Here's an exciting update to the news we got in February about the new restaurant opening very soon inside the Shangri-La Hotel in downtown Vancouver: We now know the name, concept, and what it will look like.
In partnership with Vancouver's Kitchen Table Group (Pourhouse, Ask For Luigi, Di Beppe), Shangri-La is about to be home to Miantiao, a high-end restaurant offering Italian-Chinese cuisine.
Miantiao means "noodle" in Mandarian, and noodles in their many forms and styles are cores of both Italian and Chinese cuisine.
"The Miantiao culinary program can be described as Italian cuisine elevated with Chinese sensibilities, and Chinese gastronomy uplifted by the elegant simplicity of Italian cuisine," explained the hotel in a media release back in March, noting the restaurant will feature "the very best of Italian, Chinese and Canadian ingredients."
We're told further details about the menu are still to come ahead of opening.
Unfortunately, though, while Miantiao was initially aiming to be open May 7, we're now looking at a summertime debut - and, hopefully, that means indoor dining will be back on the table for B.C. restaurants.
Vancouver doesn't have a massive legacy of Italian-Chinese fusion, though it's clear Asian-Italian can work if we take the meld of Japanese and Italian on offer at the award-winning Kissa Tanto in Chinatown as a contemporary example.
There's plenty of reason for optimism with Miantiao, however, as Kitchen Table has a solid rep and has some really terrific and enduring restaurants on its banner. Heading up this project for KT is Chef Alex Tung, who is the group's Culinary Director.
Tung, who himself has worked with Jean-Georges Vongertichten of the Shangr-La's previous Market restaurant - as well as other culinary luminaries - has spent a great deal of time working as a hospitality and culinary consultant and brand ambassador.
Joining Tung at the helm will be Executive Chef Tret Jordan (Loden Hotel, Wentworth Hospitality) and Chef de Cuisine Justin Lee (Superflux, Crowbar). The Miantiao front-of-house team will be led by General Manager Hao-Yang Wang (Farmer’s Apprentice, Grapes & Soda, West), Bar Manager Gianluigi (Luigi) Bosco (Lombardi, Shangri-La Vancouver) and Wine Director David Steele (South by Southwest Wine Imports, Shangri-La Vancouver).
That's a pretty stacked crew of talented innovators and hospitality pros, which makes Miantiao all the more exciting.
A little more on the space, which will have two dining rooms, the Friulian-inspired Frasca Room, and the Jia Dining Room, and a bar and lounge area where you can still enjoy ordering from a full menu.
“From the design to our menus to our style of service, Miantiao embraces rituals shared by both Chinese and Italian cultures surrounding food, family and memories made and celebrated around the table,” says Tung. “I’m personally excited to transport locals and visitors alike on a unique and stimulating journey for the senses that celebrates the many similarities and culinary traditions that have long been shared by both countries.”
In October 2019 we learned that Market by Jean-Georges would end its run as the year came to a close, with plans to have the new concept in the space renovated, re-branded, and re-launched by spring. Of course, no one counted on a global pandemic to stall the works.
In February, Shanrgi-La revealed that Kitchen Table would be partnering with them for the new restaurant.
This is the second hotel project for Kitchen Table, which last summer took charge of Giovane Café at the Fairmont Pacific Rim. While the coffee bar side of Giovane is open for take-out, the entire space is currently being transformed into Giovane Bacaro, a wine bar and café inspired by Venice, Italy.
