Michelin-starred Guest Chef Igor Macchia Returns to Cucina for Five Days Only
Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel
Dining, 16 November 2023
Having started his culinary career at the age of 15, Chef Igor honed his craft and expertise at renowned establishments, such as Restaurant du Lion d'Or – a renowned restaurant in Switzerland – and London's two Michelin-starred Le Gavroche. Chef Igor's professional journey also led him to the prestigious Restaurant Bruneau in Brussels, which held three Michelin stars at the time. In 2005, he opened the Italian restaurant La Credenza with a friend. The restaurant earned its first Michelin star the following year. Over the years, La Credenza has won numerous awards and gained popularity among discerning diners.
Throughout his career, Chef Igor has had the privilege of being mentored by esteemed culinary figures, such as Michel Roux and Jean-Pierre Bruneau. As a travel enthusiast, Chef Igor is particularly drawn to Asian destinations, such as Japan, Thailand and Taiwan. His love for exploring the world has inspired him to create a unique culinary blend of Piedmontese cuisine with the vibrant flavours and ingredients of Asia.
Diners can embark on a gastronomic adventure with Chef Igor starting with his Belgian Chicory Tarte Tatin, Chestnuts Honey, Buffalo Milk Cream and Truffle Caviar. This dish features tender, nutty and buttery Belgian chicory slow-cooked with aromatic herbs for 45 minutes and combined with a luscious glaze of chestnut honey. Velvety mozzarella cheese imparts a light and fresh taste, while truffle caviar makes for an indulgent finishing touch.
Guests can also dive into an oceanic paradise with the Oyster Risotto with Soya Sauce Gelatin. This masterpiece highlights the fresh essence of the sea with risotto infused with seaweed stock and blended oysters. A tantalising Asian twist awaits with the addition of a soya sauce gelatin cubes on top, which enhance the dish's umami flavours.
Next is the Turet (Beef Cheek, Polenta and Stewed Onions in Cider) – a Piedmont classic reimagined with Chef Igor's innovative touch. Succulent beef cheeks are slow-stewed for 24 hours at a gentle 80 degrees celsius, resulting in a tender and collagen-rich texture. Meanwhile, the acidity of the stewed onions delicately balances the richness of the beef cheeks. Finally, Chef Igor puts a twist on traditional creamy polenta by creating a crispy bull-shaped chip, showcasing his culinary creativity.
The epicurean journey would not be complete without dessert. The Gianduj'8 (Hazelnut Chocolate Mousse and Vanilla Sponge) is a heavenly delight that showcases a harmonious trio of chocolate mousses – milk, dark and hazelnut as well as lime chocolate. These blend seamlessly to create an exquisite symphony of flavours that celebrates Piedmont's renowned chocolate artistry. Winter cherries add a delightful hint of sourness that pairs exceptionally well with the vanilla sponge cake, elevating the overall flavour and texture.
It has been five years since Chef Igor's last visit to Cucina. During his five-day guest visit from 29 November to 3 December 2023, he will bring exciting new renditions of classic Italian favourites that are sure to impress guests. During this period, his four-course tasting dinner menu will be priced at HK$888 per person (wine pairings are available for an additional HK$550 per person) and his à la carte menu will be available during lunch and dinner periods. Selected dishes from the à la carte menu will also be presented on the set lunch and weekend semi-buffet brunch menus. In addition, on 29 November, Chef Igor will craft an exclusive four-course wine pairing dinner complemented by exemplary wines from the renowned winery in Italy - Poderi e Cantine Oddero . The wine pairing dinner is priced at HK$1,450 per person.
Oddero Derthona Timorasso Colli Tortonesi DOC 2022 – $180 (per glass)
Oddero Langhe Riesling DOC 2022 – $140 (per glass)
Oddero Barolo Classico DOCG 2016 – $360 (per glass)
Mongioia 'Moscata' Moscato d'Asti in Amphora Canelli DOCG 2021 – $218 (per glass)
Visit Cucina and savour Chef Igor's Italian masterpieces while enjoying stunning views of Victoria Harbour. For reservations or inquiries, please contact Cucina at +852 2113 0808 or make table reservations here.
Cucina – 2023 Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star restaurant
Address: Level 6, Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
Tel: +852 2113 0808 Email: info@cucinahk.com Website: www.cucinahk.com
*Prices are subject t0 a 10% service charge
About Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel
EXPLORE DISCOVER EXPERIENCE
Situated in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui, Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel, which earned the 2023 Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Award, is part of Harbour City – Hong Kong’s largest shopping complex.
The hotel comprises 665 luxurious guestrooms and suites, many of which offer breath-taking views of the celebrated Victoria Harbour. Within a short walk are landmarks such as the Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong Cultural Centre and 1881 Heritage. The hotel is also on the doorstep of the Star Ferry terminal and MTR subway stations.
Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel features an outdoor swimming pool; a gym; 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 2023 Forbes Travel Guide 4-star Italian restaurant, Cucina. The hotel has 14 function rooms, the largest of which can accommodate up to 430 guests, as well as a dedicated and professional Banquet Services Team.
The hotel is part of Wharf Hotels, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Wharf (Holdings) Ltd, a Hong Kong-listed company with core business interests in property and investments in communications and container-terminal operations. Other Wharf Hotels properties include Gateway Hotel and Prince Hotel in Hong Kong as well as hotels in mainland China and the Philippines. Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel is a member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands, bringing together more than 40 brands with over 800 hotels in 100 countries. 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 their 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 Forbes Travel Guide
Forbes Travel Guide is the only global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants and spas. Our anonymous professional inspectors evaluate based on up to 900 objective standards, with an emphasis on exceptional service, to help discerning travellers select the world’s best luxury experiences. The only way to get a Five-Star, Four-Star or Recommended rating is by earning it through our independent inspection process. For more information about Forbes Travel Guide, please visit ForbesTravelGuide.com.
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, plus they 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
