Sushi with its millenary tradition is now a consolidated trend in Italy. In the last two decades we have witnessed a great evolution of oriental cuisine and its interpretation in our country. But the fusion cuisine it's not just food it's history, customs and tradition. For this reason it is offered more and more in refined, very trendy places, which offer a wide-ranging international atmosphere while remaining faithful to their origins. The latest trend starts from the South of Italy and is called Basho, a chain of restaurants owned by a young Calabrian entrepreneur under 30, Michele Giglio, who offers an innovative mix capable of merging different culinary traditions: from the Japanese one to the South American one, passing through the Chinese one up to the most well-known flavors of southern Italy.
Sushi in compliance with the Km0 principle
Unlike other fusion realities, Basho - a name taken from one of the most famous Japanese chefs in the world - has the ability to blend aromas and flavors from completely different gastronomic cultures in an innovative way, in full compliance with the "zero km" principle except for some ingredients, such as seaweed and sauces, which travel at a controlled temperature directly to Japan. In addition to offering the main traditional sushi dishes contaminated by Brazilian and Italian culture, in the "Basho" menu you can find poké, tempura, Kobe beef, fine Japanese meat that is served with foie gras or in tartare version. All accompanied by a selected wine list able to satisfy the needs of customers.
Basho, which has its own identity for each restaurant, currently boasts five restaurants in Southern Italy: Bari, Lamezia Terme, Cosenza, Soverato, Catania. For example, Bari's "Basho Crazy" is only operational in the summer, as it is outdoors to comply with anti-Covid regulations. The "Basho Garden" of Cosenza owes its name to the beautiful garden recreated inside the venue; "Basho Fusion Experience" in Lamezia Terme is, however, immersed in a refined villa. While the "Basho Boutique" in Catania recalls the elegance of high fashion clubs. In addition to the kitchen, the bond of this brand is its slogan: "Amor, por favor, dare me a #BASHO!".
But to arrive at this innovative concept, Michele Basho had to get to know different cultures up close. Brazil was a crucial stage in his life, as were China and Japan. The young entrepreneur went to Rio de Janeiro when he was just eighteen and it was after this experience that he decided to open the first bistro in Catanzaro, the “Fazzari's 18” inside the prestigious Palazzo Fazzari. A very precious opportunity to start the "Basho" challenge right from his hometown, Soverato in Calabria. In a short time Michele expanded his project to Lamezia Terme, Cosenza, Catanzaro and Bari, his mother's hometown.
Next goals: France and Brazil
Another winning element that has decreed its success is the relationship and attention to the customer. Michele is the first waiter, he takes orders, suggests dishes, aware of the fact that good food is nothing if it's not offered in the right way.
For the future, Michele wants to spread his brand all over the world, starting from France, especially Paris, and obviously from Brazil. A return to the land that kidnapped him and where it all originated.
