(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Owner of Michelin-starred Ristorante AllOro in Rome the 34-year old Ricardo shares his personal preferences when it comes to Italian cuisine.
He’s one of Marco Pierre White’s protégées and with that carries a mark of distinction especially in this region. Pierre White is well known for establishing quality restaurants around Dubai and beyond. Frankie’s is his collaboration with champion jockey Frankie Dettori.
It is most likely this connection that has caused Ricardo to have taken up residence at the Jumeirah Beach Residence establishment over the last couple of days for the Italian Food Summit a showcase of the best Italian restaurants across town. Of course Ricardo is a star in his own right. He is the owner of Michelin-starred Ristorante All’Oro in Rome which the 34-year old runs with his wife.
We spoke to Ricardo ahead of the Summit to find out more about his personal preferences when it comes to Italian cuisine.
How do you believe your visit to Dubai will go How do you feel about visiting
I have visited Dubai previously for my honeymoon and have wonderful memories. I’m really happy to have the opportunity to bring my cuisine to the futuristic city.
What will you do during your time here
It will be a very busy trip I look forward to meeting a lot of chef colleagues and will be happy to discuss and share different cooking philosophies.
What are your thoughts on the Italian food summit
It is a wonderful chance to bring together a fantastic variety of Italian cuisine ideologies from around the world
How do you come up with your recipes
My recipes are a perfect combination and balance between tradition and contemporary styles. I want to incorporate flavours and tastes from my childhood in my dishes while using new and modern techniques that I have learned from all over the world.
What recipe would you suggest for a novice chef trying to get into cooking
For a novice chef I suggest to learn at first a typical traditional dish for example in Italy the first dish to learn would be “spaghetti ajo e ojo” or “Spaghetti tomato and basil”.
What are your thoughts on the UAE’s culinary scene What are your thoughts on Frankie’s
It will be a pleasure for me to work in the UAE’s culinary scene I am excited to continually broaden my horizons and experience a different perspective for many dishes and cooking techniques. I’m looking forward to working with Chef Fabio Nompleggio as he is a great friend and colleague whom I respect additionally it will be an honour to cook in the Chef Marco Pierre White’s kitchen as he was one of my greatest teachers and inspirations.
Where is your favourite place to eat and what would you order
My favourite restaurant to visit and eat at is El Bulli a restaurant where I used to work but had little opportunity to eat and have the pleasure of tasting the delectable dishes. I always let the chef recommend dishes to try and enjoy.
What advantage does attending events such as this one offer you as a chef
Events like this one give us the chance to have international visibility and share my cooking philosophy on a worldwide platform.
Can you give us your favourite recipe
My favourite recipe is ravioli filled with mascarpone duck ragout and red grape reduction. Bellissima!
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