Midweek Aperitivo, Done Properly: Cucina Launches Sips & Serenata

Midweek in Dubai rarely feels Italian. Cucina, the trattoria on Palm West Beach, is trying to change that with Sips & Serenata, a new aperitivo night every Wednesday and Thursday from 7pm until late.

The idea is simple and borrowed straight from Italy: good wine, something to pick at and no hurry to leave. For AED 299, two people get two hours of free-flow wine carafes and the Tagliere dello Chef, a board of Italian cheeses and beef or pork cold cuts.

Extras, from olives to arancini and fried calamari, cost AED 10 to AED 30, and the à la carte menu runs all evening.

The music comes from Verou Poli, a one-woman band who layers vocals, piano and percussion live, singing in English and Italian.

It suits an after-work drink, a date or a catch-up that runs longer than planned. Book on +971 4 666 1408 or at cucinathepalm.com.