Tosca, famous for refined Italian creative cooking, was honored with one Michelin star only eight months after two-star Michelin chef, Pino Lavarra, took over as director. To show his appreciation to his guests, Chef Pino has crafted yet again another creative menu featuring "the black diamond of gastronomy"— black truffle of Norcia. The five-course "Norcia Black Truffle Delights" menu will be available at Tosca in February, while some selected dishes will stay on the a la carte menu for guests to enjoy throughout the year.

With a profound culinary history, Norcia is an ancient town nestled in the southeastern region of Umbria. It is surrounded by spectacular hilly and mountainous areas known for being well-drained and lime-rich zones. The town is internationally famous for one of the gastronomic delicacies of Italy — Tartufo nero pregiato Umbro di Norcia (Umbrian rare black truffle of Norcia). Grown between November and March, this gastronomic gem has a pleasing and aromatic scent and exquisite flavors.  The black truffle tastes best when used in fine dishes, which Chef Pino is set to prepare.

Chef Pino has designed the special "Norcia Black Truffle Delights" menu, featuring five inspiring dishes that will bring out the best aroma of the truffle. These are Crab Cookies with Roasted Langoustine, Veal Trotter and Black Truffle, showcasing a variety of textures in one plate; the rich flavors of Cauliflower Risotto with Roasted Scallop Coral, Black Truffle and Chives; seasonal Smoked Potato Soup with Quail and Black Truffle Tortellini; and Roasted Guinea Fowl with Bread and Sicilian Pistachio, Roasted Beetroot and Black Truffle. Aged Balsamic Vinegar and Mascarpone Cheese Delice with White Chocolate Tuile and Toasted Rum Baba perfectly completes the meal.

The "Norcia Black Truffle Delights" is priced at HK$2,180+10% per guest or HK$2,880+10% per guest with wine pairing. The menu is available from 6pm to 10:30pm (Monday to Sunday) from February 1 to 28, 2014 (excluding Valentine's Day on February 14, 2014).

For reservations and inquiries, please contact Restaurant Reservations at +852 2263-2270 or email restaurantreservation.hk@ritzcarlton.com.

Chef Pino Lavarra

Hailing from Italy to helm Tosca at The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong, two-star Michelin Chef Pino Lavarra has a wealth of experience working in renowned hotels and restaurants around the globe.  His gastronomic talents have earned him prestigious recognition including "One of the Best Chefs in the World" by the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences.  Chef Pino, Cucina d'autore extraordinaire, presents Italian cuisine in an innovative style, creating a gastronomic memory at Tosca that will last a lifetime.

About The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong

Occupying floors 102 to 118 of the International Commerce Centre in Kowloon,

The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong is the highest hotel in the world. The 312 guest rooms all providing spectacular city and harbour views. With six dining venues including state-of-the-art designer Italian restaurant Tosca, Michelin-starred Chinese Restaurant Tin Lung Heen and The Lounge and Bar that serves a signature afternoon tea. The rooftop bar Ozone is a truly stunning venue at 490 meters above sea level. For those wishing to relax and indulge, The Ritz-Carlton Spa by ESPA located on 116th floor features nine deluxe treatment rooms and two couple's suites, re-defining the urban spa experience in the city and across Asia. The hotel features a fully-equipped fitness centre and an indoor pool on the 118th floor with a 28m x 7m LED screen on the ceiling.  The hotel also boasts one of the largest ballrooms in the city at 870sqm. Complemented by an additional four meeting rooms, it has fast become the new social centre for Hong Kong and has set the benchmark for events in the region.  For more information, please visit www.ritzcarlton.com/hongkong.

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The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. of Chevy Chase, Md., currently operates 85 hotels in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Caribbean. More than 30 hotel and residential projects are under development around the globe. The Ritz-Carlton is the only service company to have twice earned the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award which recognizes outstanding customer service. For more information, or reservations, contact a travel professional, call toll free in the U.S. 1-800-241-3333, or visit the company website at www.ritzcarlton.com. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR)