Al Dente Al Fresco style
There is always something quite romantic about dining by the beach with the sound of the waves gently swishing over the sand; if you add this to Italian cuisine then you have the perfect combo for duo dining.
We were invited to dine at Novotel’s beach restaurant Al Dente. As a long term resident, I have to admit I tend to forget about this end of Naama Bay, but I have now been pleasantly reminded that it offers a tranquil oasis, away from the busier side of the Bay. We were greeted at the restaurant entrance and shown the seafood specials on the blackboard before being escorted to our outdoor table – closest to the beach and in ear shot of the gentle waves.
The tables are decked out in red and white gingham table clothes, nicely spaced, with soft lantern lighting. The whole restaurant is basically on the beach (set on a marble mosaic floor); there are some tables under the pagoda canopy, but when dining ‘al fresco’ you might as well be completely under the stars. The kitchen is also on the beach, under a wooden canopy and is open for viewing; all the Chefs preparing the food are smartly dressed in professional Chef Whites.
We were presented with the menu, wine list and fresh ciabatta style rolls with butter, and allowed to take our time to look over the menu. The menu is very impressive with a stylish and creative range of pizzas, appetizers, pastas and main dishes. It was very nice to see an Italian menu with a twist, offering dishes with different ingredients, such as the ‘Smoked Salmon Salad served with Goat Cheese and Marinated Avocado.’
We decided to choose appetizers and mains, but there are also 10 types of pizza and some delicious pasta including ‘Homemade Fettuccini con Gamberitti’ and ‘Ravioli de la Casa’ ravioli stuffed with spinach and ricotta served with walnuts and fresh water cress.
For our appetizers we chose ‘Beef Carpaccio’ and ‘Sautéed Calamari’. Both dishes were nicely presented on over-sized white chinaware, were good sized portions and very fresh and tasty. For the main dishes we chose the ‘Salmon Fillet with Black Olive Puree served on a bed of Spinach with Potatoes in a butter sauce’, and the ‘Veal Escalope with Sautéed Vegetables and Lemon Sauce.’
Once again both dishes were nicely presented. The black olive puree and spinach went particularly well with the perfectly cooked salmon – the combination of flavours was well balanced and delicious. My partner was also very happy with his veal, saying it was very tender and tasty.
The waiter service was very good; all of our dishes were served promptly but not too quickly, our wine glasses were topped up when necessary and a waiter was always near at hand but not hovering. Al Dente offers a relaxed, casual ambiance with a touch of romanticism and makes an ideal choice to get away from the buzz. Al Dente is open in the evening from 7pm and reservations can be made through the Novotel reception.
Tags:Beach, fresh, water
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