It’s all HAPPENING

A regional round-up of what’s new and exciting in Asia-Pacific dining, wining and culture

THE ITALIAN JOB

Italian eateries are popular in Asia, but finding an authentic one can be difficult. We asked three of the best to tell us why they’re the real deal

ANGELINI RESTAURANT & BAR at ShangriLa Hotel, Bangkok, recently reopened after a seven-month renovation. The new design reveals a hip and sophisticated ambiance.

Michael McCalman, executive chef: “We have the unique ability to offer a variety of personalised services, from private rooms, “live” dining at the bar, comfortable seating in a restaurant setting to a unique outdoor alfresco area. Using a combination of imported food items and specially grown produce, we ensure our guests’ requests are catered for.” Shangri-La Hotel, 89 Soi Wat Suan Plu, tel: +66 2236 7777, www.shangri-la.com

Boutique residence JIA Shanghai has unveiled ISSIMO, its chic new Italian restaurant, lounge and bar. The eatery serves the home-style cuisine of celebrity Italian-Japanese chef Salvatore Cuomo in a warm and rustic setting.

Salvatore Cuomo, master chef: “Two key ingredients at Issimo are the authenticity of our Italian cuisine and our passion – some restaurants in countries outside of Italy may be tempted to make changes to the cuisine, but we insist on staying true to our origins. While we use the freshest local and international produce, we are so passionate about authenticity and flavour, that not only did we bring in from Naples the hand-beaten copper pizza oven, but also the actual bricks with which this is inlaid.”
JIA Shanghai, 931 West Nanjing Road, tel: +86
(21) 6287 9009, www.jiashanghai.com

IL LIDO at Sentosa Golf Club was the big winner at the Singapore Business Review Magazine’s inaugural Top 50 Restaurant Awards recently, scooping the “Italian Restaurant of the Year”. Judges rated the high quality food, panoramic view of the South China Sea and the traditional Italian cuisine in a simple yet chic setting, citing the best dish as foie gras pasta with pear sauce.

Beppe De Vito, managing director: “Il Lido is a modern Italian restaurant in an unbeatable location. Its impeccable Italian cuisine and discreet service will enhance any business traveller’s dining experience in Singapore.”
Sentosa Golf Club, Bukit Manis Road, tel: +65 6866 1977, www.il-lido.com

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