Culture

Young Italian ingredient in new Beijing's food scene

By Todd Balazovic (China Daily)
Updated: 2010-07-02 10:38

When Monica Giomarelli came to Beijing, it was in pursuit of a relationship she was passionate about. Now, having lived here for three months, she's found a way to use China's capital to pursue a passion in life she used to hate as a child.

As the daughter of restaurant owners in Rome, the 28-year-old Italian grew up surrounded by the bustling sounds and rich aromas of the famous Roma restaurant La Capporeli. But as a child she admits having no interest in following her parent's profession.

"I hated cooking as a kid. To me it was the reason I never got to see my parents," she said.

She grew older and her mother taught her how to spice up the traditional Italian fare. The pretty part-time model found that cooking was not only a way to eat well, but it was a way for her to bond with her sister, while their parents were busy at work.

"I used to love the time spent cooking with my sister. We had some of our best moments together in the kitchen," she said.

It wasn't until Monica moved to Beijing, following a whirlwind romance with her boyfriend, that she saw an opportunity to turn an old hobby into a new enterprise.

"When I first arrived, everything was new and I was very excited. After a while, I realized I had to do something," she said.

That something was to embrace her culinary roots and open a home-catering business for Italian expats and pasta lovers across Beijing.

"I love cooking and people, and felt a little lonely in Beijing so it seemed like the perfect thing to do," said Monica. "I can cook for a family or a business group, or even prepare food for people to freeze and heat up later.

"Cooking is a pleasure and being creative in the kitchen is a form of therapy. Most people love Italian food and there's no better way to enjoy a meal than one that has been freshly prepared for you, in the comfort of your own home."

"Maybe, one day, I can follow in my parent's footsteps and open my own restaurant, but here in Beijing."

Q & A

Q: Was the decision of coming to Beijing difficult?

A: I am a very anxious person and I had never traveled abroad before. I was also afraid of flying, so the decision to come was very difficult indeed.

Q: Do you think there are a lot of people in Beijing in a similar position, who came with a spouse but are not working?

A: I am sure there are many women. I believe that most of the women who came to China, did so by following their husbands.

Q: Do you think it's more difficult for a woman to move to Beijing than other places?

A: I don't know other countries. In China it's not that bad. There are possibilities and opportunities - even if the culture is very different, the lifestyle isn't bad.

Q: Do these opportunities really exist?

A: In Italy, everybody thinks there are a thousand opportunities in China and you can do whatever you want. However, when you arrive, it's not like that at all. I have experienced a lot of frustration.

Q: Are you experienced enough yet to advise others on finding success here?

A: I can give an idea of how it works, but right now I don't think I can advise others.