Prada opened its first stand-alone dining space in Asia at its restored mansion Rong Zhai at the end of March. Since its launch, the Mi Shang Prada Rong Zhai has continued to amaze diners with not only its food but also the Wong Kar-wai-co-created retro aesthetic. This 520 “I Love You Day”, Prada served a special menu with two newly-created desserts from its bakery.
One of the two special desserts is a Bignè Chantilly decorated in the shape of a swan, the famously monogamous bird that often mates for life, to signify romance for the special day. The other is a box of 16 raspberry pralines, which is closer to sweets than a dessert, but you can take these home and share with your loved one.
The specially curated 520 dinner menu from Prada fuses Italian traditions and Chinese inspirations, with dishes including veal on brioche toast, king crab tartlet, red shrimp tartare on saffron risotto and finishing with the swan Bignè Chantilly. Tables at the Mi Shang Prada Rong Zhai can be reserved on the restaurant’s official mini program.
20 May is an important date on China’s marketing calendar, forming part of a trinity of romantic occasions between Valentine’s Day and Qixi, the “Chinese Valentine’s Day”. It is also the full-price revenue peak before the summer sale, or the 618 Shopping Festival. However, with 618 starting earlier by the year, 520 is somehow diminished, especially this year when 618 began a week before 520. However, luxury brands, which are not as affected by 618 sales, can still afford to be creative with the “I Love You Day” in China.