Dinner Dining at Lunch: Tavola Launches Affordable New Business Lunch Sets

We always love to come back to Tavola. Its airy ambiance, open kitchen, and friendly waiting staff make it a fine dinner option if you're nearby. Now business diners (businesspeople not people that eat for a living) also have a reason to celebrate with the launch of Tavola's new set lunch menu, perfect for people who are tired of their sad daily salad.

For those with decidophobia, they make it easy – RMB 128 will get you a start, a staple, a dessert, and coffee (or tea); or splash out for a starter, a pizza or main dish, a dessert, and coffee (or tea) for RMB 168.

We tried a few of the new offerings, including the "filetto di tonno" tuna steak, which comes served on a bed of asparagus, spruced up with cubes of red and green bell peppers and fresh pea seedlings, and drizzled with a citrus dressing, making it a hearty but fresh winter dish.

As our staple, we had a simple bowl of spaghetti, tomato, garlic, and, and olive oil, which proved that sometimes the simplest food can give you the most happiness. This traditional dish let the slightly acidic tomato sauce and the undertones of chili shine through, while the al dente spaghetti provided the backbone. 

The mains kicked off with braised beef cheek, which came stacked on polenta and paired with a scoop of mashed potato. A pretty glaze courtesy of the port au jus gave the succulent and tender meat an extra richness without overpowering the dish. The polenta was perfect for mopping up just after it had soaked up enough sauce – again, another winner for winter.

To round the meal off, we had a bite of Tavola's Napoleon cake (pictured at top) as well as a raspberry mousse. The former was notable for its soft and moist layers, sweet chocolate frosting in between each, and fresh slices of mango, blueberry, kiwi, and strawberry which saved it from being too heavy (if you like to kid yourself). The latter was soft and smooth, while the extra dollop of raspberry jam brought the berry flavors to another level.

To wash all the goodies down, neck a shot of espresso or a cup of tea, and make your merry way back to the office, or if you're truly blessed, back to bed, for this is heavyweight dinner dining at lunch.

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Email: tracywang@thebeijinger.com
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Photos: Tracy Wang