Heir to luxury retail empire throws Italian bistro birthday party for girlfriend

The event, celebrated on March 8, was in honor of his girlfriend Marie Tram Anh’s 22nd birthday. His sister Tien Nguyen, known for her close ties with Marie Tram Anh, was among the attendees.

Choosing to sit in the restaurant’s communal area rather than opting for a private room, the group savored the establishment’s hallmark dishes, with the chef personally attending to their table to detail the ingredients and methods of preparation.

Highlighted among the culinary delights served was the burrata tomato agrodolce, a highly coveted dish at the restaurant. This dish is composed of fresh burrata cheese and creamy stracciatella topped with stewed tomatoes that offer a tangy sweetness, served alongside bread.
Additionally, the group selected a macaroni and cheese dish, distinguished by its house-made macaroni prepared to an "al dente" perfection. This Italian culinary term translates to "to the tooth," indicating that the pasta is sufficiently cooked to lose its rawness without becoming overly soft, preserving a bit of firmness at its core.

The restaurant’s menu boasts a variety of ingredients ranging from fish and Wagyu beef to roasted duck, salads, and fries. Its acclaimed tiramisu dessert, known for its creamy sweetness complemented by the bitterness of coffee and the kick of alcohol from liquor, is also highly recommended for patrons.

The establishment has recently gained popularity among aficionados of Italian cuisine in Ho Chi Minh City.
Nestled in a villa within District 1, which boasts over 130 years of history, the restaurant features neoclassical architecture. To access it, guests must navigate through the ancient house, ascend two flights of stairs, and open a heavy door to enter the cinema-themed space.

At 25, Hieu is the son of 73-year-old Jonathan Hanh Nguyen, founder and chairman of IPPG, Vietnam’s top luxury retailer which holds exclusive rights to distribute over 100 prestigious brands including Rolex, Cartier, and Dolce & Gabbana.
He and Marie Tram Anh have been in a relationship for four years, maintaining a discreet presence. They occasionally post pictures from their global travels on social media, opting for shots taken from behind or those that conceal their faces.

Marie Tram Anh (far L) enjoys a strong connection with her boyfriend’s relatives, as she has been seen at several public events and gatherings alongside the members of the luxury retail magnate’s family, where she frequently coordinates her outfits with Hieu’s sister Tien Nguyen (far R).