TOTÓ Dubai recently hosted La Selezione, a two-day gourmet dining event on July 25 and 26 that offered an elevated five-course tasting menu complemented by exclusive premium pairings from renowned Italian label Planeta. The event drew culinary enthusiasts for a refined experience of authentic Italian flavours expertly matched with distinctive selections.
On Friday, the event featured Italian expert Alessandro Vallecchi as guest sommelier. With over 30 years of international experience and academic credentials from UC Davis, Vallecchi led diners through a flavourful journey, sharing curated insights and personalised recommendations with each course.
The premium pairings were chosen to enhance the menu’s delicate textures and bold ingredients. The featured labels included vibrant Rosé, La Segreta Bianco, and the well-structured Plumbago, offering a balanced and elegant accompaniment to each dish.
Guests enjoyed classics such as Burrata con gamberi—creamy burrata with Sicilian red prawns and Trapanese pesto—and the Sicilia Pizza, topped with fried eggplant, ricotta, and a citrusy twist. The Calamarata allo scoglio, a seafood pasta with clams, mussels, shrimp, and calamari, stood out as a crowd favourite.
Other dishes included Supplì al Telefono, a crisp risotto croquette filled with mozzarella and tomato, and a sweet finale of Cannolo Siciliano, filled with ricotta, pistachio, and candied orange.
Priced at AED 400 per person, La Selezione offered an exclusive blend of flavour, creativity, and premium pairings, cementing TOTÓ Dubai’s reputation as a top culinary destination for those seeking refined Italian gastronomy in the heart of the city.
The Brew News take
On Saturday, Totó delivered a standout Italian dining experience through its Chef’s Table tasting menu—a thoughtful journey through Sicily with curated premium pairings from Planeta.
The experience began with light, coastal flavours such as burrata with Sicilian red prawns, golden-crusted arancini, and anchovies on brioche. Each dish was paired with bright whites and rosé selections that highlighted the freshness of the ingredients.
Main courses brought depth and richness, starting with a Sicilian-style pizza featuring ricotta, lemon, and fried eggplant, followed by calamarata pasta with mussels, shrimp, clams, and calamari in a delicate fish sauce. Surprisingly, even the seafood course was paired with a smooth red, showcasing the chef’s bold yet balanced approach to premium pairings.
The final course was a classic Sicilian cannoli, served with a glass of Carricante 2022, offering a clean, citrusy finish to the meal.
From sea to soul, Totó’s Chef’s Table captured the essence of Italian regional cuisine with a refined yet approachable style, blending tradition and storytelling by Alessandro Vallecchi in every course.
– F. Gabriel, The Brew News food connoisseur / Additional images by Mattia Mazzucchelli and Yvonne
Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of TheBrewNews.com, the company, or any of its members.
