LUX February 2017

LUX - February 2017 45 Intense Italian Flavours At Imago Imàgo, the Hassler Roma’s panoramic Michelin restaurant was originally created by Roberto E. Wirth, the Hassler’s President and Managing Director, in order to cater to the needs of an increasingly discerning and exclusive clientele by presenting creatively-thought traditional and refined flavours against the backdrop of the Eternal City that is Rome, viewed as never before from its incredible position. It is a place where sight and taste are welded to seal a unique dining experience. Walking into Imàgo, guests are overtaken by the view which projects the same impact of a beautiful painting. The stunning view of the city fills every one of the wraparound windows. Soft music, floor with elegant carpet, dimmed lights, mirrors… all conspire to create an impossibly romantic mood, as well as the sense of being in another time and space, overlooking the Roman skyline. Sitting down one is instantly attended to by the Maitre, who is happy to point out the names of the various monuments and cupolas on the horizon as he pours your glass of sparkling white wine. Fifty years since the very first panoramic restaurant in Rome - the Roof Restaurant, as it was known then - opened its doors, Roberto E. Wirth, owner and general manager of the Hotel Hassler Roma inaugurated it for the second time on December 5th, 2006, after a complete restyling, personally directed by Roberto Wirth and with the collaboration of Interior Designer Astrid Schiller and Chef Franceso Apreda, who participated in the selection of professional equipment .It’s new name, Imàgo, derives from the Latin image, vision and thought. The restaurants not only hosts the prestigious hotels regular clients, but is the new restaurant in Rome for all those who wish for a unique gastronomic experience along with the breathtaking view of the Eternal City. Fifty years ago, in the Autumn of 1956, Oscar Wirth, then-owner and general manager of the Hassler Roma, father of current President General Manager Roberto E. Wirth, had the Hasslers 6th floor panoramic terrace covered to transform it into what would become known throughout the world as Romes celebrated first panoramic restaurant, the Roof. It was the first restaurant built on the last floor of a hotel, a decision criticized by Romans at the time, used to restaurants located only on ground floors. Nonetheless, it soon gained enormous prestige around the world and was frequented by a dizzying amount of important international and national celebrities. Until 1956 the Roof was used an open-terrace Tea Room, until it was transformed into a restaurant as unique as it was beautiful, calling the greatest personalities from the 20th century to admire its view, including politicians, royalty, musicians, authors, actors and directors. John Fitzgerald Kennedy, Richard Nixon, Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, Federico Fellini, Igor Stravinskji and Giulio Andreotti are only a few of the great names that were regular guests to delight in the gastronomic delicacies of the restaurant with the incomparable view of Rome This charming history lends an air of romance to this beautiful building, which is elegantly furnished so that guests can fully appreciate the glorious views and sumptuous menu, the highlights of which include classics such as scampi tartare with buffalo mozzarella and Shabu scallops carpaccio served with yuzu and black truffle. Sumptuous fish dishes such as roasted John Dory with olives and ginger, pumpkin and chanterelles, and elegant pasta dishes including the steamed braised veal ravioli, topinambur and saffron pay homage to the city which gives the establishment its breath taking view. There is something for everyone, with vegetarian and meat main courses, as well as various international dishes which will impress even seasoned travellers including a twist on the flavours of Mumbai in the form of penne pasta Arrabbiata-Style, served with spicy bomb-ay seasoning blend, or a taste of London in the form of Foie Gras and Scones seasoned with a sweet rain blend. Anyone with a sweet tooth can be satisfied by Imago’s a scrumptious dessert menu which involves innovative dishes such as a winter sphere, Darjeeling-flavoured ricotta cheese and clementine as well as the more traditional warm chocolate sponge cake, caramelized endive and coffee ice cream. This combination of sweet and savoury makes for a unique experience which cannot be replicated or forgotten. Overall, Imàgo is a full experience. The background music and the stunning view is complemented by the texture, aroma and, most of all, taste of Chef Francesco Apreda’s creative Italian cuisine. Francesco’s dishes are each carefully prepared and presented, and his menus vary according to the season to always offer his clients different yet refined tastes. The variety of what he presents is thought for each type of palate an explosion of flavours that include the most refined combinations as well as traditional Italian cuisine, characterized by the ingredients and fragrances embedded within Italy’s rich history and culture. For more information or to book a table visit www.hotelhasslerroma.com Sample fine Italian cuisine in this chic and fashionable establishment, located in the Hotel Hassler Roma, one of Rome’s premier 5-star luxury hotels. Intense Italian Flavours At Imago