Zeffirino, the new Italian restaurant at the Regal Hongkong Hotel, opened late last month. The original Zeffirino in Genoa attracts stars from around the world, and a number of dishes have been named after the restaurant's illustrious guests. There's 'Paffutelli alla Pavarotti' (homemade pasta filled with turkey, vegetables and ricotta cheese in creamy pesto sauce), 'polpo affogato con fagioli alla Liza Minnelli' (fresh octopus cooked with beans, tomatoes and aromatic herbs), and 'filetto alla Maradona' (tender pan-fried beef fillet with brandy sauce). Call 2837 1799.
Another new place is Big Mama's Juke Joint. This is Lori Granito's (of The Bayou) latest venture - a restaurant and bar with live soul and rhythm and blues. Big Mama's had its opening bash on April 26, although the place was far from ready - guests danced on concrete, and the one working toilet had a curtain instead of a door. The place is now completed, and guests can dine in comfortable surroundings on Southern soul food - collard greens with ham hocks and smoked pork served with jalapeno cornbread, oyster hush puppies with black pepper tartar sauce, and rotini pasta with shrimp, chicken andouille sausage and vegetables. Big Mama's is at 17-21 Fenwick Street, Wan Chai. Tel: 2528 2889.
Nicholini's at the Conrad is holding a special wine dinner on June 8. Pio Boffa from Piemonte's famed Pio Cesare winery will be host for the evening. The six-course dinner includes guinea fowl ravioli with mascarpone cheese, artichoke hearts and anchovies, paired with the 1990 Barolo in magnum, while the 1989 vintage is served with veal tenderloin with sweet garlic and black truffle sauce. With the cheese course is the 1988 Barolo, while with dessert of iced lemon mousse with fresh strawberries and peppermint is the 2000 Moscato d'Asti. The dinner is $1,288 plus 10 per cent. Phone 2521 3838 for reservations.
