The taste of Italy comes to The Ritz-Carlton Aruba

By Enrique Balestrini on 6th August, 2019

This summer Casa Nonna NY at The Ritz-Carlton Aruba takes food lovers on a genuine trip to the most emblematic corners of Italy with a 4-course menu inspired by Sicily. Our on-island Online Contributor, Enrique Balestrini (@enriquebalestrini) got the chance to visit Italy for the night.

I went to Italy for a Night and you can go too! Casa Nonna NY at The Ritz-Carlton Aruba is offering an incredible experience of going to “Italy for a Night”. Curating a menu with a selection of dishes and wine pairings focused on certain regions of Italy to make you go on a culinary trip, discover new flavors and maybe fall in love with your favorites again. I wondered what could be my findings there… this time we went to Sicilia.

It was my visit to Casa Nonna NY and when you enter I couldn’t help but be impressed with how beautiful the place is. Elegant interiors with velvet booth chairs, lavish wallpaper and an outdoor sitting area with a priceless sunset view, made the experience even greater.

We started the night with my all-time favorite Aperol Spritz and a focaccia while we chatted about the menu and admired our surroundings. Also, there was live music playing in front of us! They really know how to set the tone for a nice evening.

Antipasto: Arancini con carne di Vitello | Wine pairing: Planeta Chardonnay 2017 from Sicily

Our trip to Sicilia began with crispy risotto balls served over cherry tomatoes and veal sauce – out of this world. I would love to master a tomato sauce like this one. The risotto balls were creamy and soft to taste. The wine pairing was a strong glass of Chardonnay from Sicily, bold with aromas of citrus, oak and butter – long fantastic finish.

Primi: Lasagne Verde | Wine pairing: Stemmari Nero d’Avola 2016 from Sicily

Lasagna is one of my favorite dishes and I was eager to try this variation with Basil pasta. I’ve gotta say it was one of the best I’ve ever had. Great balance of cream and veal sauce, between layers of homemade Basil pasta, it really deserves a medal. Who doesn’t have a heavy hand with the Parmigianoon top of any pasta but this time… I didn’t add a single thing. The wine, a smooth red that went perfectly with the cheese and sauce.

Secondi: Tonno Scottato con Couscous | Wine Pairing: Etna Rosso 2016

An Italian menu can’t be complete without a good fish. The chefs at Casa Nonna, crafted this Tuna dish, medium done with a sauce similar to the Putanesca on top of a generous portion of couscous with hints of saffron, all delicious and beautifully served. The wine, a true treat made of Nerello Mascalese grapes, light ruby color, light body with berries taste and a firm finish.

Dolci: Cannoli | Wine pairing: La Roncaia Picolit

A good Cannoliis not easy to master and I am glad to know Casa Nonna is the place to come and indulge in one! Crispy perfection filled with ricotta and pistachios on both endings, over a bed of berries and strawberry compote all aromatized with Meyer lemon was the best way to end this trip to Sicily. The wine pairing, a deep golden glass of Picolit was highly appreciated.

We left Casa Nonna feeling grateful, it’s not just about amazing food, you really feel the heart that is behind these dishes and how well put together this menu was. The service, no less than impeccable.

There are not enough words of encouragement from me to you to try Casa Nonna and take a trip to Italy for a night! I certainly want to go back very soon. Until the next time!

To reserve a table at Casa Nonna NY or to find out about upcoming special events click here.

Special Thanks:

David Troeger: Photography @jetlagstudio

Julika Thijsen: Sr. Marketing Coordinator at The Ritz-Carlton Aruba

Yahira Santoni: Communications Manager at The Ritz-Carlton Aruba

Sybren Lewis at Casa Nonna NY

For more culinary adventures and travel inspiration check out Enrique Balestrini’s Instagram channel

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