Regina Margherita, One of Asia's Finest Restaurants, Wins Recognition in The Miele Guide 2009/2010

19th November 2009, www.biz.lk

Regina Margherita, Sri Lanka's veritable little Italy, recently won recognition in the Miele Guide 2009/2010 as one of Asia's finest restaurants.

The talk of Colombo from its very inception, the restaurant has never ceased to delight and capture the hearts of its patrons with its authentic Italian food and warm atmosphere. Enjoying a well deserved reputation for excellence and a rich experience amongst local customers with its credo for everything that is originally Italian - from cooking each dish in olive oil, to importing most ingredients (with the exception of a few vegetables and fresh seafood which is available aplenty in Sri Lanka) from Italy every ten days, to celebrated Italian wines and desserts - the restaurant has now received international recognition for finesse and distinction.

The life force of the restaurant, Barbara Avossa is a lawyer turned restaurateur hailing from Milan, whose hospitality, heritage and passion for authentic Italian food and life is reflected in the novel 'ristorante'.

"This has all been such an unexpected pleasure for me! When I received a letter 5 months ago from the Culinary guide, MIELE, claiming that they had visited Sri Lanka and shortlisted me for the award, I was truly surprised. I didn't know anything about it as they generally visit restaurants without introducing themselves. They explained that they had visited restaurants all over Asia and would be shortly electing the final few from those shortlisted to compile a list of Asia's finest restaurants. I almost thought it was a joke until I browsed through their site and realized it was all very serious. I didn't think I stood a chance because there were so many famous restaurants all over Asia that were included" she said with a laugh, her eyes shining with pleasure and pride.

The Miele Guide is Asia's first truly independent and authoritative guide to the region's finest restaurants. It is written by expert food lovers who know and love Asia, and is the first restaurant guide to measure the best restaurants in the region by Asian standards.

Asia's finest restaurants are selected by the region’s top restaurant critics, food professionals, prominent food lovers and the public after four rounds of judging which have been set in place to ensure that a credible, transparent system is used to showcase establishments that deliver true excellence and exceptional dining. Recently, Barbara received another letter from the Miele Guide congratulating her on winning a place as one of Asia's finest restaurants for 2009/2010, and being the only restaurant in Sri Lanka to do so. "By the time I received the letter, I had forgotten all about it as I was basking in the joy of my third baby girl. To say that I was shocked is an understatement - I just couldn’t believe that I had bestowed with such an honour! I was not able to attend the awards ceremony because of my new born baby, but I am truly humbled by this honour and am sincerely proud that I was able to place Sri Lanka on the map of international culinary merit."

Barbara went on to say that she would place her certificate in a place of honour to serve as inspiration. She teasingly adds that she has many exciting plans for Regina Margherita in the future that would serve to enrich customer experience by leaving them spoiled for choice of all that is best, and that she would continue to strive to provide exceptional dining and serve all good and great of Italy on a luscious platter of sensational taste and experience. Alla Salute!