It’s that time of year again – Christmas is here! The air is filled with the joy of gift-giving, merry moments, and festive feasts. The streets are filled with twinkling lights, and the joyful melodies of the holiday season can be heard all around. Let’s fully immerse ourselves in the joy and excitement of this enchanting season.
And what better way to mark the occasion than with a culinary experience that not only excites your palate but also warms your heart? AQUA Forte, our Italian haven in Galle, has crafted an exclusive Christmas menu that is guaranteed to turn these moments into cherished memories together.
Starting off with a delicious appetiser: the Carpaccio di Polpo. This dish highlights the intricate craftsmanship of octopus preparation, featuring thin slices that are seasoned and paired with a zesty citronette dressing. With a combination of microgreens, tangy olives, and crispy fried capers, this dish is guaranteed to awaken your appetite and set the tone for the rest of your Christmas dinner. Enhancing the flavours of every bite is the Bottega Prosecco Spumante Brut DOC, a sparkling wine that pairs with the dish as personally recommended by Head Chef Roberto.
Up next, we have a delightful dish called Crema di Cannellini, Cavatelli, Calamari, e Guanciale, specially crafted for the Christmas season. This incredible dish showcases homemade cavatelli pasta enveloped in a white bean cream, combined with the subtle sweetness of calamari and the flavour of cured pork cheek. When paired with the amazing aromatic notes of the Alois Lageder Gewürtztraminer Alto Adige 2020, this meal takes on new heights of flavour that will have your taste buds singing with delight.
Every lasagna lover will feel bursts of happiness with this delicious delight, the Lasagna Emiliana. A work of beauty, this dish has layers of pasta skilfully arranged to accompany the robust Bolognese ragù. Indulge in every bite of juicy beef, fragrant spices, and vegetables. With every mouthful, the béchamel sauce elevates this dish to the next level. The bold and lively taste of the 2014 Dezzani Stardé Barbaresco DOCG wine matches the elaborate aromas and velvety textures of this impeccable dish.
The Aragosta, a delicious main dish that will have you wanting seconds, is made of poached lobster tail served with a zesty orange and tangerine sauce. The sautéed spinach gives the dish a hint of freshness, making it a match made in heaven. The Frescobaldi Alie Rosé Toscana IGT 2021 is a perfect match for this meal, according to Head Chef Roberto. The wine has a sophisticated minerality that harmonises well with the subtle flavours, creating a compelling combination.
Cotechino e Lenticchie is a classic Italian dish that will bring you joy and tradition this holiday season. A succulent pork sausage, the Cotechino is crafted to absolute perfection. Now, pair it with lentils—the symbol of abundance and good fortune—and you have got a dish that embodies the richness of Italian culinary heritage. With the Tenuta San Guido “Guidalberto” Toscna IGT 2018 giving a lovely richness to its tastes, this course not only pays homage to Italian tradition but also promises a refined and joyous holiday feast.
If you have a sweet tooth, you are going to love this. A beautiful way to finish off your Christmas dining is with the luscious Trio di Panettone. This dish is sure to be an absolute treat because you get to choose from three different versions of the classic Italian Christmas cake. First, there’s the classic, which tends to have a rich and buttery taste. Next up is the Panettone gelato, known for its light and revitalising elements. The crumble, last but certainly not least, delivers an enticing blend of flavours, making it ideal for those seeking something unique.
For an extra sweet treat, Head Chef Roberto recommends serving this luscious delight with Bottega Cannella – Cinnamon Liqueur, creating a lovely fusion that will provide a festive and homely atmosphere to your feast.
This Christmas, let AQUA Forte be the destination where enchanting moments happen. Whether you are a local resident or a traveller, our doors are open to everyone seeking an exceptional Christmas celebration in Galle Fort.
Our special menu is available from December 22, 2023, to January 7, 2024. So make your way down here and savour the wonders of an Italian Christmas in Galle, where tradition and creativity come together to create a truly magical feast.
