24 January 2025 (Hong Kong SAR) – Inspired by the iconic Giro d’Italia (Tour of Italy), one of the three major “Grand Tours” in cycling, Regent Hong Kong’s Culinary Director, Ciro Petrone, presents Ciro d’Italia, a remarkable culinary journey through his native Italy. This unique buffet experience showcases the diverse flavours of Italy, with each dish crafted by Chef Ciro to narrate a story of passion, culture and authentic Italian artistry and heritage. 

Originating from Naples, known as "the city of the sun and the sea," Chef Ciro's culinary journey began in his childhood kitchen, where he watched his mother skilfully prepare pasta and seafood. This early influence shaped his distinctive cooking style, which modernises classic Italian dishes while preserving the comforting flavours of his mother’s recipes. 

“Italian cuisine begins with the finest ingredients. Each tomato, olive oil and wedge of Parmesan tells a story of tradition, quality and passion.  

At Harbourside, we are bringing this story and the flavours of Italy to life. From the bustling streets of Italy to the heart of Hong Kong, this journey extends beyond food. It’s about bringing the spirit of Italy to every plate as we transform these simple treasures into something extraordinary – an authentic celebration of Italian cuisine. For me, cooking is an expression of love and tradition; and this feast for the senses is my way of sharing my home with our guests.” – Ciro Petrone, Culinary Director, Regent Hong Kong 

From pasta to pizza, guests can embark on a gastronomic adventure that captures the essence of Italy, from 10 February to 6 April at Harbourside, acclaimed for its immersive international buffets where the energy, flavours and aromas of world’s local markets come to life. 

One highlight on the buffet will be the Eggs in Purgatory (Uova al Purgatorio), a hearty dish inspired by the vibrant streets of Naples. This recipe features a rich blend of tomatoes, fragrant olive oil, red peppers, and aromatic garlic etc., paired with Italian bread as a dip, creating a comforting taste of Italian home cooking. 

Introducing his unique twist of classic potato pasta in parmesan wheel, Chef Ciro is preparing a flavourful soup base of carrots, celery, cherry tomatoes and potatoes, before adding piping hot pasta into a hollowed-out cheese wheel. Harbourside chefs will then infuse the dish with generous amounts of Parmesan, smoky cheese and a hint of truffle for a delectable experience that warms the soul. 

No celebration of Italian cuisine would be complete without the iconic Neapolitan Margherita pizza, featuring fresh tomatoes and basil atop a bed of mozzarella and Parmesan – a true tribute to simple, fresh ingredients with a crisp, chewy crust.  

To complement this culinary feast, Qura Bar Manager Gennaro Pucci, who hails from Corigliano, Italy, has created three signature cocktails: Limoncello Spritz, Tutti Frutti and Negroni Del Marinaio.  

Executive Pastry Chef Andy Yeung is crafting a decadent selection of “dolci” for those with a sweet tooth, including Italian favourites such as Tiramisu, Cannoli and Zeppole. He is also introducing a Mimosa Cake made with layers of light sponge cake infused with lemon and vanilla. This treat is filled with Crème Diplomat between the layers and topped with a smooth layer of crème. Traditionally, it is served to celebrate Women's Day (8 March, 2025), when it is customary in Italy to give women a sprig of Mimosa. 

Enhancing the experience, a Made-in-Italy Vespa Primavera will be prominently displayed at Harbourside alongside the specially curated buffet selection. This Limited-Edition Vespa Primavera 150, commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the Vespa brand, combines the iconic design with modern details and Vespa’s rich heritage, adding a touch of timeless Italian style and allure to this unforgettable culinary journey. 

As Chef Ciro shares, “The Vespa Primavera 150 embodies the Italian spirit of discovery and ‘La Dolce Vita’, just as the dishes we are preparing exclusively at Harbourside capture the heart and soul of Italy on a journey of taste, tradition and style.” 

Please click here to download images: https://hongkong.regenthotels.com/image-video-gallery/tour-of-italy-at-harbourside-ciro-ditalia/ 

Restaurant reservations can be made via the online booking platform at https://hongkong.regenthotels.com/.  

For dining enquiries, kindly contact Restaurant Reservations at dining.regenthk@ihg.com or call + 852 2313 2313. 

REGENT HONG KONG DINING DESTINATION  

Explore an alluring dining destination building on decades of culinary and service excellence with beloved restaurants, magnificent harbourviews and the vibrancy of local tastes and emerging talent married with innovation, creativity and decadence. Immersive culinary journeys go beyond the excellence of the cuisine itself with sensory encounters inspired by Hong Kong's rich culture and art. Our collection includes Lai Ching Heen, The Steak House, Nobu Hong Kong, Harbourside, The Lobby Lounge and Qura Bar.  

About Regent Hong Kong  

Following a total transformation and reimagining as a majestic haven on Victoria Harbour, Regent Hong Kong has been named the #1 Hong Kong City Hotel, #2 among the 20 Favourite City Hotels in Asia and #7 among the 100 Hotels Voted Best in the World in the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2024 readers’ survey. The hotel is also featured on the prestigious Travel + Leisure It List and Condé Nast Traveler Hot List. With a serene aesthetic by Hong Kong-born design visionary Chi Wing Lo, the 497 rooms and suites are Personal Havens of tranquillity with customised service by Regent Experience Agents. Suite guests can enjoy the exclusivity of Regent Club, a luxury residential retreat with service on your terms. Decadent dining awaits at six celebrated restaurants and bars with mesmerising harbourviews. An iconic white marble staircase leads to the large pillarless ballroom, where glamorous galas and Regent weddings are curated for everlasting memories, while bespoke events in ten versatile function rooms showcase unrivalled harbourviews.  

Discover more at https://hongkong.regenthotels.com/  

About Regent Hotels & Resorts 

Guests have made grand entrances through the doors of Regent Hotels & Resorts for more than half a century. Born in 1970 and now, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts' luxury and lifestyle portfolio, Regent's collection of modern hotels and resorts are home to stays both serene and sensational. The type of experiences that spark stories and charm even the most seasoned of travellers. Regent Hotels & Resorts hotels are located in some of the globe's most inspiring must-see destinations, from urban streetscapes rich in culture to ports with breath-taking seaside views. An invitation to life's most scenic moments, Regent hotels are amongst the most well-known luxury hotels in the world, with ten open hotels including the exclusive Regent Phu Quoc, Regent Chongqing, Carlton Cannes – a Regent Hotel, Regent Shanghai Pudong and Regent Hong Kong. In 2024, IHG opens the first Regent in the Americas with Regent Santa Monica Beach, together with Regent Shanghai on the Bund and Regent Bali Canggu. A further 11 properties are due to open in the next five years in destinations including Jeddah, Kuala Lumpur, Kyoto, Sanya, Shenzhen, and Jakarta. For more information and to book, visit www.regenthotels.com.