Last night I had the pleasure of being among a group of food lovers invited to the official opening of Cucina at the Marriott in Kigali.  It was an experience for the books.  

Cucina has pulled all the stops and it is complete with a Chef straight from Italy, Chef Luca Voncini.  Chef Luca came out to meet us, explained each dish and it’s origin/and or inspiration.  His descriptions transported us to parts of Italy and before he could finish describing the appetizer, we were all salivating.   

We had to first be blindfolded to taste and guess the ingredients.  After the first bite, we took off the blindfold to basque in this Italian goodness.  I loved, loved, loved the vegetarian options, with most ingredients sourced in Rwanda. 

Here’s are few shots I managed to take. I hope they awaken your sense of discovery to go enjoy an evening at Cucina with the best Italian food in Kigali.  It was a night to remember! I cannot wait to go back again and again. 

First course a.k.a. Arlecchino: Salad roll with citrus and basil dressing 

Second course a.k.a. Pulcinella: Vegetarian soup, ratatouille on toast (house made) bread.  That ratatouille was new to my taste buds.  David Toovey and I couldn’t get enough. 

Third course a.k.a. Pantalone: spinach, ricotta cheese in past wrap.  Somehow I forgot to take a pic – but here’s the 2nd course from the menu of the meat lovers in the group.  They were able to experience vegetarian goodness on this course – HA! 

Last but not least, Final course a.k.a Robobonis a.k.a dessert (my favorite of any meal): Chocolate genoise, brandy infused with classic vanilla sauce.