/ Reviews / Italian
Italian Amore
by Stephanie Sherril
on Friday, September 25, 2009 12:00 AM
Ciao Bella in the five-star Langham Yangtze is as impressive as the boutique hotel's heritage. No detail in the elegant Italian restaurant has been overlooked, from the mosaic-tiled floors to the comfortable upholstered armchairs and beautiful globe lights. Large floor-to-ceiling windows along one side look out on the bustling street, while inside diners can enjoy culinary theatre courtesy of the open kitchen at the far end of the all-white space.
Chef Antonio hails from Southern Italy and his dishes tend to focus on fresh seafood and light, healthy Mediterranean flavors. These classic tastes are nevertheless interpreted like fine art, with each elegantly plated course presented at the table by impeccably trained waitstaff.
The meal begins with crusty Italian bread, which is freshly baked in-house every morning. Dipping these hearty breads into the high-quality, nutty extra virgin olive oil is a precursor of the goodness to come. The Di Fagioli Bianchi Soup (RMB58) is a soft, rich-flavored broth made from white beans and craftily accented with a perfectly seared sea scallop. Another popular soup, actually a signature dish, is the light Green Pea Soup (RMB58).
The Gnocchetti Di Patate con Gamberi (RMB88) is a real winner, served with shrimp, diced tomatoes, asparagus and olive oil. The melt-in-your-mouth handmade gnocchi makes a great textural contrast to the crisp asparagus and plump, tender shrimp.
For a main dish, the Rombo Profumato Alla Vaniglia (RMB128) is an adventurous choice. The pan-fried wild turbot is accompanied with diced eggplant, Madagascar vanilla and then playfully accented with dark chocolate. The uncommon flavor combinations are a surprise palate pleaser.
To finish the meal, the traditional Italian Tiramisu (RMB48) is the way to go. Ciao Bella's cold dark chocolate cake with layers of mascarpone cheese and ladyfingers soaked in espresso and brandy is a classy, upscale version of this classic dessert.
The Bottom Line: Impress guests with an elegant Italian meal with light pasta options, fresh seafood and great desserts anytime during the day.
