It was a beautiful, balmy September night in Beijing. Truly perfect for a Chaîne event on the terrace of Il Ristorante Niko Romito at the Bvlgari Hotel.

Overlooking a peaceful garden on the banks of the Liang Ma River, 31 members and friends were in attendance for this lovely event.

We started the evening with toasts of Bellavista ‘Alma’ Gran Cuvée Brut NV (Franciacorta DOCG from Lombardy, Italy), Sunflower mocktail and Aperol spritz together with three canapes: bruschetta, burrata with anchovies, melon with prosciutto.

Our senses were enlightened as the libations of the night started to flow. The flavours of the dishes blended together as our taste buds took a tour of Italy from Milan to Sicily.

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Asparagus, peas and Parmesan
Cusumano Catarratto DOC 2017 - Sicily

Vitello tonnato
 ‘Faive’ Vino Spumante Rosé Brut 2017
Nino Franco - Veneto

Lasagna
Allegrini Valpolicella Superiore DOC 2015 - Veneto

Lemon and basil sorbet

Osso buco with polenta
Montecucco Rosso Riserva DOC 2015
Colle Massari - Tuscany

Ricotta cheese gelato
25-year old balsamic vinegar, fig jam
La Spinetta Moscato d’Asti 2017 - Piedmont

Strawberry and lemon infusion
Petits fours
Limoncello

The Osso bucco with polenta was a perfect pairing with the Tuscan Colle Massari Montecucco Rosso Riserva. The real star of the show was the Ricotta cheese gelato. Spectacular!  It was a magical dish that exploded with flavour and creativity.

As the night drew to a close, we smoked cigars under the moonlight sky with the whisper of “Vive la Chaîne” resonating in the air.

Preston Thomas
Acting Vice-Chargé de Presse