Michelin-starred Chef Paolo Barrale Returns To Cucina
Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel
Dining, 19 July 2024
Hailing from Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, Chef Paolo often describes his hometown as a "garden paradise" for its beautiful coastline and abundant produce. Having developed a passion for cooking at a young age, Chef Paolo honed his culinary craft at Rome's esteemed three Michelin-starred La Pergola helmed by Chef Heinz Beck. Chef Paolo later obtained his own Michelin star while working at Marennà in Sorbo Serpico. Since 2021, Chef Paolo has been the Executive Chef of ARIA Restaurant in Napoli, where he has earned another Michelin star.
Recognised for his ability to adapt to different cuisines and gastronomic styles, Chef Paolo's cuisine is a beautiful mix of traditional Italian gastronomy, vibrant flavours and modern presentation. He often incorporates various fruits and vegetables in his creations. A highlight from his special menu for Cucina is the lobster, cauliflower purée, lobster bisque, yuzu kosho, puffed rice. This vibrant creation showcases succulent lobster and creamy cauliflower with a zesty touch of yuzu kosho. The crispy puffed rice, meanwhile, adds a textural contrast that delights the palate.
Another must try is the ziti pasta, Genovese sauce, marinated tuna belly, carrot and passion fruit. This dish blends classic Italian flavours with tropical notes. Chef Paolo pairs classic ziti pasta with melt-in-the-mouth tuna belly, which is complemented by a refreshing carrot and passion fruit sauce.
For the main course, the braised veal cheek “pizzaiola style”, green peppers, mashed potatoes with provola cheese showcases friggitelli, a unique green pepper from Southern Italy. The bitter and fresh taste of the vegetable perfectly complements the rich flavours of the veal cheek.
As the sweet finale to this summer feast, diners can enjoy the tempting milk foam, strawberry sorbet, meringue, strawberry marinated in vinegar. This dessert showcases Chef Paolo's creativity by presenting different textures and forms of strawberries, creating an alluring blend of sweet, sour, light and fresh flavours.
Chef Paolo's signature dishes will be served from 14 to 18 August at Cucina. A four-course tasting dinner priced at HK$888 per person will be available alongside an à la carte menu during lunch and dinner periods. An exclusive wine-pairing tasting dinner (HK$1,288 per person) is also available on 16 August and will feature exquisite wines from Gulfi and Cantine Pellegrino wineries in Sicily. Guests are invited to immerse themselves in a captivating Sicilian gastronomic journey and embrace the vibrant flavours of the season.
For enquires or reservations, please call Cucina at 2113 0808.
Cucina – 2024 Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star restaurant
Address: Level 6, Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
T +852 2113 0808 E info@cucinahk.com Website: www.cucinahk.com
About Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel
Situated in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui, Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel, which earned the 2024 Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Award, is part of Harbour City. The hotel comprises 605 luxurious guestrooms and suites, many with breath-taking views of Victoria Harbour. Within walking distance, guests can explore notable landmarks such as the Hong Kong Cultural Centre and 1881 Heritage. The hotel is also on the doorsteps of the Star Ferry terminal and MTR stations.
Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel features a lobby lounge; the all-day dining outlet Cafe Marco, which features a wide variety of gourmet cuisines from all over the world; and our 2024 Forbes Travel Guide 4-star Italian restaurant, Cucina. The hotel has14 function rooms, the largest of which can accommodate up to 430 guests, as well as a dedicated and professional Banquet Services Team.
Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel is part of Wharf Hotels, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Wharf (Holdings) Ltd Other Wharf Hotels properties in Hong Kong include the Gateway Hotel and Prince Hotel. Further details on Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel are available at marcopolohotels.com.
About Marco Polo Hotels
Inspiration in the Heart of the City
Marco Polo Hotels’ 11 premium hotels in Hong Kong SAR, mainland China and the Philippines reflect the adventurous ethos of the brand’s namesake – Marco Polo. Located in key destinations, each property is active in their community, committed to sustainability and a central hub for gatherings and meaningful local experiences. The brand is part of Wharf Hotels’ portfolio and a member of Global Hotel Alliance, the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands. For more information, please visit marcopolohotels.com, Instagram or LinkedIn.
About Global Hotel Alliance
Launched in 2010, GHA DISCOVERY is the world’s largest loyalty programme for independent hotel brands, featuring more than 800 hotels, resorts and palaces across 40 brands. Members enjoy VIP recognition, thoughtful benefits and generous rewards at home or away. GHA DISCOVERY members earn and spend DISCOVERY Dollars (D$), an exclusive rewards currency. They also enjoy member-only Experiences curated by each hotel and have access to properties close to home, without a stay, through member-only Local Offers. For more information about GHA DISCOVERY or to join, visit www.ghadiscovery.com or download the GHA DISCOVERY mobile app. Travellers can also connect with GHA DISCOVERY on Instagram and Facebook.
Press Release Downloads
DownloadMs Anissa Wong
Director of Communications
Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel | Gateway | Prince
3 Canton Road, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui,
Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
T +852 2118 7281
E anissa.wong@marcopolohotels.com
Ms Queeny Iu
Assistant Communications Manager
Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel | Gateway | Prince
3 Canton Road, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
T +852 2113 7316
E queeny.iu@marcopolohotels.com
