Redefining the heart of authentic Italian cuisine through a contemporary culinary perspective
(IN SHORT) Matteo Re Depaolini, the newly appointed Chef de Cuisine at Mio, the Italian dining destination within Four Seasons Hotel Beijing, brings a fresh perspective to authentic Italian cuisine, blending tradition with innovation. With over two decades of culinary experience and a passion for exploring traditional Italian flavors, Matteo’s imaginative creations promise to take diners on a journey of sensory delight. Inspired by everyday life, travel experiences, and cultural encounters, Matteo infuses his dishes with a harmonious balance of familiarity and surprise. Under his guidance, the culinary team at Mio embraces a philosophy of culinary excellence, combining traditional craftsmanship with innovative techniques. Through his leadership, Matteo fosters a collaborative environment where each member contributes to the creation of unforgettable dining experiences. At Mio, guests can expect a dining atmosphere that reflects Matteo’s dedication to culinary artistry and the timeless excellence of Four Seasons hospitality.
(PRESS RELEASE) Beijing, China, 2024-Apr-11 — /Travel PR News/ — Matteo Re Depaolini, the recently appointed Chef de Cuisine of Mio, the Italian dining establishment within Four Seasons Hotel Beijing, redefines the heart of authentic Italian cuisine through a contemporary culinary perspective. Boasting more than a decade of expertise in luxury global hotel service, Matteo epitomizes traditional Italian culinary artistry while breaking free from conventional boundaries. His imaginative concepts effortlessly traverse the realms of familiarity and surprise. Whether meticulously curating ingredients or passionately exploring their innate flavours, he showcases a craftsmanship deeply rooted in the opulent essence of Italian tradition. Whether summoning the vibrancy of southern Italy or presenting the nuances of northern flavours, Matteo’s gastronomic creations promise to lead diners on an exquisite Italian culinary odyssey, transcending from the palate to the very soul.
Hailing from Legnano, Milan, Italy, Matteo embodies a refined and romantic sensibility that serves as the driving force behind his culinary masterpieces. “If ingredients represent the living art, then cooking becomes the expressive technique that captivates the senses — a realm from which I derive inspiration.” His culinary inspiration draws not only from the tapestry of everyday life and encounters with fresh ingredients during his travels but also from the realms of literature, cinema, and cherished life experiences. With an illustrious background in luxury global hotel service, Matteo’s entrance into China and his association with Four Seasons Hotel Beijing mark his sixth chapter with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. Yet, it is his initial and immersive exploration of China’s local culinary culture and interaction with discerning connoisseurs that ignite his passion for crafting unforgettable dining experiences.
Matteo’s distinctive culinary vision finds its roots in traditional Italian culinary principles, which he skillfully transforms into inventive and contemporary dishes that resonate harmoniously with local dining habits and preferences. Embarking on his culinary journey at the tender age of 15, Matteo honed his skills at the E. Maggia cooking school, cultivating a deep fascination for exploring the rich tapestry of traditional Italian flavours. His culinary passion was further nurtured under the guidance of Michelin-starred Chef Davide Oldani in Milan. According to Matteo, culinary expertise matures over time, but the true catalyst for a chef’s talent lies in intuition and sensation. Behind each meticulously crafted dish lies a plethora of careful experiments.
Throughout his illustrious two-decade career, Matteo has dedicated himself to the comprehensive study of dining culture. This extends beyond the mastery of crafting authentic Italian flavours to encompass meticulous control over ingredient selection, dish design, and presentation. With his extensive experience and exceptional understanding, he has fostered profound trust within the Mio culinary team. Under his expert guidance, each member of the kitchen team discovers their unique space. Matteo effectively imparts skills, establishes essential team collaboration strategies, facilitates skill enhancement, and brings out the best in everyone. Going beyond mere adherence to rules, his team members draw inspiration from the pursuit of harmonious creation, diligently putting it into practice under Matteo’s leadership.
Matteo’s culinary philosophy strikes a harmonious equilibrium between tradition and innovation, seamlessly marrying the comfort of familiarity with delightful surprises, all while remaining steadfast to traditional Italian culinary craftsmanship. Fueled by spontaneous imagination and a grounded creativity, he approaches his culinary creations with an exploration of philosophy that transcends geographical boundaries. Spanning from the northern to the southern regions of Italy, Matteo skillfully crafts Italian delicacies, molding them with an elegance that embraces simplicity and devising unique cooking methods. Within the culinary realm of Mio, he unfolds a diverse array of palate experiences, allowing the vibrancy of each dish to bloom. With every meal, one can discern the unmistakable taste of the passion and dedication that infuse every flavour, texture, and presentation.
For Matteo, every venture into the culinary realm is an opportunity for creation, artistry, poetry, philosophy, and self-expression – a tapestry woven from his diverse worldly experiences. The timeless excellence embodied by Four Seasons Hotel Beijing seamlessly aligns with his culinary aspirations. In his role as the head chef at Mio, meaning “mine” in Italian, Matteo consistently nurtures a laid-back and opulent dining atmosphere for guests.
About Mio
Set amid the grandeur of the third floor at Four Seasons Hotel Beijing, Mio — the Italian dining gem, The Black Pearl One Diamond restaurant — embraces its Italian roots, meaning “mine,” to craft a welcoming and relaxed dining ambiance. The interior décor exudes an elegant yet modern aesthetic, with a bright open kitchen serving as not only a focal point but also an endless canvas for the culinary team. Mio embodies a contemporary culinary philosophy that interprets the essence of authentic Italian cuisine. Whether evoking the sentiment of southern Italy or embracing northern flavours, Mio promises to transport diners on an immediate journey from palate to soul through the purest essence of Italian gastronomy.
Media Contact:
Iris Li
Director of Public Relations and Communications
48 Liang Ma Qiao Road Chaoyang District
Beijing, 100125
China
iris.yue.li@fourseasons.com
+86 10 5695 8706
Source: Four Seasons Hotels & Resort
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