Cindy Chan, marketing aficionado for Campari Group, has always found solace and pleasure in the rich tapestry of Hong Kong’s culinary scene, characterized by its vibrant variety and the opulent nuances of flavor in local Chinese delicacies. Her childhood was dappled with the homely and hearty flavors of dim sum, noodle soups, and an assorted array of local dishes, each presenting a unique facet of the city’s gastronomical palette.
However, the expansion of Cindy’s culinary horizons is attributed to her journey into the wine and spirits industry, where she encountered the rich, robust, and diverse flavors of Italian cuisine. Her first foray into fine dining at an Italian restaurant not only captivated her senses with the symphony of flavors and textures but also ignited a passion for Italian food that lingers to this day.
Pici, a renowned pasta haven nestled within various locations, including the bustling St. Francis Yard in Wan Chai, has become her refuge whenever the craving for meticulously handmade and refreshingly simple pasta dishes embraces her. Cindy’s recollections of her initial visit to Pici’s Wan Chai outlet, underscored by the ubiquity of eager patrons queued for a savory lunch experience, reverberates with her affection for the place.
On another note, CIAK – In The Kitchen has carved a special niche in her memory and palate with its alluring spread of home-made pasta and pizzas, all set within a cozy and inviting ambience. The establishment’s adherence to the pre-dinner Italian aperitivo ritual, characterized by classic cocktails like Negroni and Aperol Spritz accompanied by an assortment of snacks, is a cherished offering that Cindy finds particularly endearing.
A city renowned for its breathtaking views of Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong melds culinary artistry with visual spectacle, offering an experience that is tantalizing both for the palate and the eyes. BluHouse, a relatively recent addition to Cindy’s list of favored dining locales, offers an amalgamation of exquisite Italian cuisine, timeless cocktails, tantalizing desserts, all encapsulated within an atmosphere that exudes warmth and top-tier hospitality.
However, for more ceremonious occasions, 8 1/2 Otto E Mezzo Bombana takes precedence in her choices, its stature as Hong Kong’s pioneer three-Michelin-star Italian restaurant reflective of its superlative dining experience, marked by flawless food quality and impeccable service.
Embarking beyond the boundaries of Hong Kong, Cindy’s culinary adventures have graced numerous countries, with a notably cherished memory residing in Bern, Switzerland. During her honeymoon, a serendipitous encounter with Restaurant Rosengarten, poised amidst Bern’s illustrious Rose Garden, afforded her a spectacular view of the city, complemented by delectable food and the soothing warmth of mulled wine, all under the gentle embrace of the winter sun. The conviviality and attentive service of their waiter rendered the experience even more memorable, ensuring a revisit whenever Cindy finds herself in Switzerland again.
In this rich tapestry of culinary experiences, Cindy Chan sails through a spectrum of flavors, atmospheres, and locales, illustrating that the marriage of exquisite dining and enchanting vistas provides not just sustenance, but memories that linger, much like the subtle aftertaste of a well-crafted Italian dish. This interweaving of culinary arts with the inherent beauty of locales, both home and abroad, transcends mere dining, morphing into a holistic experience that embraces and satiates every sense.
READ MORE: