Summer Flavours

A WISE man once told me I could “indulge in the taste of Italy without leaving Perth” - truer words could not have been spoken. This wise man I speak of? Maurizio Di Ciano of Maurizio Restaurant & Events Catering.
Summer flavours Octopus Salami a light refreshing dish with a slice of lemon and wine citrus, dry, sharp at the end but still very long in flavour. Served similiarly to carpaccio it’s a great starter. Salt and pepper citronelle needs lemon served with Mavasia Bianca – Alfonsia – just beautiful.
We tried the papardelle with broad beans, tomatoes and potatoes nestled in a bed of parmesan crisp. This dish was colourful, unique and light and great for those ladies who like to lunch.
There was definitely a theme coming through the dishes – Summer. Light fresh flavours had my palate dancing for joy. Side serve of potatoes, capsicum, eggplant, zucchini, beans and carrots.
Swordfish served with Etna Doc was you guessed it light and delicious and the beautiful flavours. Straight from the ocean but no fishy flavour in sight, you see the trick to good seafood is when it’s fresh there is no smell (again words of the wise man). Caught here in the waters of WA Maurizio loves to use local products keeping both the consumer and supplier very happy.
Char-grilled baby lamb marinated in rosemary and extra virgin olive oil. Again what says spring more than lamb. Light and served with finocchio on a bed of greens. The feenel balances the flavours of the lamb and matched with the wine it was a great match, Cooked medium the lamb was tender and juicy and the wine brought out the flavour of the rosemary and the pepper highlighted the flavour.
What I like about Maurizio is his food is simple and delicious – what Italian food is all about really. His Italian fare transports you instantly to gorgeous villa somewhere in Italy. Italians are a proud bunch and love nothing more than to look after their guests and Maurizio and his staff do this in spades. Going over and beyond the call of duty to satisfy our tastebuds.
The Fresh Fruit Tart was a gorgeous tart made with apple, strawberry, kiwi fruit and rockmelon served on a shortbread crust and was something I certainly imagine enjoying on a summer’s day. This flan was light and fruity and nice way to move onto our more decadent dessert the Orange Chocolate Mouse. Maurizio teamed the tart with an Asti which was just delightful.
The Orange Chocolate Mouse served in an a ginger waffle basket had my colleague in seventh heaven and not coming down anytime soon. This dessert certainly packed a punch and was decadent but not heavy – just gorgeous. Maurizio introduced us to the dessert wine the ombretto which had traces of cinnamon, almond, licquorice and cloves. Indulgent and We felt extremely honoured to be trying it as he told us the background of the wine. It was served at Barack Obama’s Presidential Dinner and all I could think of was Yes we can!
Our last surprise treat was a cheese and fruit platter with various types of cheeses including one of my favourite things truffle infused pecorino. This was a beautiful way to finish off my Italian dining experience here in Perth. I have to say I’ve been to Maurizio’s several times and each time it gets better and better. Talk show queen and president Obama’s friend Oprah often asks what one knows for certain and I can honestly say this is what I know for certain – Maurizio Restaurant and Events Catering never disappoints.