Roman Flavors Reborn in Beijing with Chef Paolo

Irene Li, Associate Editor | Jan 5, 2024 5:30 pm | Add a comment | 196 reads

You might recognize Chef Paolo's "Mamma Mia!" from videos on your social media feed as he whips up Italian culinary masterpieces for his Bilibili fans, but his commandeering of the kitchen cuts a deeper swath than his viral video charm. Stepping out from the digital limelight, he's the maestro behind ROMA — Shanghai's beacon of pizza perfection, crowned the city's tastiest in 2018, and with thirty years seasoning his skillet in the global culinary scene, his expertise is as rich as his tomato sauce.

Now, he's spicing up Beijing's Beersmith, bringing a slice of Rome to the heart of Beijing. Drop in from today until Sunday (Jan 5 to Jan 7), and you might just catch the chef in action. Missed him? Not to worry, his custom Beersmith pop-up menu will stick around for a sinful month of indulgence.

Genuine to his Roman beginnings, Chef Paolo shares that the Chinese and Italian passion for food strikes a similar chord. "Both cultures revel in the art of culinary exploration. There's a sweet spot where Italian noodle dishes resonate deeply with Chinese palates," he muses. And, when it comes to whose recipes reign supreme, Chef Paolo asserts with a twinkle in his eye, "In Italy, the masters of the kitchen are the nonnas — our grandmothers."

He fondly reminisces over childhood Sundays, awash with the aromas of simmering sauces and fresh pasta from his nonna's kitchen, inviting him to be her little sous chef. This early encounter with cooking, paired with his family's history in hospitality, sparked Paolo's own culinary ambitions.

Chef Paolo champions the integrity of traditional Italian cooking, even if it means gently correcting well-meaning patrons. Take the iconic carbonara — a pinnacle of Roman pasta artistry — which, contrary to some beliefs, boasts a creamy texture without a dollop of actual cream. "No cream in the carbonara, that's the Roman rule," he laughs. "Add it, and you'll hear it from the Romans, believe me."

With a commitment to the genuineness of Italian culinary traditions, Chef Paolo proclaims, "We bring Rome to your plate, pure and authentic." From today (Jan 5), spanning a whole month, food aficionados can explore a pop-up menu by Chef Paolo at Beersmith. The card is rich with Italian delicacies, featuring Chef Paolo's Burger, the Steak Panini Roman Style, and the classic Involtini Alla Romana.

When pressed for his personal menu favorites, Chef Paolo's eyes light up at the mention of his Steak Panini Roman Style—a dish steeped in Roman heritage. "This is the essence of Roman street food for you," he explains. "Across Rome's nooks, late at night, you'll stumble upon 'Sisolak'—our term for the messiest, yet most flavorful eateries; in our lingo, 'dirty' is synonymous with heartily rustic and remarkably tasty." His Steak Panini, a tribute to his Roman roots, marries thinly sliced Australian Angus ribeye with melted cheddar, caramelized salted onions, and bell pepper, all hugged by a ciabatta that's crunchy outside and pillowy within.

Moreover, during the exclusive two-day experience at Beersmith, guests will have the rare opportunity to mingle with Chef Paolo. In his own words, "Beersmith's ambiance strikes the right chord—casual yet chic, perfect for unwinding with a pint or two." Paulo bridges the gap between Italy's renowned wine culture and its lesser-known craft beer expertise. "Here's to setting trends," he toasts, envisioning a fresh chapter in the food and beverage scene, where a frothy beer meets authentic Italian fare in a symphony of flavors.