To celebrate World Chaîne Day, members and guests were welcomed to Va Bene Restaurant on a beautiful spring evening by the music and video of Abba singing Mamma Mia. “Mamma Mia” the theme, Italian the cuisine prepared by young, talented Executive Chef Natalino Ambra.

A visually impressive room layout with a long table seating 60 guests and warmly lit by lights hanging from the high pitch roof gave us a real sense of arrival. Va Bene is located in the landmark Xintiandi redevelopment which is a popular destination for visitors to Shanghai.

At the reception a quartet of canapés were paired with Belstar Prosecco and Jeio Bisol Rosé Prosecco. The evening’s menu of Italian cuisine was suitably paired with a selection of Italian wines.

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Seared yellowfin tuna
orange, Imperial Oscetra caviar
Gavi di Gavi DOCG 2014 - Giribaldi

Escalope of foie gras
apple confit, hazelnut, coffee
Fina ‘El Aziz’ Chardonnay IGT NV

Saffron risotto with Boston lobster
Vermentino ‘Costamolino’ DOC 2015 - Argiolas

Lemon sorbet

Grilled Australian ‘Mayura Platinum’ sirloin steak
mashed potato
Amarone Riserva DOCG 2009 - Fattori

Baked meringue, vanilla cream, basil sorbet
Moscato d’Asti DOCG - Pellissero

Around the tables one heard the cuisine described as “decadent”, “refreshing”, “excellent”, “melt-in-the-mouth sensation”.

Dining in a party-like atmosphere was precisely the intention for our World Chaîne Day event. On a large screen we followed live celebrations from Bailliages around the world whilst the video jockey played a selection of fun, mostly oldie songs.

The evening ended with the presentation of the Bailliage’s plaque of appreciation to Chef Natalino and the service brigade led by Daniele Baldo.

Lorin Young
Bailli