GIANDO

Which restaurant in town carries this view, overlooking the 'Gates of Victoria Harbor'?  Giando!  Opened less than a year ago, it is located at The Fleet Arcade in Wan Chai, across the street from the APA.  A bit of nostalgia if you walk around, remembering the area as the hot bed of international naval traffic during the Vietnam War when Hong Kong was the #1 R&R location to many sailors, soldiers and marines who did not mind spending $ as it could well be, literally, their last hurrah.

Aside from picking a great venue, Giando also picked an interesting menu of mostly southern Italian recipes, inter-spaced with the classics. Not unlike many new eateries, creativity seems to be characteristic of the starters, while the mains almost never offer surprises. Face it, between meat, poultry and fish how creative can one be? My recommendation is to exhaust their starters, then order the very well done thin crusted pizzas, and ask for the check!  Good wine selections, matching the rustic style of the menu, and more importantly, reasonably priced.  Do a recce first, try their $258 luncheon to enjoy the day view, as shown, even though the night scene is outstanding.  Valet parking right in front in the evenings, very convenient.

Sergio Pusterla, the Manager hails from a town near Milan, a very friendly man who loves Hong Kong.

GIANDO : 1F The Fleet Arcade at Fenwick Pier @ 2511 8912 (www.giandorestaurant.com)