Italian fare at Il Ponte

By E.W.

Ready to sample some heart warming Italian fare..? You should probably visit Il Ponte Ristorante, the town's only 'Italian Trattoria' - styled like a typical family owned and run restaurant, complete with the wood-fired oven, rottisiere and pizza counter.

This December, Hilton Colombo's Il Ponte Ristorante (meaning water under the bridge) offers an Italian Food Promotion between the 5th and 14th featuring guest Chefs Giovanni Margheritini and Domenico D'Imperio. While the former was born in Sofia, a city in the heart of the Romagna Region, an area renowned for its typical Italian gastronomy, D'Imperio born in Naples in South Italy is currently the Executive Chef of Le Tre Vaselle.

On the type of food that can be expected, "Italian food is based on good ingredients," Executive Chef Rohan Fernandopulle states going into an in-depth discussion of products such as garlic, tomatoes, olive oil and cheese that are the cornerstones of Italian cuisine.

From the impressive line-up of specialities Chef Rohan recommends Olive Ascolane Fritte Dorate (Fresh Olives filled with Veal Pate), Tagliolini con tartufo nero (tiny noodles with black truffle), Cream of white beans with seafood, Shrimp wrapped in potato crust and light pesto, Veal filet au gratin with mozzarella cheese on a bed of potatoes with scent of lemon, and the Italian Panettone with brandy cream for dessert.