Elegant Italian Cuisine Has a New Drive at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: When Luca Di Montezemolo, Chairman of Ferrari, first met the legendary Enzo Ferrari in 1972, the meeting took place in an elegant little restaurant just round the corner from the Ferrari factory in Maranello. Since it first opened in the 1940s, its cosy dining tables have witnessed hundreds of conversations about every Italian’s twin passions – fast cars and fine food.

Fast forward several decades and Ferrari fans can look forward to replicating the experience of dining at one of Enzo Ferrari’s favourite haunts half-way round the world at Ristorante Cavallino, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi’s signature restaurant that pays tribute to the original Maranello landmark.

With the Gourmet Abu Dhabi putting fine dining in focus in the UAE capital this month, there couldn’t be a better time to try out the restaurant’s brand new menu, featuring creative Italian courses inspired by the legend’s homeland.

“We wanted the restaurants at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi to stay true to our goal of fully immersing our guests in the world of Ferrari. Dining at the Park gives guests another great way to live the dream – from organic ingredients flown all the way from the Bel Paese, to our team of Italian chefs well-versed in traditional techniques and recipes – it’s a chance for our guests to experience the dining institutions that have a place in the Ferrari history,” says Andy Keeling, Park Manager of Ferrari World Abu Dhabi.

The new menu is the handiwork of Ferrari World Abu Dhabi’s Executive Chef Massimiliano Valenzi, the native Roman who has earned his culinary stripes in leading Italian kitchens in Europe, working with some of the world’s most famous chefs.

Diners at Ristorante Cavallino can choose from an inspired selection of hand-made, elegantly served pasta – from prawn bucatini to the popular tagliatelle alla bolognese. Specialties on the new menu also include an assortment of courses created with an innovative combination of fresh ingredients – such as the black cod course, and an inspired selection of wood-fired pizzas featuring traditional toppings such as tomato, buffalo mozzarella, porcini mushrooms, lamb sausages, rocket, pepperoni and parmigiano, in addition to popular starters and salads such as bruschetta and mozzarella with a sherry vinegar or acacia honey dressing. For those looking to indulge their sweet tooth, Ristorante Cavallino offers a selection of luscious desserts including tiramisu, crème brulee and cheesecake with berries and rhubarb sauce; all prepared with the same passion that inspired every aspect of the Ferrari legend.  

For food lovers looking to embrace the entire experience, there’s much more to look forward to. Two other restaurants at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi are inspired by existing dining establishments in Maranello – Il Podio, a replica of the staff canteen at the Ferrari factory, and Mamma Rossella, modelled on Ristorante Montana – one of the most loved family trattorias frequented by Ferrari drivers and management and run by the real-life Mamma Rossella,.
 “The restaurants at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi celebrate Italian culinary traditions. We use organic ingredients, many of which are flown all the way from Italy, and all our dough, bread and confectionary is baked fresh in our kitchens every day. We wanted the dining experience to stay true to the spirit of Maranello and the Emilia Romagna region of Italy that is Ferrari’s homeland,” said Massimiliano Valenzi. Chef Valenzi added that all the chefs working at the Park restaurants have either spent many years working in Italy or have been trained by seasoned Italian chefs, and that Mamma Rossella has given her personal seal of approval to a number of recipes on the menu at her namesake restaurant.
 “Anyone who thinks theme parks just do fast food will be pleasantly surprised by the quality and authenticity of the dishes on offer at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi,” added Keeling. "Through a captivating and always unique dining experience, guests at the Park can feel the passion and the innovation that characterise all things Ferrari and make these values their own.”
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For more information, please visit www.ferrariworldabudhabi.com. You can also follow Ferrari World Abu Dhabi on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FerrariWorldAbuDhabi or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/FerrariWorldAD

About Ferrari World Abu Dhabi:
The first and only Ferrari-branded theme park in the world, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi celebrates the passionate spirit of the legendary racing marque. Through more than 20 rides and attractions inspired by the cars themselves, the drivers and years of racing triumphs, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi spurs on visitors to find their drive and come out winners. Featuring high-adrenaline rides, family-friendly attractions, state-of-the-art simulators, live shows, an inspiring treasure of  racing memorabilia and a unique taste of Ferrari’s homeland through authentic dining experiences, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is the place to  live the true Ferrari story. The world’s largest indoor themepark and an iconic family entertainment centre in the region, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi offers a unique fun experience all year round. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is a main feature of Yas Island, a 2,500 hectare island dedicated to leisure, entertainment and lifestyle in the UAE.