Three vital elements define the similarities between Chinese and Italian cultures – food, family, and the moon. As the Mid-Autumn Festival approaches, The Peninsula Hong Kong invites guests to celebrate the full moon by enjoying exquisite Italian cuisines and live jazz.
In a tribute to the Italian love for “la luna” (moon in English), on September 21, The Peninsula Hong Kong and The Italian Cultural Institute of Hong Kong proudly present an artistic “Ode to The Moon” Jazz Dinner at The Lobby with the support of the Italian Chamber of Commerce. A special four-course menu is paired with contemporary Italian jazz performed by seasoned Hong Kong-based musicians, including famed jazz guitarist Eugene Pao, Sylvain Gagnon (bass), Toshi Horiguchi (keyboards) and Miriam Ma (vocals). Usually associated with feminine energy, the moon has traditionally played a significant role in Italian culture and features prominently in some of the country’s finest literature and poetry, such as To the Moon by modern Italian poet, Giacomo Leopardi.
Greek mythology contained numerous gods and goddesses, and because of the early influence of Greece on what is known today as Italy, the Romans adopted Greek legends and renamed many of their deities. Moon festivals became popular in the Greek and Roman classical worlds when celebrants gathered to pay tribute to the Goddess of the Moon – Luna, in Roman, and Selene, in Greek. The Peninsula Hong Kong’s magnificent Lobby creates an atmospheric setting for this cross-cultural culinary experience as the gargoyle faces and ceiling fresco are inspired by Greek mythology.
The Lobby’s groundbreaking celebration of a major Chinese festival with European elements features a specially curated four-course Italian-inspired menu with optional Italian wine selections:
Appetizer: Akami Tuna Carpaccio with Panzanella Salad, Tomato, Cucumber, Red Onion, and Croutons
First Course: Smoked Eggplant Ravioli with Burrata and Roasted Capsicum Sauce and Kristal Caviar
Main Course: US Prime Beef Tenderloin Milanese with Boutique Carrots, Hazelnut, Black Autumn Truffle, Sage and Beef Jus
OR
Red Prawns Cartoccio, Hokkaido Scallops, Monkfish, Clams, Olives, Capers and Oregano
Signature Italian Dessert: The Lantern – Coffee Ice Cream, Light Mascarpone Cream and Dark Chocolate Crumble
Priced at HK$ 1,688* per person, this exceptional “Ode to the Moon” Jazz Dinner will commence at 7:00 pm with appetizers and drinks. The Italian jazz band will perform three 30-minute sets in between courses, at 7:30 pm, 8:30 pm and 9:30 pm.
Photos: The Peninsula Hong Kong