Brunch Bliss: Elevate Your Sundays at Italian “Alto Vino “- JW Pune…

Alto Vino, situated in the JW Marriott, Pune, (India) epitomizes an upscale Italian specialty restaurant, celebrated for its elegant and sophisticated ambiance. The interiors of Alto Vino reflect a harmonious blend of contemporary and classic Italian design, featuring tasteful furnishings with plush seating arrangements that ensure utmost comfort.

The decor is accentuated with stylish elements like wooden accents and artistic wall decor, while the warm and inviting lighting creates an intimate and cozy atmosphere, perfect for fine dining. Overall, the setting at Alto Vino exudes a refined charm, establishing it as an ideal spot for a luxurious dining experience.

During the Sunday brunch at Alto Vino, I experienced today a buffet that was a true feast for the senses.

The menu offered an exquisite selection of authentic Italian cuisine, encompassing a variety of classic dishes. Handcrafted pasta, wood-fired pizzas, risottos, and fresh seafood were meticulously prepared using high-quality ingredients.

The restaurant also boasted an impressive selection of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Guests could enjoy a curated wine list featuring premium Italian and international wines, alongside a range of signature cocktails and spirits.

For non-alcoholic options, there were fresh juices, mocktails, and traditional Italian sodas, providing a well-rounded dining experience with a focus on authentic flavours and a sophisticated beverage menu.

Alto Vino's culinary team, renowned for its expertise, brought a wealth of skills and talents to the table. Led by Executive Chef Huber, the entire team, comprised of seasoned professionals with extensive experience in Italian cuisine, excelled in crafting authentic dishes that highlighted traditional flavours with a modern twist.

Their meticulous attention to detail, innovative cooking techniques, and passion for quality ingredients set them apart. Under the precise supervision of Sous Chef Girish, the entire Production Brigade, including Chef Archit, Chef Yogesh, Chef Kaveri, Chef Shadaf, Chef Abbash, Chef Bhaskar, and Chef Sudipta, delivered remarkable performances.

This expertise not only ensured a consistently high standard of food but also enhanced the overall dining experience, making each meal memorable and distinctive. The chefs' dedication to authenticity and excellence was a key factor in the restaurant's acclaim.

It is imperative to extol the virtues of the Sunday Buffet, a veritable feast for both the eyes and the palate.

The bread selection was nothing short of extraordinary, featuring an eclectic array of options such as focaccia, pesto rolls, garlic and soft cheese baguettes, homemade grissini, mushroom and cheese bread, blue cheese buns, Parmesan rolls, and ciabatta. Each loaf was impeccably baked, offering a tantalizing variety of flavours and textures to satisfy diverse palates.

The seafood salads were particularly noteworthy. The confit prawns with lime delivered a refreshing and zesty flavour that invigorated the palate, while the smoked salmon with sour cream and capers berries impressed with its smoky, delicate taste beautifully complemented by the tangy sour cream and briny capers.

Additionally, the white fish with white wine onion and lumpfish caviar provided an opulent touch, and the tuna and avocado salad combined creamy and fresh elements for an exquisite bite.

In the non-vegetarian salad section, the saffron chicken with herbs salad was a fragrant and flavourful offering, with the saffron adding a subtle depth to the tender chicken. The roasted lamb with tonnato sauce featured a rich, creamy accompaniment to the robust lamb, and the Italian meatballs with barbecue sauce added a hearty, savoury option to the selection.

The pasta offerings were exemplary, particularly the chicken ravioli with herb jus and the pumpkin ravioli in sage butter. The gnocchi alla pesto delivered a classic, flavourful experience, while the tagliatelle alla ragù offered a rich and satisfying dish.

Among the main course selections, the chicken cacciatore stood out, offering a hearty and robust flavour. The lamb goulash provided a deep, savoury experience, and the gnocchi alla Romana offered a satisfying vegetarian option. The zucchini gratin with garlic and tomato was another lighter yet flavourful vegetarian dish, with the garlic and tomato adding a delightful depth to the tender zucchini.

The cheese counter was a gourmand's delight, featuring Brie, Parmesan, Mozzarella, Sunburst, barrel-aged feta, and goat cheese in oil, accompanied by three chutneys and three types of nuts to enhance the flavours.

The seafood counter showcased scallops, salmon, John Dory, prawns (16/20), and pangasius, all prepared to accentuate their natural flavours and freshness. Overall, the brunch buffet at Alto Vino was a sumptuous exploration of Italian cuisine, highlighting high-quality ingredients and masterful preparation. Each dish, from the fresh seafood salads to the hearty main courses, provided a unique and memorable gastronomic experience.

I take this opportunity to state that the dining room service team at Alto Vino must be highly praised for their professionalism and exceptional service skills. Under the leadership of Amit Negi, Director of Restaurants, and with culinary guidance from Mr. Peeyush, Director Culinary and Siddhartha Tripathi (DF&B Assistant) the team ensured a seamless and enjoyable dining experience for every guest. Restaurant Manager Laksh Pathak and Assistant Restaurant Manager Pema led the team with enormous dedication and expertise.

I extend my sincere thanks to the entire F&B Service Team, including Mixologist Nikhil, Arjun, Arjun Negi, Arun Singh Bisht, Asif, Charu, Mahaveer, and Aishwarya. They are well-trained to provide attentive and personalized service. Their deep knowledge of the menu and wine list, along with their ability to make informed recommendations, enhanced the dining experience.

Yes! The staff's friendly demeanour, efficiency, and attention to detail significantly contributed to the restaurant's inviting atmosphere, creating a welcoming environment that distinguished Alto Vino from other dining establishments, making guests feel valued and well-cared for.

Do Experience the pinnacle of Italian dining at Alto Vino, JW Marriott Pune. Renowned for its authentic cuisine crafted by expert chefs and a refined ambiance, Alto Vino does offer an unforgettable culinary journey. Indulge in exquisite dishes and premium wines, all delivered with impeccable service.

For a truly memorable dining experience, visit Alto Vino—Pune's premier Italian restaurant.

By Manav Kaushik

DWF (Don’t Waste Food)