Chef Simone Gobbo grew up in the Italian countryside and was introduced to authentic Italian cuisine at an early age. As his love for the distinct ingredients that make-up some of the world’s most famous dishes grew, he began to explore and create signature dishes of his own. Many years later, he now finds himself in a little paradise isle off the Indian subcontinent called Sri Lanka. Today, Chef Simone together with his food and wine consultant partner Leonardo Ricci are the masterminds behind the authentic Italian restaurant “Pranzo” at Waters Edge.
Returning to Sri Lanka in early November, the duo together with the management of Waters Edge out together a unique event featuring what has been dubbed the most expensive ingredient in the kitchen-the white truffle. The “Truffles & Truffles” promotion which was a special evening of authentic dishes featuring rare White Truffles was held on the 5th of November at The Link, Waters Edge, and was sold out to discerning and enthusiastic clientele.
Truffles which are essentially a unique variety of mushroom are usually found growing in close proximity to roots of several tree species including beech, poplar, oak, birch, hornbeam, hazel, and pine. The prized White Truffle is found only a few times a year mainly in the Langhe and Montferrat areas of northern Italy and, most famously, in the countryside around the cities of Alba and Asti. It is from these regions that the Waters Edge specially brought down truffles which offered local guests a truly gourmand experience.
White truffles were featured in such gastronomical delights as poached eggs served with white truffle, pumpkin soup with white truffle shavings, Prosecco and casatella D’Altamarca risotto, slow cooked beef chicks, leeks foam and crushed potatoes with white truffles and passion fruit meringue, vanilla mouse, almond and candied fruit sponge topped with white truffles for dessert. To add a touch of class to the evening, Sommelier and Consultant Leonardo used his refined knowledge of all things fine to couple the dishes with the perfect wines.
Commenting on the special promotion Waters Edge General Manager Rohan Fernandopulle noted, “Waters Edge is synonymous with novelty and this time around we introduced one of the most unique and sought after ingredients in global kitchens, the truffle. In keeping with our tradition to bring only the best to our guests, our ingredients were brought down especially from Italy and were used in dishes skillfully prepared by our culinary experts”.
Apart from this special promotion, Chef Simone and Leo are also responsible for the authentic menu that Pranzo showcases on a daily basis. Prawn ravioli, beef lasagna and a variety of traditional pizzas with not-so traditional toppings are some of the crowd favourites. Coupled with the plush interiors and stunning views that are synonymous with Waters Edge, Pranzo is perhaps one of the better Italian restaurants in town. With prices to match the level of service, the hotel