Situated in the uplifting circle of The Forum at The Avenues is 400 Gradi. An Italian restaurant known for winning the world’s best pizza prize in 2014, but we know it as our unforgettable dining experience.
400 Gradi may not look as traditionally Italian from the outside, but on entry, the view circles around two beautifully set wood-fired ovens to instantly transform you to the aromas you love from walking down the streets of Italy. The name of the restaurant lends itself to the temperature at which a thin-based traditional Neapolitan pizza is gently, yet perfectly cooked in a wood-fired oven for just about 90 seconds.
A fulfilling menu begins with appetizers, and some of us dine only on appetizers. At 400 Gradi the Antipasti Misti makes for the perfect start to your meal, as you receive an aesthetically pleasing wood platter filled with a variety of delicious meats, cheese, olives and bread. Mixing and matching these tasteful ingredients on this charcuterie platter is an experience in and of its own.
Charcuterie platter. Source: bazaar Studios
Another appetizer we enjoyed is the Calamari Fritti, the uniqueness of this mouth-watering dish relies on the Aioli sauce. A bright yellow, almost creamy texture, swapped with a savory tang, which in turn compliments the Calamari. We also sampled the refreshing Insalata Verde, a light salad to complete the ravishing appetizer warm-up, for there’s much more to come.
Here’s a fun fact, Arrabbiata literally means angry in Italian, and so does 400 Gradi’s Arrabbiata pizza. A classical tribute to the spiciness of chili peppers is infused within the sauce. So, tread carefully while ordering this particular pizza, as it may set you on fire!
Plus, what is an Italian feast without both pizza and pasta dishes? We personally felt that 400 Gradi’s Penne Pomodoro Con Gamberi is the perfect pasta dish to follow an Arrabbiata pizza. For one thing, the shrimp in this pasta dish tones down the heat factor that you get from the pizza, and with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, your palate is instantly cooled down.
Arrabbiata Pizza. Source: bazaar Studios
A shared passion in Kuwait and Italy comes deep from within the ocean, the love of seafood. Besides the appetizing Calamari, 400 Gradi offers a lovely dish which combines two in one. The Branzino Con Gamberi includes a very white and meaty sea bass, and juicy shrimp with a side of Verdure Misti; mixed vegetables to complete this fascinating seafood-coma inducing dish.
Naturally, when you’re at the Avenues Mall for a morning power walk and in need to refuel for the rest of the day, then lucky you! 400 Gradi will provide a breakfast selection of Italian classics. Take your carbs for an early run with wood-fired Ricotta pancakes, mixed with berries, raisins and pistachio, drizzled with sweet honey and cream on top.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Br2yZPvAnLH/
Or a savory Piatto Della Colazione, which consists of two fried eggs, served with beef bacon, sautéed potatoes, and bread to fill up your protein cravings.
Here at bazaar, we like to think that the beauty of a fulfilling menu lies within just the right choice of… You guessed it, desserts! No one can refuse or resist a true Italian dessert, so it’s safest to save space for the Dolci Misti.
Dolci Misti. Source: bazaar Studios
The Dolci Misti arrives as a selection of 400 Gradi’s most popular desserts, Tiramisu, Nutella Calzone, Pistachio Panna Cotta topped with caramelized popcorn, artisanal Gelato and finally, the famous Sicilian Cannolis in three different, creamy flavors. Why choose one dessert when you can have the best of everything that is sweet and glorious, all in one plate?
Cannolis seem to always take us back to Clemenza’s phrase in The Godfather, “Leave the gun, take the cannoli.” There are no rules when it comes to the amazing Dolci Misti, as the term ‘il dolci’ is not only a sweet way to end a lunch or dinner, it’s also the way many Italians like to start their day.
After this experience, 400 Gradi is surely the destination for a taste of authentic Italian cuisine that will keep us coming back for more.
400 Gradi is located at The Forum in The Avenues Mall. For more information follow @400gradime on Instagram and Facebook.
