/ Reviews / Interview
Catia Busa, Chef de Cuisine at Briccocafé
by
on Friday, December 24, 2010 12:00 AM
Why do you think it is that Italian food is so popular in China?
Because it's good! Italian food is simple and is good. If it's meat, for example, you can find the flavor of the meat, not just the sauce.
Which do you prefer: pizza or pasta?
Four cheese pizza, I like. Salami pizza, I like. Margarita, why not! Pasta, I really like it homemade: tagliatelle, gnocchi, spaghetti with tomato and basil. My cuisine is all very simple, very easy. I use simple ingredients, basically olive oil, garlic, onion, salt, pepper, sage, basil - I love basil. You can find it in each of my items!
When it comes to cooking Italian food at home, is there any particular advice you'd give to get great flavors?
Yes. I would repeat again, Italian food is very, very simple. You must use good ingredients: good olive oil, good pasta, good tomatoes.
What have you changed on the menu since coming to Briccocafé?
It still has the same menu format: pasta, pizza, main course. We kept some of the most popular items. But what I did change was to make the menu more traditional. Before, it was a bit more fast food; now it's got more classical.
You've been in Shanghai for four years. Why have you stayed so long?
I've found a really good life in China. It's a safe city for my children. And they can learn the Chinese language. They go to international school which opens up their minds 360 degrees, which is really good for them. And I like it! I like my job. It's been a great experience because this is my first time to work outside of Italy. It was not easy. Three years ago, I couldn't speak one word of English. Then I had a Chinese teacher to teach me English. Then, after three months, they taught me Chinese from English! Now, I speak Chinese with my staff. Of course, it's not perfect but I believe the team needs to communicate. I want to tell them why one dish should be cooked in a certain way. They can understand better and feel better what I mean in Chinese.
When you're not juggling languages, what do you do to enjoy Shanghai?
I spend my time off with my children. I like to see the city, finding new, interesting spots. I like exploring other foods and new flavors when it's just me, but my children don't like other food except mine!
