menu choices. Did we want the oven-baked pasta, the vegan, the gluten-free, the lasagna or the seafood?
For starters the choice was easy, a special of the day – burata; a cheese so fresh it’s only on the menu once per week and a seafood selection; lightly battered and spiced calamari.
For mains, the selection was not as easy – the manager took pity and recommended a sampler – a trio of their best pasta dishes.
It’s not on the menu but they are more than happy to accommodate any adaptations, provided they have the ingredients. This and a lemon mascarpone chicken risotto were our choices for mains.
The hearty portions were quickly delivered, the pasta trio laid out in colours of the Italian flag. The pastas were all unique – one tangy and flavoursome, one creamy yet fresh and another simple and powerful. The risotto was a creamy explosion of flavour; a rich and authentic dish.
For dessert, on staff recommendations, we tried the liquid chocolate cake and the triple tiramisu. A tidal wave of custardy chocolate melted out of the light cake giving us warm fuzzy feelings. The tiramisu came in three flavours; classic, cherry and almond layered into glasses, light and creamy; another statement of Frankie’s commitment to range and quality.
Caitlyn Davey
Details
What? Frankie’s Italian Restaurant and Bar
Where: Fairmont Bab Al Bahr
Price Range: Appetisers from AED 30 to AED 70 , Mains from AED 60 to AED 280, Desserts from AED 40 to AED 60
Contact: 02 654 3252
