Ulf Bremer, general manager of Kowloon Shangri-La, Hong Kong, is pleased to announce the appointment of Alessandro Angelini to the position of chef at Angelini Italian Restaurant.
“We are thrilled to have Alessandro Angelini at Angelini to lead the culinary team in continuing to pamper the palate of our discerning guests,” said Mr Bremer.
Chef Alessandro said, “I’m honoured to be the chef of Angelini. Since we share the same name, I’ll see Angelini as my own enterprise, and I am determined to bring this successful restaurant to the next level.”
With over 20 years of experience in the culinary industry, Rimini native Chef Alessandro has been exposed to the gourmet world spanning Europe, North America and Asia. Chef Alessandro is no stranger to the Shangri-La group, and not new to the Hong Kong dining scene either. He joins Kowloon Shangri-La, Hong Kong from the Hong Kong-based Gaia Group, where he served as executive chef at Joia Restaurant for seven years. Prior to that, he was at the helm of Rosso Italian restaurant at Shangri-La Hotel, Jakarta. He has also worked as a chef for several sophisticated establishments, including Michelin-starred Italian restaurants in Ngapali Beach (Myanmar), Venice, London and Los Angeles.
He has had the pleasure of working alongside celebrated chefs, such as Gino Angelini, Gualtiero Marchesi and many other culinary icons. The list of many celebrities he has cooked for includes but is not limited to world-known English singer George Michael and former tennis world champion Andre Agassi.
Chef Alessandro learned the cooking theories from the Scuola Alberghiera di Rimini culinary school. He has been honing his essential kitchen skills since the age of 14, when he worked at a local restaurant in his hometown for a few summers.
With a fervent passion for culinary excellence, Chef Alessandro is dedicated to creating innovative dishes while conserving solid roots in Italian culinary traditions. He is also a firm believer in using the freshest ingredients, with an emphasis on maintaining their natural flavours.
“I frequent various markets and see what is available, what is new, and mix a couple of – but not too many – different kinds of ingredients in one single dish to see the ‘chemistry’ or ‘marriage’ of their combinations. I talk to vendors for food trends and new food produces, too,” he said.
“I respect the beauty of minimalism and simplicity, so I don’t use too many types of ingredients in one single dish. I like to take a lighter and healthier approach to Italian food as I appreciate the Mediterranean style of cooking,” said Chef Alessandro. “Coming from the coastal area of the northern part of Italy, I enjoy using seafood in my dishes. The techniques I employ must always bring out and enhance the distinctive flavour of each of the fresh ingredients that I use.”
Chef Alessandro creates food that is pleasing to the palate and to the eyes and nose. Some of his signature dishes include Raw Sicilian Red Prawns, Avocado, Green Apple and Yogurt; Scampi Marinated with Pineapple, Cucumber, Watermelon Jelly and Lime; Home-made Black and White Tagliolini with Scallops, King Prawns and Raw Red Shrimps Served in a Paper Box; Dover Sole in “Savour” Style (Caramelised Onions, Raisins and Pine Nuts) and Gratinated Asparagus; Pork Tenderloin Wrapped in Coffee with Mustard Sauce and Goose Liver.
Angelini delivers authentic Italian cuisine using only the finest ingredients of the season, accompanied by an extensive wine list of over 100 Italian wines. Guests are welcome to enquire for wine suggestions to complement their dishes. Situated on the mezzanine floor with panoramic views of Victoria Harbour and the Hong Kong Island skyline, Angelini combines a comfortable and inviting ambience with stylish, contemporary decor.
Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts currently owns and/or manages nearly 90 hotels under the Shangri-La brand with a room inventory of over 37,000. Shangri-La hotels are five-star deluxe properties featuring extensive luxury facilities and services. Shangri-La hotels are located in Australia, Canada, mainland China, Fiji, France, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Sultanate of Oman, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. The group has a substantial development pipeline with upcoming projects in mainland China, Cambodia, India, Mongolia, Myanmar, Philippines, Qatar and Sri Lanka. For more information and reservations, please contact a travel professional or access the website at www.shangri-la.com.