From chicory and Jerusalem artichokes to turnip, radicchio, Savoy cabbage and pumpkin, this flavour-rich menu is an appealing choice for both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
Chef Gianni’s Winter Vegetarian Menu 2020
Priced at HK$798 + 10% per guest, the Winter Vegetarian Set Menu by Chef Gianni Caprioli presents six courses of Giando’s most beautiful seasonal creations, inspired by the vegetarian diet.
Reflecting the restaurant’s steadfast devotion to high-quality ingredients from small-scale family farms. The menu contains ingredients from luscious fruits and vegetables by Agro T18 Italian wholesaler in Grugliasco, Torino, to organic free-range eggs by Fattoria Roberti egg farm located in Bedizzole, Brescia.
The new winter menu starts with chicory salad, a herbaceous appetiser with burrata, pear, walnuts, gorgonzola dressing and balsamic vinegar; and a creamy Jerusalem artichoke soup topped with braised artichokes.
The fusilli pasta follows, served with turnip tips and non-spicy southern Italian Crusco peppers; and warming Carnaroli risotto with radicchio and braised onion.
The savoury meal ends with Chef Gianni’s brilliant take on Savoy cabbage, known for its gently curling dark green leaves, which is paired with hazelnut and earthy black truffle.
The menu concludes with a pumpkin cheesecake; the ultimate winter comfort dessert elevated with Amaretto crumble.
A variety of produce from Giando’s vegetarian menu is available for purchase at Mercato by Giando, Gianni Caprioli’s gourmet Italian market located at Fenwick Pier in Wan Chai. The specialist grocery store stocks healthy and high-quality ingredients without additives, pesticides, and antibiotics, supporting small local Italian farmers while promoting an eco-conscious distribution chain.
About Chef Gianni Caprioli
Hailing from Potenza and a family of cooks, Gianni began his career in his brother’s restaurant while training at a hotel school in San Marino. There, he honed his skills in homemade pasta making and Romagna-style cooking.
He worked under Chef Gino at the Grand Hotel des Bains in Riccione, then began managing and training staff for the famous Rex’s group of restaurants in the United States.
On his return to Riccione in 1997, he worked with another of Italy’s most revered and innovative chefs, Gianfranco Vissani and Ristorante Azzurra. His association with Italy’s rich and famous was established in 1998 while cooking for exclusive resort hotels including Hotel Oberosler, Dolci Hotels and Castello di Montegridolfo.
In 2000, he left for Los Angeles to open the famous Osteria Angelini. It was here that his skills were noticed by Gianni Agnelli – owner and pioneer of Italian Automobile (FIAT) manufacturing based in Turin – who then took him on as his personal chef.
Today, Chef Gianni currently owns and operates three restaurants (Giando, Gia Trattoria Italiana, Fishsteria) and Mercato by Giando, a gourmet retail market of his own with three more locations and an online store coming soon in Hong Kong.
They all stay true to his philosophy: the best food is made with pure, fresh, quality ingredients and their origins matter.
Finding, cooking and serving the best produce with true passion and love is at the heart of what he does every day.
Giando Italian Restaurant – Where and how?
Address: Shop 1, G/F, Tower 1, Starcrest, 9 Star Street, Wanchai, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2511 8912
Website: www.giandorestaurant.com
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