Shangri-La Bengaluru Presents: Vivaldi’s Sweet Symphonies – A Culinary Concerto

Bengaluru, 20 November 2024. Shangri-La Bengaluru welcomes acclaimed Michelin-starred chef Mattia Bianchi for an exclusive pop-up at renowned Italian restaurant, Caprese from 27 November to 1 December 2024. Known for his creative synergy of traditional Italian flavours with global culinary influences, Chef Bianchi’s menus for Caprese promise a refined gastronomic experience for Bangalore’s discerning food connoisseurs. In addition, Chef Bianchi will present a unique multi-sensory dining experience with a surprise dessert menu inspired by Antonio Vivaldi’s Four Seasons - composed in 1723, they are among the world’s most beloved Baroque concertos, each representing one of the seasons, where guests can indulge in an unforgettable fusion of classical music and innovative culinary artistry.

Guests are invited to select from three carefully curated options: two exclusive degustation menus featuring Chef Bianchi’s most inventive dishes, or an à la carte menu for a personalised culinary journey.

Master of Italian Haute Cuisine

Chef Mattia Bianchi, Executive Chef at the one-star Michelin restaurant Ristorante Amistà in Verona, Italy, brings with him a deep-rooted passion for authentic Italian ingredients and a

creative flair inspired by his diverse international experiences. His culinary journey began in his native Verona, where his first mentor, his grandmother Carla, instilled in him a love for local ingredients and culinary tradition. This journey has taken him across the globe, from London to Australia, with renowned stints in Michelin-starred kitchens and private events for Hollywood’s elite.

Bianchi’s philosophy harmonises tradition with innovation, intertwining Italian flavours with a cosmopolitan aesthetic. His menus at Caprese capture his signature approach: refined Italian dishes that merge local ingredients with sophisticated plating and meticulous culinary techniques. Each plate is crafted to engage the senses and evoke emotion, featuring unique combinations like the “Caprese Cloud” – a light, whipped buffalo mozzarella garnished with roasted cherry tomatoes and fresh basil – and the herb-infused “Herbs Whisper’s Risotto” with a satisfying crunch from smoked umami almonds and a dash of sumac.

A Journey Through Taste: Chef Bianchi’s Degustation Menus

At Caprese, Chef Mattia Bianchi’s degustation menus present a refined selection of dishes that embody his culinary philosophy of blending traditional Italian flavours with innovative, global influences. The first menu, priced at INR 4000++, opens with delicate yet robust options, such as the “Caprese Cloud,” a buffalo mozzarella foam paired with roasted cherry tomatoes and fresh basil. This is complemented by comforting mains like “Herbs Whisper’s Risotto,” where creamy risotto is elevated by wild herb infusions and a crispy topping of smoked umami almonds. For the pasta course, guests may indulge in the vibrant “Fusillone Massi Rock n Roll,” featuring fusilli cooked in beetroot extract with a goat cheese crumble and rocket pesto. The menu also includes a dessert crafted by Chef Bianchi himself, promising a perfect conclusion to the meal.

The INR 6000++ degustation menu offers a more expansive experience, highlighting Chef Bianchi’s flair for blending textures and flavours from land and sea. It features an array of dishes, including the “Mediterranean Fantasy” starter, where shabu-shabu-style shrimp and salmon roe are artfully layered on a delicate potato foam with Mediterranean seasonings. Another highlight is the “Marine Essence” risotto, steeped in a rich dashi, stewed in spicy fish broth and garnished with Kombu seaweed and oyster leaves, providing a flavourful nod to Bianchi’s international explorations.

The Art of Choice: À la Carte Highlights

For those seeking to curate their own Italian dining experience, the à la carte menu at Caprese presents Chef Bianchi’s signature dishes in a flexible format. Starters include the refreshing “Caprese Cloud” and “Mediterranean Fantasy,” setting a sophisticated tone. Pasta dishes such as the “Fusillone Massi Rock n Roll” and “Fusillone Massi Citrus” feature bold combinations of beetroot extract, goat cheese crumble, and marinated scallops, showcasing his innovative twist on Italian favourites. For risotto enthusiasts, options range from the herbaceous “Herbs Whisper’s Risotto” to the umami-rich “Marine Essence.” Mains like the “Medley Feast” and “Sunlit Chicken Rhapsody” exhibit the chef’s mastery of balance and contrast, creating visually captivating plates that celebrate the essence of Italian culinary artistry. Desserts such as “Tiramisu Delight” bring a sweet finish to an unforgettable meal. The prices of the dishes start from INR 995 ++.

Bianchi’s food transcends mere dining, offering a glimpse into the artistry of Italian haute cuisine, an exploration enhanced by Caprese’s elegant setting. This pop-up exemplifies Shangri-La Bengaluru’s commitment to bringing distinguished international chefs to Indian shores, providing patrons with unparalleled culinary experiences.

A Surprise Dessert Menu Inspired by Vivaldi’s Four Seasons

Vivaldi’s Four Seasons are among the world’s most beloved Baroque concertos, each representing one of the seasons. The concertos capture nature’s changes with vivid musical imagery, making them the perfect inspiration for this multi sensory dining experience. Guests are invited to savour this special blend of Italian culinary brilliance and classical music, offering a memorable celebration of art, culture, and cuisine.

"Vivaldi's Sweet Symphonies" is a unique, multi-sensory dining experience at Shangri-La’s top restaurants, merging classical music with fine cuisine. Guests enjoy three exquisite desserts by Michelin-starred Chef Mattia Bianchi, each inspired by Vivaldi's Four Seasons. This unique fusion of gastronomy and music celebrates the universal language of art, merging India’s renowned hospitality with Italy’s culinary mastery.

As a special highlight of this exclusive pop-up, Chef Mattia Bianchi will offer a surprise dessert menu that draws inspiration from Antonio Vivaldi’s Four Seasons - Spring, Summer, Autumn, &

Winter. Each dessert will reflect the changing moods of the seasons, showcasing seasonal ingredients and flavours that evolve from the bright, fresh notes of spring to the rich, comforting flavours of winter. Guests can look forward to a creative and sensory journey as each dessert transports them through a unique experience, blending textures, temperatures, and flavours in a way that captures the essence of the seasons. Each dessert is a reinterpretation of Vivaldi's musical genius, crafted with traditional Italian ingredients and techniques. Chef Bianchi has carefully studied Vivaldi's compositions, transforming musical elements into distinct flavours and textures that delight the senses.

About Marcella Salvagni – Project Curator

Marcella Salvagni, a luxury travel designer and event planner based in Italy, specialises in creating bespoke, extraordinary events and journeys with a unique flair. With a strong professional connection to India, she brings innovative ideas to life, transforming them into unforgettable experiences filled with creativity, precision, and surprising moments that leave a lasting impression. Her signature approach goes beyond simply delivering an event or a trip—she crafts enchanting, sophisticated experiences that exceed expectations. Drawing on her deep expertise in hospitality, she has developed a sensory-driven dining concept in collaboration with one of Italy’s rising Michelin-starred chefs, Mattia Bianchi.

When the call and passion for the Indian continent turns to vocation and profession, combined with the art of hospitality at the highest level, timeless tradition, and culinary competence, this experiential dining project comes to life. The encounter of Marcella Salvagni with the Michelin-starred Chef Mattia Bianchi is the perfect synergy of these elements. Together, they have created a bespoke culinary experience that transcends borders, blending the rich heritage of Italian cuisine with contemporary global influences. Through this collaboration, they offer Bangalore a unique, sensory-driven dining journey that celebrates the elegance and creativity of Italian haute cuisine, bringing world-class dining to the heart of India.