Italian Michelin-starred Chef Umberto Bombana from 8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA restaurant in Hong Kong has recently been bestowed the honourable title of Order of Merit from the Italian Republic. The honour, more familiarly known as OMRI (Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana). The ceremony was officiated by the Consul General of Italy in Hong Kong, Antonello De Riu, who also presented the OMRI to Chef Bombana. The event was attended with numerous honourable guests, including Film Producer and Actor Chapman To, TV Programme Host and Senior Media Michelle Loo, Michelin-starred Chef Alvin Leung, the Honorary Consul of the Kingdom of Morocco in Hong Kong William Doo, Bank of East Asia Chairman and Executive Officer Sir David Li and many more. Other than scrumptious dishes and the lovely company, the evening was also completed with the performance of Italian violinist and musician, Gian Paolo Peloso, who flew in specially for the occasion and played four pieces with his vintage violin from the 1800s. OMRI is Italy’s highest ranking award, presented to those who have distinguished themselves in the fields of literature, arts, economy and public service, and this is the first time that an OMRI is awarded to an Italian chef in Hong Kong.
8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA
Shop 202, Landmark Alexandra, 18 Chater Road,
Central, Hong Kong
T: (+852) 25378859
