CHIC Eats

Ihave always loved Masso but I must confess I have not ventured to that corner of Adliya since Covid sent us all running for the safety of our homes. So, I am interested to see what has changed and what’s stayed the same.

The Provençale-style interiors are as welcoming as ever, crisp linens and sparkling glasses and silverware let you know that you are in a high-end establishment while outside a newish area resembles an Italian market street with fairy lights adding to the ambience as guest chatter and laughter fills the air.

At our table, home-baked focaccia with sundried tomatoes, bread buns with olive butter swirls and grissini all served with a sundried tomato paste set the scene for the evening. Each mouthful of bread tastes better than the last and we have to stop ourselves over indulging, mindful of the feast to follow.

The first of the ‘Small Bites’ to the table is Smoked Short-Rib Croquettes with Black Truffle Dip. These have a crispy coating and the meat is meltin-the-mouth tender. The truffle flavour is gentle, not overpowering, and perfectly complements the almost gamey richness of the beef.

Mushroom Arancini is the first standout for me on a menu which looks set to offer a whole range of excellence. The crunchy exterior of the rice balls yields to a beautifully comforting interior of mushroomy, truffley goodness topped by mushroom puree and embraced in the hug of a cheesy sauce. The perfect combination of flavours and textures, I could easily eat the whole portion myself but these dishes are made for sharing and my dining companion is equally impressed.