A rare and unprecedented Italian Feast with a performance by acclaimed violinist Gian Paolo Peloso at 8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA

It is an artistic collaboration of the highest order! Chef BOMBANA Umberto has invited international renowned violinist Gian Paolo Peloso to perform, on his rare 1755 Italian violin, selected music masterpieces at a unique event showcasing Italian artistic excellence next month. This one time only dinner will bring together great Food, Wine, Art and Music on 10 April 2016 at 7 pm in the cozy lounge of 8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA, the fine dining Italian restaurant led by Chef BOMBANA in Hong Kong Landmark. The exceptional Italian dinner is an unprecedented meeting of Italian cuisine and culture between the three-star Michelin Chef and the world-class talented artist.

Regarded as one of the finest Italian violinists and musicians, Peloso carries a youthful spirit bringing his exotic music to Hong Kong. He has worked under some of the 20^th century’s greatest conductors including Ruggiero Ricci, Ivry Gitlis, Igor Ozim, Gérard Poulet and Viktor Pikaisen, and composer Luciano Berio. Peloso has performed as a soloist with orchestras, in recitals and chamber music concerts around the world. His impressive talent was recognized with his appointment as Violin Professor at the Conservatory of Music (University) of Neuchâtel, Switzerland. He has also given master classes in Italy and Hong Kong. The legendary violinist Ivry Gitlis says, “I respect and love (Peloso): a true musician of the highest quality as a soloist and chamber music performer, and a top class violin teacher. An honor of our profession and its future.” In the upcoming dinner, Peloso will perform four pieces: Preludio and Ciaccona by Johann Sebastian Bach, and Variation One String on a Theme and Caprices by violinist Niccolò Paganini.

Under the culinary direction of three-star Michelin Chef Umberto BOMBANA, 8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA will delight the gourmet’s palate with a special menu highlighting his unique, sophisticated yet contemporary culinary creations. The “Music for the Palate” dinner includes a welcome drink, followed by a crafted 6-course wine pairing meal featuring sublime and subtle aromatics, enhancing the complex yet delicate taste of the dishes.

1. Culatello Spigaroli, Riserva Giuseppe Verdi Nero di Parma (pairing with 2008 Ferrari, Perlé Rosé).
2. Dover Sole, champagne citrus sauce with calvisius elite caviar and couscous (serving with 2014 Jankara, Vermentino di Gallura).
3. Maccheroni Alla Norma with baby eggplant, datterino tomato, ricotta cheese and basil (matching with 2010 Benanti, Pietramarina Etna Bianco).
4. Poularde from Bresse with green gnocchi, sweet peas and morel mushroom (pairing with 2004 Ceretto, Barbaresco Bricco Asili).
5. Veal Tenderloin “Rossini” Style with veal tongue, foie gras, Barolo wine sauce and “melanosporum” black truffle (pairing with 2008 Casanova di Neri, Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova).
6. Torta “Guglielmo Tell” with apple tarte, raisin rum ice cream (fusing with 2012 Umani Ronchi, Maximo Sauvignon).

About the composers
Known as “the musical giant” in the 18^th century, Johann Sebastian Bach created famous concertos for orchestras, dance suites and sonatas for multiple instruments, including “Toccata and Fugue in D minor”, “Mass in B minor”, “Brandenburg Concertos” and “The Well-Tempered Clavier”. The magnificent classical composer is revered through ages for his work’s musical complexities, stylistic innovations and artistic beauty in the late Baroque Period. Today, he remains one of the greatest Western composers in the music history.

Sometimes called “the Devil’s Violinist”, Niccolò Paganini’s virtuous talent, accompanied by his extraordinary dexterity and flexibility, gave him an almost mysterious and mythic reputation. The Italian virtuoso violinist may be a perfect example of nature meets nurture. Being taught by his father and tutored by the best teachers, Paganini was considered a prodigy. Best known for his ferocity and extraordinary flexibility, coupled with his elongated fingers, Niccolò Paganini is considered by many to be the greatest violinist of all time.

About Chef BOMBANA Umberto
Owner and Executive Chef BOMBANA Umberto, also hailed as “The King of White Truffles” and “Best Italian Chef in Asia”, delights even the most refined palate with his contemporary, sophisticated and inventive culinary creations. In 2012, his empire extended to China where he opened 8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA Shanghai and in 2013, Opera BOMBANA was unveiled in Beijing. In 2015, 8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA Galaxy Macau was opened that marks his new milestone offers a more defined and unique interpretation of great Italian food to the region.