The Seven Sins of Danilo Cortellini |
Head Chef at The Italian Embassy in London |
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Creating quintessential, contemporary Italian dishes that span the whole country’s culinary repertoire, Chef Danilo Cortellini has led the kitchens of the Italian Embassy in London for the last 5 years.
With a strong philosophy focused on the theme of sharing, Danilo’s first cook book, ‘4 Grosvenor Square: The Menu of the Italian Embassy in London’, and his catering company, Danilo Cortellini Catering Services, both open the doors even wider into his cucina: sharing recipes of beautiful, comforting and elegant Italian fare; and welcoming those curious to learn about the intricacies of Italian dining.
Before arriving in London in 2010, Danilo travelled throughout Italy gaining experience with industry icons such as Giovanni Rana and at two Michelin-starred restaurants San Domenico in Imola and Perbellini in Isola Rizza. While in London, Danilo jumped straight into challenging roles at three Michelin-starred Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester and Knightsbridge’s Zafferano before being offered the position of Head Chef at the Italian Embassy in London. |
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Now, Danilo’s catering company caters for every occasion, from large-scale corporate catering to private events in the comfort of the client’s home. Here, Danilo draws on his wealth of experience in private catering, gained not only from his time spent at the Italian Embassy, but also from catering for a number of renowned International Companies in London.
His book on the other hand not only showcases Danilo’s creative cookery, but the beauty of Italian produce and dishes, and the incredible work that the embassy does on a day to day basis. |
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| Wrath - What makes you angry about the hospitality industry?
Sometimes I get angry with everyone following trends too much. We end up doing things for the sake of looking ‘cool’ but in the end we lose the essence of hospitality, which should be simpler than that. But what upsets me most of all is the food waste that is still an issue not just in the UK but all over the world.
Greed - If all your food fantasies came true what would be on your Plate?
Like many, when I'm presented with too many choices, I don't know what to go for. I’ve recently found myself, more than I care to admit, fantasising about comfort food, in particular, a nice glass of Montepulciano d'Abruzzo with homemade Spaghetti alla Chitarra with a meaty tomato sauce and loads of grated cheese on top. It’s the food I grew up with so is the food that I love the most.
Sloth - What do you do to unwind?
It’s hard to unwind after a long day of work, but something that always helps is a good glass of wine with my fiancée or just a little walk in the park with my dog, Panna. A real guilty pleasure of mine is watching silly superhero films.
Pride - What are you most proud of?
I am most proud of my family and my humble origin. Without embracing and knowing your past there is no way of going forward. I am also proud of what I achieved so far with the help of my team. There is still a long way to go!
Lust - Is there anything that you are still lusting to achieve?
I consider myself still quite young for this industry and I do want to achieve more – that’s what I lust for. I am currently a private chef and have my own private catering company so it will be nice to return to the restaurant scene.
Envy - who are you most envious of?
I do not envy others, it’s not a nice feeling and, honestly, if I start envying those who have more or have achieved more, I will just make my life worse. Rather than envy, I prefer to admire those who have achieved something special and use their story as an inspiration.
Gluttony - have you ever over indulged?
Yes of course I’ve overindulged, I’m a chef and the reason why I’m a chef is because I love to indulge with food! Imagine yourself at a sea front restaurant, a glass of prosecco and a nice portion of fresh spaghetti with sea urchins, wouldn't you indulge?
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| We put the spotlight on the industry's most recognisable faces in our new interview segment "Seven Sins". If you want to know what inspires the industry's movers and shakers or what your favourite food loving celebrity likes to indulge in then you'll find it in their Seven Sins. |
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