Seeing stars the Italian way

Italian haute cuisine has arrived in Beijing with two stars and a story to tell. Ye Jun reviews the food.

Michelin-decorated chef Marco Sacco has decided to camp by the Liangma River at Beijing's Maizidian on the fringe of the city's diplomatic quarters, in his first overseas venture out of Italy.

Sacco's restaurant Piccolo Lago in Verbania is very highly regarded by international gourmets, having been awarded its first Michelin star in 2004, followed by a second star three years later. It ranks among the top 10 Italian restaurants in the world.