HONG KONG, CHINA - Media OutReach^[1] - November 11, 2019 - A significant event on Hong Kong's culinary calendar - the 20^th edition of the Italian Alba White Truffle World Auction, was successfully held last night at the acclaimed 3-star-Michelin Italian restaurant 8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana. The auction of the finest Alba white truffle species together with the charity dinner raised HKD3.56 million for the beneficiary Mother's Choice.

The 10-hand charity dinner was curated by Umberto Bombana (centre), Executive Chef of 8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana Hong Kong, Antimo Maria Merone (2^nd from the left), Executive Chef of 8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana Macau, Riccardo La Perna (3^rd from the right), Executive Chef of 8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana Shanghai, Albert Au (2^nd from the right) from China Club, and Keith Yam (1^st from the right) from 8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana Hong Kong.

High-res images: http://bit.ly/36ScykA^[2]

The highlight of the evening was the winning bid of the biggest single white truffle weighting 1kg and 5 grams, sold at HKD1.035 million to a guest from Hong Kong who triumphed over 19 rounds of intense bidding, marking the highest bid in the past 12 years. This year's splendid white truffle harvest has been rich and bountiful, courtesy of a warmer climate, and more hydrated soils.

The now 89-year-old International Alba White Truffle Fair in Alba, Piedmont is an annual international gastronomic celebration of the region's white truffle harvest. During the festival, the Alba White Truffle World Auction is held on the second Sunday of November at Castello di Grinzane Cavour, a historic 13th century castle located amidst a UNESCO heritage site. This year as usual, 8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana - the only three Michelin-starred ristorante Italiano outside of Italy, also livestreamed the auction during the ristorante's charity dinner gala, and donated 100% of the proceeds to Mother's Choice for the people in need. The white truffle auction this year was also conducted live in Alba, Moscow, Singapore and Hong Kong.

To show appreciation to guests supporting the charity event, Executive Chef Umberto Bombana joined forces with 4 award-winning chefs to curate a 10-hand 5-course dinner pairing menu this year for the gala. Other celebrated chefs include Keith Yam (8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana Hong Kong), Antimo Maria Merone (8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana Macau), Riccardo La Perna (8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana Shanghai), and Albert Au (China Club).

Originated from Alba, Piedmont, Tuber Magnatum Pico is the most fragrant fungus among all varieties. Due to its unique, piquant and stimulating scents, Alba white truffle is often considered as a supreme and delectable ingredient internationally, and is famously crowned as "white diamond of the table". The rare white truffle cannot be cultivated, and can only be foraged in the wild from October to December. The precious ingredient's scarce and ephemeral qualities make it a rare luxury commodity, and a precious treasure for chefs to appeal epicureans all around the world.

The charity dinner menu is as follows:

ALBA WHITE TRUFFLE AUCTION DINNER

SUNDAY, 10^TH NOVEMBER 2019

WELCOME DRINK

Cocchi, Totocorde Alta Langa Brut

SLICE OF PIZZA

Porcini Salad

Fontanafredda, Contessa Rosa Alta Langa Brut

FISH TRIPE AND CRAB

Sautéed with Egg

2016 Produttori del Barbaresco

SEA CUCUMBER AND LOBSTER

In Mushroom Jus

2014 Bruno Rocca, Barbaresco Rabaja

FAGOTTELLI OF CASTELMAGNO

Cooked in Winter Garden Broth, Mushroom Coulis

2015 Paolo Scavino, Barolo Cannubi

SPECIAL RANDOM

2013 Vietti, Barolo Lazzarito Castiglone Falletto

POULARDE FROM BRESSE

Spinach and Brioche Filling, Winter Mushroom Ragout, Confit Egg Yolk

2013 Oddero, Barolo Brunate La Morra

HAZELNUT PARFAIT

Roasted Apple

2019 Saracco, Moscato d'Asti

References

1. ^{^} Media OutReach (www.media-outreach.com)
2. ^{^} http://bit.ly/36ScykA (bit.ly)
3. ^{^} info@ottoemezzobombana.com (www.media-outreach.com)
4. ^{^} events@ottoemezzobombana.com (www.media-outreach.com)