Giada Expands From Fashion to Food in China World Hotel

advertisement

The influence of a new worldwide trend to combine fashion with culinary passions has landed in Beijing at the China World Hotel. In sharp contrast to, say, the coffee shop at Ralph Lauren in Sanlitun that nearly outshines its fashion brand host, Giada Garden does advertise itself to passersby as a restaurant at all – instead appearing from the hotel lobby to be one of the many designer boutiques within the surrounding mall. But a trip up the store’s winding (almost dizzyingly so) marble staircase will land you in a shining venue serving cuisine that wouldn’t be out of place in Milan, from which the Giada brand originates.

Though the restaurant is open for dinner and will soon be offering its bar services, the lunch menu (RMB 588) is somewhat more approachable for the time being. It’s a six-course meal with plenty of creativity along the way, out of the mind of Italian chef Marino D’Antonio – for instance, the main course of Pesce San Pietro (also known as John Dory) sees the fish wrapped in thinly shaved asparagus. 

Dory fish wrapped in asparagus

Oxtail tortelloni

advertisement

Meanwhile, the oxtail tortelloni and the scallop with yellow pepper sauce are fine twists to familiar Italian dishes – with more standard options like eggplant parmesan and beef tenderloin with mashed potato on the menu as well so that adventure is not forced with every course.

All of the above is enjoyed in any of several dining rooms in this venue that’s equally spacious, bright, and elegant – the furnishing is entirely minimalist, but diners are offered a view of the outdoor patio and all of its flowers and greenery. However, the eyes of the fashion curious will more often be drawn to the large screens depicting Giada models in their latest shoots.

In all, Giada Garden is a welcomed addition to the collection of restaurants in China World Hotel – it’s a quieter, if less exciting lunch than the hotel’s Scene A Café seafood buffet and serves as something of a western counterpart to the fine Cantonese cuisine at Summer Palace restaurant, and we’re looking forward to what Chef D’Antonia cooks up next.

Images: Giada Garden, Joey Knotts, Yamei Wang

---

advertisement

Top Stories This WeekBeijing News You Might Have Missed this Week, Jul 3  
We Tried the Smelly McDonalds Sandwich 
What Are You Beachin' About? Tianjin's Got a Seaside Getaway  
Beijingers Are Buzzing AboutComing Up in July: Things to Do and See in Beijing Next Month 
Date Night China: What Pride Month Means to Me  
These Water Parks Are Open To Help You Stay Cool This Summer