Novotel Manila Araneta City warmly opens its kitchen to this collaborative philosophy of its new Executive Chef Massimiliano Pauletto who is bringing along more than two decades of culinary experience.
Chef “Massi” alongside with F&B Director Matt Salcedo will oversee the operations of Novotel Manila Araneta City’s five dining outlets namely, Food Exchange Manila, Gourmet Bar by Novotel, Sabor Bar de Vinos, Indulge Gelato, and the 6th Pool Bar and Lounge. Plus, all events and meetings banquet requirements.
Hailing from Castellanza, Varese, Italy, Chef “Massi” grew up in a traditional Italian family way of preparing food and festively dining together.
Sharing his fond childhood memories, he recounts that he, his brothers and cousins chase chickens, pick fresh produce from their vegetable garden and assist getting the food from the fire while roasting. “Until today, my family believe that basically the food needs to be produced by yourself. So, no MSG. No chemical.” His interest in food was strongly influenced by his late grandmother Esterina who was the cook of the family. “She was a really good cook. I started following her recipes and this carried me through my culinary career.”
Global Culinary Career
After spending five years in a culinary school in Milan, Chef Massi entered his first apprenticeship under the tutelage of the esteemed Chef Gualtiero Marchesi, who is considered as the founder of modern Italian cuisine at the three Michelin-starred Albereta Hotel.
“I learned a great deal about old French cuisine from him. At that time, they were all doing molecular approach while we were still using the duck press,” Chef Massi fondly recalls.
After a few years of serving as chef for the Italian Navy, his culinary journey took him further to learn from other celebrated chefs including the Michelin-starred Chefs Davide Bisetto and Alberico Penati.
He went on to grow and build his culinary portfolio across London and Brussels, until in 2004 when he ventured to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for five years.
“In Europe, we throw pot and we scream at each other; something that in Asia you cannot do. I start as a little Gordon Ramsay. They just make me understand that you cannot.” Chef Massi embraced the cultural difference between the East and the West and developed a higher respect for food which is an integral part of the daily life of Asians.
“In Asia, everywhere is food; in the little street, little corner and the market. The street food is something that in Europe we lost by years. So, this is one of the beautiful things about Asia.”
His sojourn across Vietnam, India and Africa has finally led him to the Philippines. “Accor as a company is one of the biggest players now in the world. It is time to be a part of it,” he said.
“I’m very happy to start with this hotel in this part of the city. We are not in Makati. We are not in Bonifacio. We are in Quezon City. Quezon City will explode in the next years or so, I would have marked up my name here,” he expressed.
Applying his strong culinary background, Chef Massi starts introducing techniques that reinforce the global f&b team of Novotel Manila Araneta City in order to provide better quality palatable dishes and unique dining experience.
“My team are fantastic. Basically, I just push them in the right direction. I always tell them you guys carry on and I will come from the other side and slowly we’ll go together.”
Chef Massi Recommends
Starting September 26 a weekly treat of Chef Massi approved specialties are made available in every food outlet of Novotel Manila Araneta City.
Experience rich Italian flavors in a bento with some Burrata cheese, roasted pork belly cooked Roman style “Porchetta” and Sicilian brioche bread with lemon granite. These and more are available at the Gourmet Bar from September 26 to October 2 between 11AM to 10PM for only Php 690 nett.
A week after, grab your spoons for a whole week of risotto specials that will fill your cravings with creamy traditional Italian rice dish flavored with luxurious toppings such as prawns, truffle, and apple foie gras. Plus, whet your appetite for your dinner buffet with a favorite Italian antipasto at the bruschetta bar where you can go extra on Italian olive oil choices, fresh tomatoes and other toppings. All these are available during our dinner buffet at the Food Exchange Manila from October 3 to 9 for only Php 1688 during Mondays to Fridays & Sundays, and Php 1888 during Seafood Saturdays.
Drown your weeklong woes with an indulgent serving of Affogato from October 10 to 16 for only Php 160 nett at the Indulge Gelato.
Take time to Sabor the moment with your friends and colleagues with an assorted cold cuts and cheese platter paired with a special bottle of Fantini Sangiovese wine for Php 1500 nett available at Sabor Bar de Vinos from October 17 to 23. Prices are inclusive of service charge and applicable government taxes.