Internationally acclaimed Italian restaurant & cocktail bar introduces innovative cocktail & food pairing menu
October 17th, 2012
The original 8 ½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA restaurant was opened in Hong Kong in 2010 by acclaimed three Michelin Star Chef Umberto Bombana, serving an authentic contemporary Italian cuisine to the discerning diners of Hong Kong. Following the continued success and recognition of the Hong Kong restaurant, Chef Bombana decided to bring his passion for fine Italian cuisine to mainland China for the first time- selecting a site in the historic The Bund district of Shanghai for the location. 8 ½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA Shanghai first opened in February 2012 at a space within the ultra-exclusive The Rockbund redevelopment project that has refurbished a series of heritage buildings overlooking The Bund, Huangu River and Pudong skyline. Located on the top two levels of the Associated Mission building, the restaurant on the 6th floor features the main dining room, plus four private VIP dining rooms, an outdoor balcony, and the intimate Cocktail Bar & Lounge. On the rooftop level above the restaurant is an open terrace area of 320 square metres- with unobstructed 360 degree views across the inner Shanghai area.
The Shanghai restaurant is under the direction of Executive Chef Alan Yu, Chef de Cuisine Silvio Armanni, and Pastry chef Sohya Takahashi, with frequent visits to the Shanghai kitchen by Chef Bombana. Chef Yu was raised in Shanghai and has had extensive international experience in famous restaurants such as Jean Georges New York City and Citronelle in Washington DC prior to returning to Shanghai.
Complementing the superlative dining experience, the integrated Cocktail Bar & Lounge offers both restaurant patrons and cocktail connoisseurs a sophisticated and elegant environment for sampling the innovative cocktail creations of Bar Manager and Mixologist, Italian native, Dario Gentile. The design and concept of the Cocktail Bar & Lounge in both Hong Kong and Shanghai were the creation of renowned Italian mixologist Giancarlo Mancino- with the cocktail offerings in both venues centred around his 42 page “Drinks Compendium & collection 2012-2013” a personal journal of classic and contemporary cocktail recipes.
The Cocktail Bar & Lounge
The sleek bar counter features a geometric sculptured profile, topped with solid white marble sheet
Antique liquor advertising posters are showcased on the walls.
(L) The wall panels and flooring are fashioned from intricately patterned dark timber
(R) The passageway leading from the restaurant entrance to the cocktail bar
Classic American liquor brand poster overlooks the bar counter
The back bar display showcases an impressive collection of premium liquor bottles, with the centre-piece ice display- roughly hewn from solid stone.
(L) Elegant glass cabinets flanking either side of the bar hold an exceptional variety of premium and artisan label liquors.
(R) The temperature controlled wine cellar holds the extensive collection of premium wines.
Fine Drinking Bites- the Cocktail & Food Pairing Menu
The 8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA Cocktail Bar & Lounge have recently introduced a “Fine Drinking Bites” menu that offers guests an exceptional experience of pairing a selection of four exquisite cocktails with small bite delicacies from the restaurant kitchen. Selections will be regularly updated in line with availability of seasonal produce, and with the creation of new cocktails.
Bar Manager and Mixologist- Dario Gentile
Cocktail: Deluxe Martini– Sipsmith Vodka, Mancino Vermouth.
Food: Selection of canapés including smoked salmon with mustard sauce and dill, buffalo mozzarella with cherry tomato, San Daniele ham with mango salad. ( Note above cocktail and canapes are not included in the “Fine Drinking Bites Menu”. Canapes are served to all customers at the bar ordering cocktails)
Cocktail: Autumn Punch– Bison Vodka , Bellavista Spumante, Pear and Passion Fruit puree.
Food: Foie Gras Cremisques with smoked Jalapeno pepper gelee.
Cocktail: Sherry Calling– Tanqueray Gin, Tio Pepe Fino Sherry, Fresh Lime Juice, Old Aromatic Bitter.
Food: Crispy Kaitaifi Amberjack, Lemon Verbena & Basil emulsion
Cocktail: Manhattan Oroloso – Templeton Rye Whiskey, Solera 1847 Sherry Dulce, Petchaud Bitter
Food: Confit Pork Neck. Polenta cake & shallot sauce.
Restaurant Dining Room & Outdoor Terrace
The main dining room of Otto e Mezzo Shanghai – the interior design features key elements from the Hong Kong restaurant- the distinctive carpets, stunning ceiling decoration and elegant contemporary tables and chairs.
The glass encased, chilled ageing room takes centre stage in the dining room. Showcasing premium champagnes, hams, cheeses and truffles.
One of four private VIP dining rooms- featuring dark timber paneling and nautical themed photography.
The historic Associated Missions building that houses Otto e Mezzo is located directly behind The Peninsula Shanghai, and overlooks the restored original British Consulate building and gardens.
The outdoor terrace extends across the front of the main dining rooms- with superb views over the heritage buildings of The Bund and the spectacular Pudong skyline.
8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA Restaurant & Cocktail Bar – Shanghai
Address: 6th & 7th Floors, Associate Mission Building, No. 169 Yuanmingyuan Road. 200002 Shanghai
Metro: Line 2 – East Nanjing Rd
Reservations: +86.21. 6087 2890
Website: www.ottoemezzobombana.com/shanghai/
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/OttoeMezzoBOMBANA
Opening hours: Daily: Restaurant: 6:00 pm ~ 12:0 pm Midnight Bar: 4:00 pm ~ late
Attire: Smart casual
