This summer, Donna Cucina by Chef Arshita Sunghvi brings the charm of Italian Summer to Pune with a sun-drenched celebration of food, joy, and la dolce vita. From 2nd to 4th May, 2025, step into our Italian Summer Festival — a three-day escape that whisks you away to a cobblestone piazza where the air is fragrant with sun-ripened tomatoes, sweet basil, and the irresistible aroma of wood-fired pizza.
Imagine fluttering linen curtains dancing in the breeze, rustic wooden tables set under golden light, and glasses clinking with chilled lemonade. With soft Italian melodies drifting through the air and a menu designed for indulgence, every detail invites you to slow down, savour the moment, and lose yourself in the magic of an endless Italian afternoon.
The special summer menu—curated by Chef Arshita Singhvi—celebrates seasonal produce and regional favourites. Start with Olive Ascolane, mushroom-stuffed olives fried to golden perfection, and Caponata di Carciofi, a vibrant medley of artichokes, tomatoes, olives, and chili. Dive into comforting bowls of fresh handmade pasta like Cappelletti en Brodo di Pomodoroni, floating in a roasted tomato broth with datterini tomatoes, or the Burrata Tortelloni, filled with silky cheese and served with a creamy mint-pea sauce.
Sicilian flavours come alive in the Rigatoni alla Norma, while the harvest-inspired Paglia e Fieno Tagliatelle offers a creamy medley of mushrooms, peas, and parmesan. The mini pizzette are a feast of colours and textures—from the farm-fresh Verdure to the rich green-hued Veneto, layered with pea sauce, mushrooms, and ricotta.
For dessert, cool off with the delicate Granita di Mandorla, a beloved Sicilian almond ice, or the Coconut Milk Panna Cotta, topped with fresh mangoes and crunchy almonds. Pair it all with a Virgin Pina Colada or a refreshing Cucumber & Mint Slush, perfect for beating the summer heat.
Beyond the flavours, the festival promises playful moments and creative joy. Guests can try their hand at painting handkerchiefs or even sketch their face on the poster. It’s a celebration not just of food, but of expression, connection, and slow, mindful pleasures.
Amidst the clink of cutlery and chatter, every corner of Donna Cucina will be alive with the spirit of summer—slow, soulful, and full of flavour. Whether you’re reminiscing over shared plates, sipping something sweet in the golden hour, or simply soaking in the ambience, this is your postcard-perfect escape to Italy—no passport required.
Where: Donna Cucina, Bungalow, 5 Palacimo Estates, Lane No. 6, Kalyani Nagar, Pune, Maharashtra 411006
When: 2nd May – 4th May, 2025
The summer menu will be available post the festival until May 31st, 2025.
