Italian fare with a blend of the East? What kind of exotic flavors shall it bring?

Warm tea lights, white drapes and soft music…

“Baja Sardinia,” a breezy alfresco by the beach, beckons. This unassuming Italian bistro sits on the iconic Longwangtou Beach of Pingtan, an island city of east China’s Fujian province. Running this Italian place is the island’s favorite couple, Philip and Zoe. Fondly called“Lao Fei” by the locals, Philip is an Italian fashion designer who follows the stead of love and finds a new home on this island.

So how did an Italian designer become a sous-chef of an Italian bistro? Coming from the glam and glitz of the fashion industry, the couple both admitted to having a thing for food and people. One of the main reasons for opening a bistro. “We also know very well that we aren’t the only ones enjoying this kind of lifestyle. Hence, we wanted to share this with the locals.” Moreover, such relaxing alfresco scenes are rare in Pingtan but would definitely be an interesting addition to the island scenery.

As evening falls, the bistro filled up with anticipating patrons. Philip takes care of Italian food while Zoe handles most of the seafood menu. Like the couple, their cuisine embodies the beautiful matrimony of Italian and Chinese flavors. “We’re constantly improvising to make our dishes closer to suit the local palate. Like this Basil Chicken Wings that takes on a little twist. A slightly spicy fusional delight catered for Chinese!” When asked about their love story, Zoe playfully indicated it was love at first sight! Zoe first met Philip at a job interview. Though, the fateful first encounter was briskly one-sided yet sweet. Zoe said she first noticed her husband on the first day she met him. And since then, her eyes never left the blue-eyed boy who stole her heart. Nonchalantly, Zoe made a bold declaration to her mom that she will get in the same company so she could be with her prince charming Indeed, after a year the beautiful couple started dating. And the rest is history!

Baja Sardinia is the name of this Italian bistro. Phillip said that Sardinia is the name of an Italian island. The sea and the kitesurfing over there is very similar to Pingtan. That’s one of the reason why he moved to Pingtan. And “Baja” is actually a romantic combination of their daughter’s name and bamboos around the bistro.

Three years in Pingtan, the family gradually develop a sense of belonging. Philip affirms they consider the island home and they would like to grow with Pingtan. “When you are with your family, you don’t ask: What can I get from my family. But rather, “what can I give?” That’s why they came up with an Italian bistro and bespoke boutique hoping to contribute their expertise to the local community.

As Pingtan evolves into an international tourism island, we look forward to different cultures joining the community and more exciting Chinese stories.

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