By Lee Mack (cityweekend.com)
Updated: 2008-03-14 14:53

Barolo is a region in Italy famous for fine wines and a 10th-century castle; it's also the inspiration behind the new Ritz-Carlton Central Place's flagship restaurant.

Many of the 150 wines on the list come from Barolo region grapes, making the restaurant unique in Beijing. We dove in with the antipasto plate featuring the tastiest salami we’ve had in Beijing. That paved the way for a hearty potato soup accented with chunks of sausage, well-paired with a Pinot Grigio.

For mains we sampled the rabbit ravioli light, different and so so good. Go for the rack of lamb if you’re after something meatier. We finished with the apple galette a la mode, an inspired variation on grandma’s apple pie, perfect with a light lime cream froth. According to restaurant manager Ronny Rizzi, tastes have been toned down a bit in a nod to local palates. So if you feel the need to add a dash of salt or pepper, go right ahead?ayour taste buds aren’t playing tricks on you.

The restaurant is intimately scaled, with a small, open dining area and a large private dining room. There's even a space dedicated to wine tasting. Service was impeccable, with Rizzi advising every table on the ideal pairings. And all this at what price? Simply put, if you need to ask, you can’t afford it.

Tel: 5908-8888
Address: Ritz Carlton Hotel, China Central Place, 83A Jianguo Lu