In Florence, the refined Asian elegance is transformed into delicious recipes designed like haute couture dresses by Xin Ge Liu, a charming chef-designer, also chosen by Fendi and Vuitton for their private events.
Located in viale Belfiore, at the gates of the historic center of Florence, Il gusto di Xinge is a truly unique gastronomic and aesthetic experience that narrates traditional Chinese cuisine with an innovative and refined language created by Xin Ge Liu and by Lapo Bandinelli, her companion in life and “partner in crime“.
The project, which started from a small take-away of only 6 seats, has soon become an international success to the point that Xin Ge and Lapo, both with a background in the fashion design sector, decided to expand it and create a new magical place to savor extraordinary dishes through the pleasure of the five senses.
What you see and taste is art and magic, an experience capable of making you forget everything, pushing away every thought of everyday life.
(Xin Ge Liu, founder)
The new “look” of Il gusto di Xinge was curated by Sabrina Bignami of the B-arch studio who was able to interpret the world of Xin Ge with great sensitivity and vision. She created a perfect mix of traditional details, such as the Chinese lanterns, design vintage furnishings, likr the Stam model chairs by Marcel Breuer proposed by Bauhaus Reedition, and the china blue furnishings designed ad hoc by the studio itself.
The maxi windows become truly suggestive when evening falls, a soft wave of color which, with its warm brick tones, attracts passers-by like a kind invitation to enter.
The mise en place is equally original and refined, such as the beautiful vintage Chinese vases used as wine glacettes as well as containers for Lychees Tree. This enchanting amouse-bouche of scampi and cheese is served on tree branches that resemble fleshy red fruits and are accompanied by a very rare lotus tea, scented with goji berries and osmanthus, which comes from southern China.
The delicious selection of dim sum and bao are served on Seletti‘s bone china. Bao, very popular in China, are small round sandwiches, crunchy and soft at the same time, stuffed with the most varied ingredients, from foie gras to Tuscan truffle. A very must-try.
In the kitchen, Xin Ge’s mother, who for her gourmet project was mentored by chef Vito Mollica of Chic Nonna, makes the most of the most authentic Chinese tradition. Her cuisine is made up of rare ingredients and special cooking methods, told by her talented daughter through a new food language, sometimes aesthetic and poetic, other times playful and sensual, as in the case of her famous Shibari chicken.
At Xinge the artistic experience is not limited to food, but also involves the cocktail list that combines classic and new ingredients with an always surprising presentation. As in Bittersweet dreams, a Negroni reinvented with litchee juice, pandan gin and cherry blossom vermouth, or Multimule, made with spices, herbal liqueur, green tea and parsley.
Il gusto di Xinge is a real journey into a dreamy Orient, an artistic walk through the alleys of Shanghai and Beijing capable of elevating a taste experience to a higher, unconventional and precious level.
The Secret
Here everything comes from a deep research, starting from objects, chosen one by one in the vintage markets, to the design of dishes, entrusted to the inspiration of Xin Ge who feeds on emotions, poems and books. Such as her Lychees tree inspired by The Dream of the Red Chamber, an ancient and famous Chinese novel which, with the typical Asian wisdom, tells the story of a family that manages to overcome all adversity through the beauty of sharing.
Useful Info
Il gusto di Xinge
Viale Belfiore 2
50144 Firenze
Tel. +39 320 9681806
Dim Sum: 10 — 16 euro
Soups: 7 — 10 euro
Bao: 9 — 13 euro
Desserts: 10 — 15 euro
