The St. Regis Abu Dhabi proudly unveils Artisanal Italian Restaurant

Villa Toscana Offers a ‘Timeless Gathering Place' for Capital City's Inner Circle

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates – September 3, 2013 – The St. Regis Abu Dhabi has announced the opening of its artisanal Italian restaurant, Villa Toscana, a residential dining destination the hotel believes will become a timeless gathering place for the city's increasingly up-market patrons and global visitors alike.

Serving hand-crafted, regional Italian specialties from Tuscany, Umbria, and Emilia-Romagna, Villa Toscana's design creates the feel of visiting the inviting summer home of an Italian noble.

Family and friends meet for a journey of culinary surprise and delight amid the spectacle of entertaining open kitchens. Groups can follow the Italian tradition of sharing among friends by meeting at the restaurant's signature communal dining table, the first in the city.

At the same time, the confidentiality of couples and select business parties is ensured via large private dining tables set away from the liveliness of the restaurant's entry way.

“In an era of quickly-passing, largely-unremarkable fine dining experiences, Villa Toscana is becoming a trusted option for those who prefer exceptional food prepared to exacting standards yet served in an entirely unpretentious manner, often by the chef himself,” said Ruben Gabiño, Director of Food and Beverage, The St. Regis Abu Dhabi.

Villa Toscana's fare wonderfully complements the interior design, bridging tradition and elegance, while the menu represents a culinary path through Italy, incorporating its finest ingredients and preferred seasons, along the way.

Chef de Cuisine Stefano Viola, from the Italian region of Tuscany, has previously served as Executive Chef at the Michelin Star Ristorante Re Di Macchia in Siena, Italy. He believes that respect for traditions is equal to respect for inventiveness and improvisation.

Tuscany shines with Chianina; Emilia Romagna contributes with finest cured meat, Romagna lamb, polenta, and pasta dishes; and Lombardy with its great variety of risottos and wonderful cheeses. Sicily, Apulia, and Calabria will find their imprint in the menu, showing the traces of all cultures which established themselves in Southern Italy.

“The menu will change several times a year, enabling us to utilise produce at its seasonal peak, ensuring dishes develop and preserve the utmost aroma and bring flavour to their palatable peak,” said Viola. “Tasting menus are also expected to play a large part in showcasing Villa Toscana's signature dishes, as they allow for the wonderful interplay of varied textures.”

In addition to Villa Toscana, The St. Regis Abu Dhabi offers seven additional culinary outlets including Rhodes 44, which marks the first restaurant in Abu Dhabi by famed Michelin-starred chef Gary Rhodes, and the iconic St. Regis Bar, which follows in the tradition of the St. Regis brand's legendary New York hotel. Guests may also enjoy unique dining experiences, tea and other fine beverages at Crystal Lounge, Cafe44, The Tea Lounge, Azura and Spa Café.

The St. Regis Abu Dhabi features 283 sumptuously-appointed guest rooms, including 55 elegant suites, all offering panoramic waterfront views of the Arabian Gulf. The hotel's understated interiors were inspired by the region's rich heritage and the St. Regis brand's legacy. Designed with the colours of the local sands, the traditional cuisine and souks in mind, The St. Regis Abu Dhabi is a luxurious setting steeped in a sophisticated Art Deco past.

Located on the vibrant Corniche in the heart of the UAE capital, The St. Regis Abu Dhabi offers bespoke luxury that combines the brand's unique legacy with exceptional Arabian hospitality. The hotel is part of Nation Towers, and is the third St. Regis hotel to open in the Middle East since the brand was introduced to the region in 2012.