To experience the pleasures of eating, dine with the Italians. A sliver of life served on a platter that fades the lines between great taste and health. Experience this slice of Italy right here in Dubai! At Il Borro Tuscan Bistro. We had an opportunity to get an insight into the roots of the restaurant.
- Take us through the history of Il Borro. How did it all begin?
Il Borro is a name with over a 1000 year history, stretching over 700 hectares in the heart of Tuscany. It is known for its medieval village that was fully renovated to a 5 star Relais and Chateaux resort.
Owned and operated by the Ferragamo family, they developed the Tuscan Bistro as an authentic interpretation of Italian cuisine that resembles a piece of Il Borro in every corner. Putting Tuscan heritage into practice, Il Borro is home to its own wines, olive oil, honey, and a state of the art bio-farm. Sustainability and integrity lie at the core of the Il Borro philosophy.
- Tell us a little about your organic food – Where it’s grown/sourced from, what do you grow?
The organic produce of the restaurant comes from l’Orto Del Borro or also known as Il Borro farm. It was founded in 2012 by the passion and attention to the environment, and the local tradition. We have our own biodynamic products like organic olive oil, honey, and wine which are available in the Il Borro Tuscan Bistro Dubai.
The desire and the will to get local produce becomes the philosophy of the farm. Seasonal selected vegetables are supplied to the Dubai, and this enables us to craft sumptuous authentic Italian food in Dubai. The organic produce is sustainable and ethically grown, with a commitment to hand – craftsmanship that forms an integral part of the Il Borro brand’s pillars.
Also, we do source a selection of our products from trusted Italian suppliers that comply with the doctrine of organic and biodynamic production.
- Tell us a little about your organic wines – Types of wines you ferment / Process of making perfect Italian wine.
Our vines grow on the Valdarno hills, Tuscany, a perfect place for a vineyard. The unique pedoclimatic conditions infuse our wines. Autochthon grape varieties, such as Sangiovese, and those of the “Tuscan tradition,” such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot grow side by side adapting perfectly to the variability of the soil.
Specifically, Il Borro produces 10 etiquettes of its own wine, from Rosé, and Red type to White and Sparkling wines. They all are rated with great scores by the most prestigious international wine ratings.
We carefully analyse every decision to do with Il Borro wines. From the choice of grape to the clones and rootstocks, nothing was left to chance.
For example, the wine named ‘Petruna Anfora’ is produced from 100% Sangiovese grapes using only clay amphorae for making and storing the wine. It has been awarded 92 points by Wine Spectator.
Not all of Il Borro wines are organic. Borrigiano is the only organic one. It is produced after 10 years of dedication to research, experimentation and enthusiasm in creating quality wines. Rewarded 90 points by Wine Spectator, it’s a blend of grapes: Syrah, Merlot and Sangiovese.
Two sparkling wines, one Rosé and one Brut have Methode Champenoise. They are unique products with great personality. Lately, Il Borro has added its own organic beer in the list. It is a locale Ale made with malted and organic spelt. Great to be paired with Tuscan dishes.
- Why Dubai (what made you target Dubai as the next step)?
Dubai is a fabulous and cutting edge capital of the hospitality and the Ferragamo family wanted to be part of this project. Dubai has indeed the right audience to address new and exciting projects in the F&B industry.
Mainly because Dubai is a challenging place and market to start with a new international brand. The business model that works in Dubai can easily then adjusted in all the other locations, worldwide. In addition, Il Borro Tuscan Bistro is partnership with OIG Company, which is based in Dubai.
- What’s the most recommended dish at Il Borro / Most ordered dish at Il Borro?
Our Josper grilled Fiorentina steak is our signature dish.
- Has opening a restaurant in Dubai influenced your food? Is there an element you’d like to experiment with at your restaurant?
Tuscan cuisine means simple food, far away from sophisticated and elaborated dishes. Most of our recipes can be traced back hundred years. They are based on leftovers of different ingredients that blend together become a magnificent soup, like “Ribollita”, that means re – boiled a traditional Tuscan soup.
Unfortunately, some traditional recipes are so simple, although they’re tasty, that it’s difficult for people to understand and appreciate the flavour. The UAE market likes the so called WOW factor (i.e. super expensive cut of meat), therefore we had to adapt some recipes to local market requirements.
Our Il Borro signature dishes are done with the same commitment and passion coming from our heart and soul same as they were prepared back on the green hills of Tuscany.
- Tell us one table etiquette or tradition with food/Wine that’s truly Italian.
We would rather mention a tradition than a table etiquette. In Italy before starting the lunch, the aperitivo or the dinner we use to have a toast with a glass of prosecco or other bubbly wine and saying “Salute” in an informal setting or “Cin Cin” in a more format context.
The most important step is to let the glasses touch each other and then steering in the eyes of everyone around us as gesture of respect and appreciation for attending the dinner.
