Paparazzi – Traditional Italian Cuisine

Yesterday we went to Paparazzi for dinner. Paparazzi was established in 1998, and has managed to keep a true traditional Italian atmosphere since its opening and up until today.

The Restaurant is a little hidden, it is indeed right in the centre of the Sunset Boulevard in the very center of Grand Baie, but it is situated on the second floor of the sunset boulevard complex. Paparazzi features an open ‘balcony’ ambience.

The décor is luxuriant white. The tables hold wine glasses, sparkling cutlery and vases filled with fresh flowers. The color palate really suits the atmosphere of a classic fine dinning Italian restaurant.

We were puzzled to see a very small menu of only appetizers and pizzas, but then the waiter showed us the menu opens up and suddenly we saw the very big variety of appetizers, main courses, pizzas and desserts.

We asked if there are any specials which do not appear on the menu, and the waiter said that the lobster dish is the best of the specials, but that if you wish to have it you must order it two days in advance – so for the lobster fans, make sure to keep this in mind. The waiter also informed us that all the dishes (pasta, pizza etc) are fresh and made at the restaurant.

As always we first started with some drinks, I ordered my traditional bloody marry (190Rs) and Mr “C” ordered the Pina Colada (190Rs) upon the waiter’s recommendation.

The bloody marry came with Worcester sauce and Tabasco on the side, and was delicious, the bloody marry wasn’t filled with too much alcohol which suited me perfectly. The pina colada, a sweet rum-based cocktail made with rum, cream of coconut and pineapple juice, was good and stronger while referring to the alcohol level.

As soon as we ordered our dishes, the waiter brought the bread basket which contained French baguette slices, and Anchor butter on the side. The butter was cold and as such was hard, so we waited for few minutes until it softened up so we can easily spread it on the bread.

We started our meal with 2 appetizers: veal carpaccio (240Rs) and heart of palm and shrimp salad (290Rs). The beautiful veal carpaccio was an example to authentic Italian flavor. On top of the capriccio were grated parmesan and spices such as oregano and fresh herbs. Usually we have either Tuna carpaccio, or beef carpaccio, so having the veal carpaccio was a very nice change and definitely a good dish. Actually the carpaccio was one of the highlights of the meal.

The heart of palm salad was served next to a salad of chopped lettuce, cucumbers and tomatoes in a heavy salad dressing. Mr “C” generally likes heart of palm but he said this one was tossed in a dressing that had a little too much mayonnaise and was still missing flavor.

We decided to order three main dishes so we can really experience the variety Paparazzi has to offer. Also we knew that we can always have the leftovers for lunch the next day…

The main dishes were: Beef fillet with mushroom sauce (580Rs), small Paparazzi pizza (250Rs) and trio of pastas (240Rs).

The Beef fillet which comes from Australia, was asked to be medium rare. I’d say it was more on the medium side, but the beef was of such quality, made with much skill and with well balanced spices, so both Mr “C” and I very much enjoyed it.

The trio of pastas is a combination of three separate pastas on one dish: Tagliatelle long (flat pasta ribbons that are similar in shape to fettuccine) with Pesto sauce, Fagottini (square pasta shapes with some kind of filling) with spinach and mushrooms, and Rigatoni (a form of tube-shaped pasta of varying lengths and diameters) with tomatoes and basil sauce.

The Fagottini was the best of the three pastas. The chopped spinach very nicely complemented the earthy flavor of the mushrooms.

The Tagliatelle was the least favorite of the three and felt a bit watery.  Maybe because the pesto sauce was made with too much oil – I am aware that it was made according to a more traditional Italian style cooking, and some may like it but I personally did not.

The Rigatoni al Pomodoro e Basilico (Penne with tomatoes & basil) was nice and simple. It is a good option for those looking for a very light flavors, for me it was a little to simple, and I did miss a stronger dominant flavor from the pasta sauce.

We asked for the small signature paparazzi pizza which is a vegetarian pizza with 7 toppings: fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, palm heart, watercress, chili, onions and mushrooms. It was great- a creative and delicious veggie pizza. The pizza is on the thin size, very rich with toppings offering rich flavors. It was definitely one of the best pizzas we had at Grand Bay area, and I am very happy Paparazzi offers home deliveries for no charge to both our office location in Grand Bay and also to our home in Pointe aux Canonniers.

With the pizza, I had a glass of house rose wine – Château de l’Aumérade (225Rs).

After having the 2 starters and the 3 main courses which, we could have walked away satisfied with a very full stomach, but we felt we could not leave without sampling the deserts. We asked for one dessert but the waiter insisted we must try at least two of their desserts, so after a short discussion we decided to comply. We then chose the homemade tiramisu (170Rs) and the crème brule (170Rs), which both seemed to be a fine ending to a nice meal.

The Tiramisu was a bit of a disappointment. Knowing Paparazzi specializes in the traditional Italian cuisine, we expected to have a Tiramisu, in a true Italian style, in the form of a cake. But what we did receive was kind of a Tiramisu mousse which was too moist, and the mascarpone flavor was too subtle and barely discernable.

The creme brulee was excellent: scrumptious and in perfect size. We both enjoyed it a lot, and no doubt it is a light dessert which offers a perfect ending for the meal.

At the end of the meal, we drew a conclusion that Paparazzi and the dishes served there are of a more traditional style.

We were curious to know who created the Paparazzi menu, and the waiter informed us that the restaurant concept and menu were created by the famous Italian Chef “Cav Francesco Cognigni”.

At home, after searching on Google, I learnt that the chef Cav Francesco Cognigni, executes classic Italian cuisine with a Mauritian flair, and that for the past 50 years he is cultivating his passion for food through his work. The chef has won several international prizes and no doubt has vast experience in the traditional Italian cuisine.

I can summarize our gastronomic experience by saying that Paparazzi and its dishes are designed for customers who prefer the traditional Italian cuisine rather than the more contemporary one. The sophistication and variety of both its menu and decor, makes this restaurant suitable for any elegant event.

I would also like to add my complements for the service during the entire meal. Our waiter was very professional, knowledgeable, friendly and very enthusiastic to provide a great personal service throughout the meal.

Comments:

• All the prices mentioned in this review are VAT exclusive.
• The restaurant accepts  all credit cards and cash in rupees, euro and US $ – Cheques are not accepted.

We were guests of Paparazzi.