Getting to know Simonelli Group Middle East with Federico Ortile

Getting to know Simonelli Group Middle East with Federico Ortile

Name of Spokesperson: Chef Maurizio Pace Designation: Head Chef at La Petite Maison Restaurants Headshot: LINKED HERE Image Library: LINKED HERE About La Petite Maison Doha: LINKED HERE La Petite Maison Doha Press Releases: LINKED HERE Deadline: Thursday, September 12 Questions: For this purpose, we kindly need the following: (100 words answer per question) Tell us a bit about your professional career. It all started in my hometown, where I first worked in a small restaurant, learning the basics of the culinary arts. The bustling kitchen ignited my passion for food. Eager for more, I moved to Rome, immersing myself in its rich culinary scene. My journey then took me to Tuscany, where I was fortunate to meet my very first cooking and life mentor. From Tuscany, I moved to London, working for several notable chefs and learning from their passion and dedication to this industry. Finally, I relocated to Hong Kong, where I have led the LPM outlet for the past six years. Continuing to grow in the company has led me to my current role. What is your Philosophy / Motto (10 words)? Empower curiosity, savour every bite, share joy, stay true. What is your dream in life? Well, that is a big question! I would say my dream is to inspire others, forge long-lasting connections, and nurture the next generation of chefs. I hope to create a culinary legacy that emphasises creativity and the joy of sharing food. Reflecting on the mentors I’ve had over the years, I realise how crucial they’ve been in my growth, both professionally and personally. It would be a dream to inspire others as they inspired me to embrace the love of cooking and its lifestyle. What are your current projects and plans? At LPM Doha, we are fully committed to providing the finest experience and cuisine that our esteemed Qatari clientele appreciate. In the upcoming months, we will expand LPM’s culinary repertoire and work to make our menu as seasonal as possible. This way we can keep our menu fresh and our guests on the edge of their seats, always anticipating trying new dishes. It is with great determination and passion that we constantly aim to reach excellence in everything we do and the product we use. Personal information and portrait picture: Full Name: Maurizio Pace Job Title: Head Chef Company name: La Petite Maison Restaurants Website: https://lpmrestaurants.com/doha/ Motto (10 words): Embrace the journey, not just the destination. Brief about you (25 words): Maurizio Pace is an Italian-born chef who trained in Italy and the UK. Passionate about food, he joined the LPM Restaurant group in 2018, bringing his expertise on Mediterranean cuisine. Personal Instagram account: N/A Personal Facebook account: N/A Landscape Image: LINKED HERE We also kindly need from you: Homemade Gnocchi with Cherry Tomato Sauce and Basil - submitted in English (Word format) including: Serving size (serves) 4 people Preparation time and cooking time (min) 1 hour and 45 minutes Ingredients and measurements: For the Gnocchi: 500g medium-sized potatoes 50g type OO flour 1 egg 20g Parmesan cheese, grated Salt, to taste For the Cherry Tomato Sauce 10g extra virgin olive oil 300g cherry tomatoes Salt, to taste Preparation method 1. **Bake the Potatoes**: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake the potatoes for about 1 hour, until tender. 2. **Prepare the Sauce**: Chop the cherry tomatoes. In a pan, heat the olive oil, then add the chopped tomatoes and salt. Cook until a sweet sauce is achieved and reserve aside. 3. **Make the Gnocchi**: Once the potatoes are cooked, remove the pulp and press it through a potato ricer. Form a well in the centre, then add the flour, egg, grated Parmesan, and salt. Mix well to form a dough. 4. **Shape the Gnocchi**: Divide the dough into small pieces and roll them into balls. Flatten each ball slightly and use a fork to create ridges. 5. **Cook the Gnocchi**: Blanch the gnocchi in salted boiling water until they float to the surface. Drain and add to the sauce, tossing gently to coat. 6. **Serve**: Finish with generous grated Parmesan and fresh basil leaves. Enjoy your delicious gnocchi! Two high-resolution pictures of the dish LINKED HERE Your social media handles (Instagram and Facebook): https://www.instagram.com/lpmdoha https://www.facebook.com/lpmdoha/ Federico Ortile Managing Director SimonelliGroup Middle East

As managing director of Simonelli Group Middle East, Federico Ortile lifts the lid on the firm’s best-selling products and upcoming releases.

If you were to introduce your company, what would you say?

Simonelli Group Middle East is Simonelli Group’s branch office, located in Dubai. As the reference point for the entire Middle East region, it provides sales, technical and educational services effectively. Furthermore, our branch features a new experience lab, offering an experiential space to discover the latest innovations from Nuova Simonelli and Victoria Arduino.

What are Simonelli Group Middle East’s best-selling products?

Black Eagle Maverick and Eagle One coffee machines by Victoria Arduino are renowned for their advanced features and design innovations.

Firstly, the Black Eagle Maverick, Victoria Arduino’s most powerful espresso machine, offers complete control over temperature, extraction, and steam. Moreover, the T3 Genius technology, an evolution of T3, provides the same precision while using 37 percent less energy than its predecessor. The model evolved from the VA388 Black Eagle, the WBC official coffee machine from 2015 to 2020. Consequently, while the VA388 transformed barista workflows, the Maverick redefines their approach and thinking.

Eagle One stands out for its innovative design and technology. Its minimal, contemporary lines invite customization, and the NEO technology ensures excellent performance while enhancing energy efficiency. Furthermore, it adapts easily to different environments, with customizable design elements in materials like wood, leather and natural fibers. This versatility appeals to both the design and fashion worlds.

What significant changes have you observed, particularly in consumer preferences, needs and demands?

In the UAE and across the region, there’s a noticeable shift in coffee preferences, particularly among young people seeking innovation. The focus is now on creative approaches, such as fermentation and flavored coffee, capturing the younger audience’s interest. Additionally, the youth in the UAE are digitally inclined and lead new trends, driving the popularity of online delivery and cloud kitchens. Consequently, dark stores are also emerging as strong trends due to this shift. Moreover, coffee shops are combining technology with passion to drive the evolving coffee culture effectively. For instance, there is an increasing emphasis on drive-through options to meet consumer demands.

What is the prevailing trend in the region?

At Simonelli Group, we have adapted by focusing on innovation, education and sustainability to meet the evolving demands of the market. For instance, we quickly adapted to the trend of online delivery and cloud kitchens by ensuring our equipment is compatible with the needs of these modern business models. Our commitment aligns with the industry’s shift toward efficiency and consistency without compromising on quality.

The Nuova Simonelli and Victoria Arduino Experience Lab is a prime example of our proximity strategy. The lab serves as a hub for education, innovation and collaboration, shaping the future of the coffee industry locally and globally.

What can you tell us about Simonelli Group Middle East’s upcoming new releases?

Victoria Arduino’s PureBrew+ offers customizable, waste-free filter coffee with a new flavor profile and consistent extractions. Additionally, the E1 Prima PRO, designed for professionals, features advanced technologies like Degassing and PBTech for optimal flavor balance.

What other exciting news can you share with us?

To cater to new trends, we will soon introduce innovations that enhance cup quality, speed up workflows and promote sustainability. Therefore, I invite Hospitality News Middle East to stay tuned, as we will soon present the NUOVA Aurelia in the Middle East. This coffee machine, by Nuova Simonelli, will feature C-Automation, a new technology connecting the machine and grinders for consistent beverages. Additionally, it will increase productivity and efficiency with minimal staff training required. Alongside E-milk, which automates milk frothing, NUOVA Aurelia blends speed, convenience and traditional quality, making it a game changer in its category.

 

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About author

Rita Ghantous

Rita Ghantous is a hospitality aficionado and a passionate writer with over 9 years’ experience in journalism and 5 years experience in the hospitality sector. Her passion for the performance arts and writing, started early. At 10 years old she was praised for her solo performance of the Beatles song “All My Love” accompanied by a guitarist, and was approached by a French talent scout during her school play. However, her love for writing was stronger. Fresh out of school, she became a freelance journalist for Noun Magazine and was awarded the Silver Award Cup for Outstanding Poetry, by The International Library of Poetry (Washington DC). She studied Business Management and earned a Masters degree from Saint Joseph University (USJ), her thesis was published in the Proche-Orient, Études en Management book. She then pursued a career in the hospitality industry but didn’t give up writing, that is why she launched the Four Points by Sheraton Le Verdun Newsletter. Her love for the industry and journalism led her to Hospitality Services - the organizers of the HORECA trade show in Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Jordan, as well as Salon Du Chocolat, Beirut Cooking Festival, Whisky Live and other regional shows. She is currently the Publications Executive of Hospitality News Middle East, Taste & Flavors and Lebanon Traveler. It is with ultimate devotion for her magazines that she demonstrates her hospitality savoir-faire.

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