A Sicilian chef · An international journey
00
GS
IVThe Cuisine
From Segesta to the world

The Cuisine

My roots are Sicilian.My experience is international.My kitchen is global.

—Culinary philosophy · My cuisine

I believe great cuisine begins with respect. Respect for the ingredient. Respect for the producer. Respect for tradition. Respect for the people who prepare and serve the food.

But respect for tradition does not mean refusing to evolve. A chef must understand where a dish comes from before attempting to take it somewhere new. My cooking has been shaped by Sicily, but also by every country in which I have worked. That is why I don’t believe cuisine should be confined by borders.

—My signature

Nero di Seppia, Astaco del Lago Naivasha

Sankara · Nairobi

Risotto allo Zafferano Iraniano

Opera Hotel · Kyiv

Gamberetti, Salsa al Mango

Opera Hotel · Kyiv

Terrina d’Anatra

Opera Hotel · Kyiv

Respect the ingredient. Respect the tradition. Respect the people you cook for.
01/ 04
Nero di Seppia, Astaco del Lago Naivasha — Sankara, Nairobi
Risotto allo Zafferano Iraniano — Opera Hotel, Kyiv
Gamberetti, Salsa al Mango — Opera Hotel, Kyiv
Terrina d’Anatra — Opera Hotel, Kyiv
Petto d’Anatra, Arancia, Miele e Limone
Petto d’Anatra, Arancia, Miele e Limone
Gillardeau N°3, Limone, Mignonette allo Scalogno, Pomodoro Cetriolo Baby e Olio Extravergine d’Oliva
Gillardeau N°3, Limone, Mignonette allo Scalogno, Pomodoro Cetriolo Baby e Olio Extravergine d’Oliva
Capellini, Gambero Reale e Limone
Capellini, Gambero Reale e Limone
Caviale di Salmone, Blinis di Grano Saraceno, Croccante di Alga Nori
Caviale di Salmone, Blinis di Grano Saraceno, Croccante di Alga Nori
Capesante scottate, vinaigrette al Lime, Lemongrass e Coriandolo, erbe croccanti
Capesante scottate, vinaigrette al Lime, Lemongrass e Coriandolo, erbe croccanti
Risotto allo Zafferano, Aragosta Poche, Zeste di Agrumi e Bietola rossa
Risotto allo Zafferano, Aragosta Poché, Zeste di Agrumi e Bietola rossa
Cassatina Siciliana — ricotta, pistachio, candied citrus, maraschino cherry and marzipan
Cassatina Siciliana — ricotta, pistachio, candied citrus, maraschino cherry and marzipan
Salmon Mosaic — house-cured Atlantic salmon, pomegranate, baby leaves, citrus aioli and herb oil
Salmon Mosaic — house-cured Atlantic salmon, pomegranate, baby leaves, citrus aioli and herb oil
Caprese di Melanzane — buffalo mozzarella, vine-ripened tomato, grilled eggplant, aged balsamic
Caprese di Melanzane — buffalo mozzarella, vine-ripened tomato, grilled eggplant, aged balsamic
Mediterranean Sea Bass Crudo — citrus, finger lime, virgin oil, dried black olives
Mediterranean Sea Bass Crudo — citrus, finger lime, virgin oil, dried black olives
Table Flambéed Baked Alaska, a classic at Opera Hotel Kyiv — Madagascar vanilla parfait, Sicilian pistachio gelato, amarena cherry sorbet, Italian meringue
Table Flambéed Baked Alaska, a classic at Opera Hotel Kyiv — Madagascar vanilla parfait, Sicilian pistachio gelato, amarena cherry sorbet, Italian meringue
Beef Duo — hand-cut beef tartare and wagyu carpaccio
Beef Duo — hand-cut beef tartare and wagyu carpaccio
InterludeOpera Hotel Kyiv
The Business Lunch — Opera Hotel Kyiv
The Business Lunch — Opera Hotel Kyiv
La Pasticceria del Business Lunch — Opera Hotel Kyiv
La Pasticceria del Business Lunch — Opera Hotel Kyiv
Finger Gourmet del Business Lunch — Opera Hotel Kyiv
Finger Gourmet del Business Lunch — Opera Hotel Kyiv