By Anand Holla
Soon after Italian-born brothers Francesco and Simone Panella opened Antica Pesa in Williamsburg, New York, modelled on the original one in the Trastevere neighbourhood of Rome, established in 1922, the gastronomic glow of its authentic Italian fare was matched by the throng of A-list celebrities who have been frequenting it, ever since.
Madonna, Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Mick Jagger, Charlize Theron, Richard Gere and Leonardo Di Caprio are only some of the top clientele of the restaurant back in Brooklyn.
Here, in Doha, Wednesday night gave the chosen few a lip-smacking preview of Antica Pesa that is nestled in style in the grounds of one of the city’s plush destinations, Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl-Doha. Packing in serene views of Qanat Quartier and the Arabian Gulf, with inside or outside dining on the terraces, Doha’s new ‘real Italia’ culinary experience that opened to public yesterday looks sure to set a new benchmark in Qatar’s food scene.
Be it the tasteful artwork throughout the décor of the restaurant with pieces by artists such as Andy Warhol, De Chirico and Helmut Lang photos, or the traditional Italian recipes served with all the finesse and flavours they deserve, Antica Pesa offers a wholesome Italian fine dining experience.
The restaurant remains true to its 17th Century family-focused roots, with four generations of the same family having managed the restaurant over the past 93 years. The menu is created following two fundamental guidelines: reworking traditional recipes from Roman cuisine and creating dishes using local organic products for seasonal dishes, with a nod to modern trends.
The inspiration for the restaurant’s name comes from its origins as a Vatican customs post that collected taxes on grain in Rome. The antique customs officer decided to initiate a sort of eatery that offered bread and wine to the many peasants who came to the tollhouse. ‘The Old Scales’ or ‘Antica Pesa’ was coined in the late 19th century when the original customs function was replaced by a real restaurant.
Head Chef Marco Calcaterra told Community, “I want to put all of myself into the food we make and give the very best of our tradition that we know. Even this location is so amazing. It reminds me of my town in Sicily. It’s so quiet and peaceful here.”
Francesco Panella, owner of Antica Pesa restaurants, said, “We are excited to open the doors of Antica Pesa to local food lovers offering ‘real Italia’ cuisine. The artistic design features, world-class food and beautiful setting of the restaurant make for a truly authentic and unique experience that will redefine Qatar’s Italian culinary scene.”
Antica Pesa is located in the grounds beside the iconic horse sculpture at Marsa Malaz Kempinski, which is located on its own secluded island, and offers guests 281 luxurious rooms and suites offering unparalleled space and luxurious comfort.
APPETIZING: A pasta at the restaurant.
