The story appears on

Page A4

December 22, 2019

GET this page in PDF

Free for subscribers

View shopping cart

Related News

Home » Sunday » City Scene

Italo gastro lounge goes Funkadeli on 1920s Milan

AFTER running the successful Italian-centric Funkadeli for six years, Funka Group has expanded its Italian formula with a new gastro lounge concept: Italo.

Italo took over the 350-square-meter space on the upper floor of the Funkadeli building on Fumin Road and referenced the style and sensibilities of 1920s Milan as an inspiration for the new venue.

Venetian terrazzo marble floor tiles and brushed brass dominate the bar, while customized furnishings and Fortunato Depero-inspired artworks complete the look.

Downstairs, Funkadeli is popular for its Negroni, Aperol Spritz and several other typically Italian offerings, while Italo brings forth a new experience around its curated cocktail list and a menu with a contemporary Italian twist.

A love for early 20th century Milan is reflected in the drinks menu, created in collaboration with Mauro Mahjoub (aka the King of Negroni) from Campari Academy Milan, and draws inspiration from Elvezio Grassi’s 1936 mixology bible, 1000 Misture.

In addition to the classics, mixology consultant Johan Holmberg injects his understanding of modern cocktails on vintage versions.

Different versions of Negroni, from an original mix to a Mexican-inspired one are well worth a try.

Funka Group invited German chef Stefan Steinbach to be head of the kitchen, to create a “not-so-authentic” Italian menu but more an intention to encourage a gastronomical experience of sharing and uniting friends and family.

The chef loves an Asian twist in Italian recipes, which is revealed in a few dishes such as red sea bream crudo — Chinese Shaoxing wine marinated the raw fish mixed with a touch of sesame oil and chili.

And the uni carbonara is another modern take on a staple pasta dish featuring uni and onsen egg.

The spaghetti vongolo is cooked with white wine and parsley, but finished with Sichuan chili oil to give it a spicy note.

Don’t expect traditional Italian recipes, instead, appreciate the chef’s efforts on making staple dishes different and special.

The in-house sommelier carefully selected wines from Italy and beyond to compliment the food, with seven choices of wine by glass.

Vermentino by Argiolas from Sardegna and Barbera del Monferrato by Vicara from Piemonte are ideal options for pairing seafood and meat plates here.


Opening hours: 6pm-1am (Monday-Thursday); 6pm-2am (Friday); noon-2am (Saturday); noon-1am (Sunday)
Tel: 6027-9127
Address: 2/F, 291 Fumin Rd
Average price: 250 yuan
 




 

Copyright © 1999- Shanghai Daily. All rights reserved.Preferably viewed with Internet Explorer 8 or newer browsers.

沪公网安备 31010602000204号

Email this to your friend