Maurizio Pace, head chef at La Petite Maison Restaurants, trained in Italy and the UK. Passionate about food, he joined the LPM Restaurant group in 2018, bringing his expertise in Mediterranean cuisine. Here, he sheds light on Qatar’s culinary scene, providing us with an insider’s perspective.
In your opinion, what distinguishes Qatar’s culinary landscape?
Over the past few years, Qatar has experienced an incredible culinary transformation, with an explosion of new flavors. Furthermore, exciting hidden gems are waiting to be discovered. Restaurants from around the world continue expanding into Qatar, which brings a diverse clientele to Doha. This includes both visitors and residents. The dining scene in Qatar is now buzzing with vibrancy, and we are thrilled to be a part of it. Additionally, as we look to the future, we are excited to continue adding our unique charm to Qatar’s culinary repertoire.
How would you describe LPM Doha’s Qatari clientele?
Our Qatari clients are known for their attentiveness and discerning taste. Moreover, we genuinely appreciate their knowledge of food and their support. They have standards for quality and an eye for detail, always paying attention to service, the presentation of the food and hospitality. Furthermore, their high expectations inspire us to continuously push the boundaries and deliver an exceptional dining experience.
Do you believe skills are more important than talent in the kitchen?
While both skills and talent have their merits, when it comes to consistency, skills tend to prevail. Additionally, talent may provide a natural inclination for a particular task, but it is the acquisition and refinement of skills. Through dedicated effort, practice and continuous improvement, skills lead to consistent and reliable performance. Moreover, skills can be developed and honed over time, allowing individuals to adapt, adjust and consistently deliver their best. Conversely, relying solely on talent without the cultivation of culinary skills may result in sporadic or inconsistent outcomes. Indeed, while talent can provide a head start, it is the development of skills that leads to long-term success. Fortunately, most people have a combination of both. At LPM, we are proud to guide and facilitate the best of our talents to shine.
What are your plans for LPM in Qatar?
At LPM Doha, we are fully committed to providing the finest experience and cuisine that our esteemed Qatari clientele appreciate. Additionally, 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 new dishes. Moreover, it is with great determination and passion that we constantly aim to reach excellence in everything we do.
