NEWS

CHEF DANILO AIASSA UNVEILS A REIMAGINED MENU AT MS.JIGGER

Seasonal flavours, zero-waste innovation, and Italian craftsmanship define a memorable dining experience at Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok.

Ms.Jigger at Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok proudly welcomes the return of Chef Danilo Aiassa, who unveils a reimagined Italian menu that celebrates simplicity, authentic flavour, and sustainable creativity. To mark his return, an intimate preview evening offered guests a first look at highlighted dishes from this upcoming menu, complemented by gem-inspired cocktails and zero-waste bites from Ruby’s.

A Celebration of Italian Flavours and Craftsmanship
From 1 December 2025 to 4 January 2026, guests can experience 16 curated dishes, alongside a seasonal à la carte selection, a prelude to the chef’s full new menu launching on 5 January 2026. Each dish embodies Chef Danilo’s philosophy: authentic, seasonal, and soulful Italian cuisine that tells a story through every bite.

A recommended experience begins with Focaccia Mascarpone, soft house-baked focaccia paired with creamy mascarpone and truffle essence. The Lingua di Manzo con Salsa Verde presents slow-cooked beef tongue complemented by parsley-hazelnut sauce and ricotta mousse.

For the Primi, diners should savour Chef Danilo’s handmade Agnolotti Ripieni Spinaci, delicate pasta parcels filled with spinach and ricotta, served with a spicy tomato sauce and basil-hazelnut pesto, an homage to comforting Northern Italian flavours.

Highlights for the Secondi are two thoughtfully crafted choices:

  • Polettro Ruspante alla Diavola – marinated baby chicken grilled with herbs and spicy diavola sauce.
  • Costolette di Agnello in Crosta di Mostarda – mustard and herb-crusted lamb chops accompanied by roasted potatoes, sautéed spinach, and mushroom marsala sauce.

Elegantly conclude the meal with Torta di Ricotta, Gelato alla Cassata, warm almond and ricotta cake served with vanilla sauce and cassata ice cream.

Gem-Inspired Cocktails and Zero-Waste Creativity at Ruby’s
Next door, Ruby’s introduces a new series of gem-inspired cocktails and zero-waste bites, showcasing a modern take on sustainability.

  • Pink Spinel (Don Julio Blanco Tequila, Beetroot Peel Shrub, Rhubarb, Lime, Light Tonic, Pickled Beet, Truffle Sea Salt): Inspired by the beetroot’s natural depth and vibrancy, every part of the beetroot is used in prepping different components of this cocktail. The peel is fermented with apple vinegar to create a house-made shrub and the root transformed into homemade pickled beet.
  • Axinite (Brownie-Infused Havana Club 3 Años Rum, Cacao Husk-Infused Mancino Rosso Vermouth, Frangelico, Pedro Ximénez Sherry, Red Wine, Orange Bitters, Brownie Cookie, Red Wine Gel): Inspired by the rich, indulgent tones of chocolate and red wine, the base of the cocktail is made from chocolate brownies from CRAFT that are infused with rum to create a unique chocolate rum base. Red wine that would otherwise be discarded is infused with Thai mint and turned into a red wine gel.
  • Zero-Waste Bites:
    • Eggplant (Eggplant Parmigiana, Basil Pesto, Spicy Tomato Sauce): For this bite, eggplant trimmings and tomato ends are slow-cooked into a rich, spicy sauce. Basil stems and leaves, which are often discarded, are blended into a fragrant house pesto.
    • Polenta (Polenta Cookie, Tiramisu Cream, Balsamic Reduction): Inspired by the Italian art of reusing and reimagining, excess polenta from the kitchen is baked into crisp, golden cookies. Day-old coffee is turned into tiramisu cream, layered with subtle sweetness.

A Culinary Vision of Sustainability and Storytelling
For Chef Danilo, this new chapter reflects a deeper connection between heritage and innovation. “This menu is a reimagining of Italian tradition, simple, seasonal, and full of heart,” he shares. “We respect every ingredient, using it thoughtfully from root to leaf. Sustainability is not just a trend, it’s a way of cooking with purpose.”

Following the festive run, Chef Danilo’s full new menu will debut on 5 January 2026, expanding on his philosophy of refined Italian dining that marries authenticity with imagination.

“Dining at Ms.Jigger is a sensory journey,” he adds. “It’s about warmth, stories, and connection, where every course tells a tale.”

Ms.Jigger is open daily from 11:30 a.m. to midnight. Pets are welcome on the terrace from 11:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For reservations, please call 02 056 9999, message Line @ms.jigger, or email msjigger.kimptonmaalai@ihg.com.