The region is one of Europe's most beautiful. A source of lifestyle, art and quality culinary ingredients, the central Italian area also has one of the richest concentrations of artists. The small population of 3.6 million has made more of an impact globally than its size would suggest.

The region is effectively a showcase of Italian lifestyle as a whole.

Yesterday marked the start of the "Toscana. In Every Sense" promotion. Five restaurants - Prego, Amici, Mimosa, Casanova and The Kitchen - will present a special menu featuring the best recipes and ingredients from Tuscany.

The promotion, which runs till next Saturday, is the latest in a series of events promoting the Year of Italy in China. This year, Italy has raised its profile amongst local residents, significantly through the emphasis placed on their dedication to making the finest products from the best raw materials; applying the most advance technology to the more exquisite designs.

According to Guelfo Guelfi, executive manager of the communication department working on the promotion of Tuscany, the slogan chosen for the campaign is especially apt. He describes how the region literally appeals to every sense, from the magnificent landscapes and classical architecture to the best Italy has to offer in music and opera.

"Tuscany even appeals to the sense of touch," the Italian says. "Our handicrafts, from pottery to fabrics, is fine and elegant."

The region's allure is enhanced by the fiercely traditional attitude of local residents.

"You can't find another place where you can see the way people lived 1,000 years ago," he says.

Guelfi believes that Tuscany will appeal to locals because his board is "proposing something to enjoy.

"(It) can provide quality in products and services and give a special experience to local customers looking for luxury."

The food from the region is no different. Tuscany residents take great pride in the cultivation of their land, and strive to produce the best that they can. Through their dedication they bring to the table superb hams, delicious cheeses and fantastic wines.

Four of the five restaurants that were selected are Italian restaurants.

Prego and Amici at The Westin Shanghai and Regent Shanghai respectively are five-star dining destinations. Casanova on Julu Road is a quaint little restaurant that serves traditional Italian fare, while The Kitchen on Lujiazui Road W. is an elegant Japanese take on Italian dishes.

The fifth, Mimosa, on Yichang Road is not Italian, and was chosen especially for this fact. Stefan Stiller, the restaurant's culinary director, said that despite this they still used great Italian products such as ham and olive oil - products that Tuscany is especially famous for. Head chef Adam Ashe will apply Mimosa's famous three-way preparation touch to veal and monkfish throughout the week, as well as antipasto, soups and pasta.

Diners at the five restaurants can look forward to a number of splendid creations from central Italy. Black ink risotto with grilled baby cuttlefish, braised tripe with tomato and grilled polenta, and black truffle and Porcini mushroom risotto, among others.

Amici
Address: 2/F, 1116 Yanana Road W.
Tel: 021-6115-9988 ext 8230

Casanova
Address: 913 Julu Road
Tel: 021-54034528

Mimosa
Address: 1/F, 82 Yichang Road
Tel: 021-51558333

Prego
Address: 2/F, 88 Henan Road M.
Tel: 6335-1786

The Kitchen
Address: Unit D, 2967 Lujiazui Road W.
Tel: 021-50541265