Strawberry fever hits China

Rice surprise

Most strawberry offerings on fine-dining tables are sweet, but Via Roma chef Francesco Sanna strikes a balance with savory in his unusual strawberry risotto - simmered in a reduction of balsamic vinegar and prosecco. There is an underpinning of Parmigiano reggiano cheese and a bonanza of goodies tucked into a risotto that we found to be cooked a teeny tad longer than he might do back home, a friendlier rice for his Chinese customers. 98 yuan.

1/F, Kempinski Hotel Beijing, 50 Liangmaqiao Road, Chaoyang district. 010-6465-3388, Ext 4215.