World's such a funny place, how it all comes back around after a time. This first happened a while back, before third-wave coffee was even a thing in Asia.
10 years ago, whilst I was still wet behind the ears, fresh out of school, I entered the F&B business beginning with Caffè Vergnano Hong Kong. It was the Vergnano family who taught me how to appreciate coffee, and the culture behind an Italian coffee bar. The world digs Aussie-style coffee now, but remember, it was the Italians who brought it to Australia!
It was during those 5 years where I learned the kind of dedication and unforgiving hours it takes to run restaurant operations (and probably why I eventually opted for the dark side instead: media).
Anyway, fast forward to this afternoon: I was really happy to receive an email announcing Caffe Vergnano's 100th outlet opening... Here in SINGAPORE! Caffè Vergnano 1882 Singapore
Congratulazioni! I'm elated to see you guys here too.
One of our Hong Kong promos in 2007.