Because the visionary hotelier behind profitable market and model positioning of some 5-stars resorts in Kuala Lumpur. Cristian Nannucci has redefined what it means to mix sustainability with luxurious. With a long time of expertise within the hospitality trade throughout Asia, the Center East and Europe hotelier Cristian Nannucci’s tenure in Malaysia stands out as a career-defining chapter. From efficiently opening two five-star resorts throughout a worldwide pandemic to witnessing Kuala Lumpur’s transformation right into a vibrant culinary hub, his story is a testomony to resilience, cultural immersion, and an unwavering ardour for hospitality.
On this unique interview, Nannucci shares his most memorable moments, insights into the Malaysian meals and beverage (F&B) panorama, and his ardour for wine and nice eating. As Founders of Join PRKL, KL’s Premium Way of life Administration and PR Consulting agency, Cristian and his spouse Debbie have set the mission to create bespoke life-style experiences along with consultancy works for hospitality companies to assist their progress.
You’ve gotten in depth expertise as a hotelier in Asia, particularly in Malaysia. What have been your most memorable experiences within the nation?
Considered one of my most memorable experiences in Kuala Lumpur was to efficiently open two 5-star resorts in 2022, with a splendid and dependable crew. It was merely superb how this mission embraced the eye of the area people as we opened the doorways two months after the Worldwide Borders allowed journey once more through the COVID-19 pandemic. This achievement was a testomony to the arduous work and dedication of the crew and showcased the energy of collaboration and innovation throughout the Malaysian hospitality trade.
I’m ever so grateful for the chance to work in Malaysia, it’s a memorable part in my life and deeply linked to my skilled progress. I’ve had the privilege of working with extremely gifted and various groups, studying from their distinctive views and cultural insights. The dynamic hospitality panorama in Malaysia, with its fixed evolution and concentrate on innovation, has supplied a difficult and rewarding atmosphere to hone my expertise and contribute to the trade’s success.
Past the skilled achievements, the cultural immersion has been really unforgettable. Experiencing the colourful Malaysian tradition, from the various culinary scene to the wealthy traditions and festivals, has enriched my life in numerous methods. Constructing significant relationships with colleagues, resort visitors and mates from totally different backgrounds has been a spotlight, fostering a deep appreciation for the nation’s distinctive mix of cultures.
And naturally, that is the place I met Debbie, my spouse and the love of my life! I’ll at all times be grateful to Malaysia for being the place the place now we have met.
As a connoisseur of nice eating and distinctive wines in Kuala Lumpur, how would you describe the evolution of the F&B scene within the Malaysian capital over the previous decade?
Kuala Lumpur’s F&B scene has exploded over the previous decade, changing into extremely various and dynamic. We now have seen a surge in impartial cafes, progressive eating places, and complicated bars. The main target has shifted in direction of distinctive eating experiences, with cooks incorporating international influences and showcasing native components.
The arrival of The Michelin Star Awarded eating places in Kuala Lumpur has undoubtedly elevated the town’s F&B scene. The pursuit of Michelin recognition has pushed many eating places to try for larger requirements of culinary excellence, service, and general eating expertise. The arrival of the Michelin Stars Award has put Kuala Lumpur on the worldwide culinary map, attracting meals lovers and vacationers from around the globe. Moreover, the presence of Michelin-starred institutions has inspired the event of a extra refined and expert culinary workforce. Cooks are continuously pushing boundaries to create progressive and distinctive dishes that meet the excessive expectations set by Michelin requirements.
Whereas the Michelin Information has undoubtedly had a constructive impression, it’s necessary to keep in mind that Kuala Lumpur’s F&B scene was thriving even earlier than the arrival of the Michelin stars. Town presents a various vary of eating experiences, from road meals stalls to upscale eating places, catering to a variety of tastes and budgets.
For wine lovers, Kuala Lumpur has develop into a vacation spot in its personal proper. Town boasts a rising variety of wine bars and eating places with spectacular picks, providing every little thing from traditional Outdated World wines to thrilling “New World” discoveries.
The progressive progress within the final decade has additionally contributed to a rising center class with disposable revenue, which has fueled demand for high-quality eating experiences. The ability of social media influencers utilizing platforms like Instagram and Fb has amplified the attain of F&B companies, encouraging exploration and creating traits. The federal government has supported the F&B scene with initiatives selling tourism and culinary arts, which have fostered a thriving F&B ecosystem.
Kuala Lumpur has really come into its personal as a worldwide culinary hub, providing a vibrant and ever-evolving scene for each locals and guests. For me, this has been extraordinarily inspiring when designing F&B ideas in hospitality.
What are your favorite wine lounges and cocktails bars in Kuala Lumpur?
Debbie and I’ve a couple of in my checklist that I’ve visited, nonetheless, that is only a small choice, and Kuala Lumpur has many different glorious wine lounges and cocktail bars to discover. I at all times advocate checking on-line opinions and making reservations prematurely, particularly in the event you’re planning to go to throughout peak hours.
“Vintry” wine bar is a traditional alternative with an in depth wine checklist, good for each informal and severe wine lovers. They provide a variety of wines by the glass and bottle, together with scrumptious meals pairings.
“Wine Knot” presents a relaxed environment with a wide variety of wines and light-weight bites. I like their inside design and the general coziness of the ambiance, which could be very a lot wine cellar-inspired.
Being a wine fanatic, we get pleasure from these locations the place we will choose the wines from the cellar and revel in them instantly there. It makes the expertise fascinating and rewarding when you realize it pairs nicely with the meals you may have ordered.
For cocktail bars, I’d say “Penrose”, principally recognized for its progressive and inventive cocktails. It’s a fashionable spot for these in search of a complicated and trendy bar expertise.
Coley is a speakeasy-style bar providing a refined and intimate setting with expertly crafted cocktails.
What are your favorite eating places in Kuala Lumpur?
As talked about earlier Kuala Lumpur presents such a various culinary scene, that it’s arduous to decide on just some favorites. However a few of my go-to spots embody:
DC By Darren Chin — 1-Star Michelin Restaurant — has been a well-established nice eating restaurant for the previous 10 years and is well-known for his unimaginable expression of contemporary eating.
Sassorosso and Osteria Gamberoni, are two of my favourite Italian Eating places. Being Italian myself I get requested a number of instances for a advice for my finest Italian restaurant. You’ll discover a pleasant atmosphere, an excellent wine checklist, and particularly a superb gastronomic delicacies.
De Wan by Chef Wan, for authentic and “Kampung” model Malay Delicacies recipe. Chef Wan’s experience and creativity have been invested a couple of years in the past into De Wan and so they have opened a couple of eating places and cafés. The inside design is completely steeped in native custom and magnificence. The presence of a number of personal rooms provides that “home-y” feeling and exclusiveness.
For Chinese language delicacies, I’d say Abroad KL in Jalan Imbi. The well-established restaurant, is a must-stop for vacationers on the lookout for conventional Cantonese delicacies and the must-try dishes they’re well-known for.
For Indian meals, I’ve to say Thyme at PARKROYAL COLLECTION. After we opened the resort, we put plenty of concentrate on delivering authentic recipes from Southeast India, with a chef from Kerala and the unique Tandoori ovens are merely superb.
As somebody who enjoys personal dinners and distinctive wine explorations, what rising traits do you see shaping the world of wine consumption?
I see a rising pattern in direction of experiential wine consumption. Individuals are much less curious about merely consuming wine and are extra within the story behind it. This interprets to elevated demand for:
Personal wine tastings and dinners — like those I get pleasure from, supply a extra intimate and personalised expertise.
Demand for wine tourism and journey to essentially the most infamous locations equivalent to Italy, France, and Australia — visiting vineyards, assembly winemakers, and immersing oneself within the winemaking course of. When you perceive the story you’ll have a higher appreciation for what you drink and be extra selective following your palate.
Distinctive wine pairings — exploring inventive and surprising meals and wine mixtures. Be daring particularly with spicy cuisines or fusion recipes.
Sustainability is changing into more and more necessary to wine shoppers. We’re seeing an increase in demand for natural and biodynamic wines produced with minimal environmental impression.
Customers are additionally changing into extra adventurous of their wine decisions. We’re seeing a shift away from well-known manufacturers in direction of boutique, much less commercialised and uncommon grape varieties — exploring the range of the wine world.
Pure wines are made with minimal intervention, providing distinctive and typically surprising flavours. This might be a brand new pattern for the youthful generations with infused flavors making them refreshing and good worth.
Our personal ardour for personal dinners and distinctive wine exploration aligns completely with these traits. I imagine that these personalised experiences, coupled with a concentrate on sustainability and discovery, will proceed to form the way forward for wine consumption.
As somebody introducing lots of your Malaysian mates to the range of Italian wines, what suggestions would you give to younger wine lovers exploring Italy’s choices?
As a proud consultant of Italian wines, I imagine Italy’s unimaginable range makes it an thrilling vacation spot for younger wine lovers to discover. From gentle and refreshing whites to daring and sophisticated reds, there’s one thing for everybody.
For these simply starting their journey, I’d advocate beginning with approachable and refreshing choices like:
Prosecco: A glowing wine that’s good for celebrations and aperitifs, gentle and bubbly.
Pinot Grigio: A flexible white wine that pairs splendidly with dishes like seafood and pasta.
Lambrusco: Typically misunderstood, this glowing crimson wine is now crafted in trendy kinds which might be gentle, fruity, and ideal for informal gatherings.
Franciacorta glowing wines are Italy’s reply to Champagne, produced within the Lombardy Area utilizing the normal “Traditional Technique”. They’re well-known for his or her class, complexity and refined bubbles.
From there, I’d counsel exploring elegant entry-level reds equivalent to Chianti from Tuscany, Barbera d’Alba from Piemonte, and Valpolicella from Veneto.
As soon as accustomed to these classics, I encourage younger wine lovers to enterprise into lesser-known areas and grape varieties. Sicilian wines, for instance, supply distinctive worth and distinctive flavours. Etna wines, specifically, stand out for being fruity, elegant, and light-weight – a superb alternative for these in search of one thing totally different.
I additionally advocate visiting wine bars and tasting rooms, the place you’ll be able to pattern a wide range of wines and be taught from educated sommeliers. Internet hosting casual wine tastings with family and friends is one other nice approach to share bottles, focus on discoveries, and improve the general enjoyment of wine. It’s the social side of wine that creates unforgettable experiences and lasting recollections.
I anticipate extra frequent travels to Italy and counsel incorporating winery visits and leisurely lunches at native wine bars into the itineraries. Many of those institutions function complete wine lists and supply alternatives to style wines which might be not often exported, offering a novel and genuine expertise.
Sharing my ardour for Italian wines with mates has been deeply rewarding. By showcasing their range, approachability, and social enjoyment, I hope to encourage younger wine lovers to delve into the wealthy world of Italian viticulture.
In terms of French wines, do you end up drawn extra to the daring class of Bordeaux or the refined complexity of Burgundy?
Ah, a traditional wine fanatic’s dilemma!
It’s tough to decide on between Bordeaux and Burgundy! Each areas produce world-class wines with distinctive traits. I deeply admire the facility and construction of Bordeaux blends, whereas I’m captivated by the class and terroir expression of Burgundy. Finally, it will depend on the event and my temper. Typically I crave the boldness of a Bordeaux, whereas different instances I’m drawn to the subtlety of a Burgundy.
On one aspect I’m significantly keen on the wines of Saint-Émilion in Bordeaux for instance, and on the opposite aspect I’m fascinated by the Grand Crus of Côte de Nuits.
My experience in wine pairing has been enriched by Malaysia’s various culinary scene, which presents a variety of flavours and textures. Every pairing requires cautious analysis and experimentation to make sure that the wine enhances the meals, whether or not it’s daring and spicy or gentle and delicate. The objective is at all times to strike a steadiness in order that neither the meals nor the wine overpowers the palate.
My hidden expertise for cooking, mixed with my ardour for Italian gastronomy, is really unmatched. I’ve already conceptualised my very own F&B enterprise and am at present trying to find the right location.
Lately, Debbie and I had the pleasure of internet hosting a home-cooking and gastronomic session that includes Château Troplong Mondot, offered by their model ambassador, Thibault Odent. It was each an honour and a novel alternative to craft dishes that complemented such a prestigious Bordeaux property. Now, it appears inevitable that I’ll need to organise an identical session that includes Burgundy wines—although I’ve already hosted a lot with Italian wines, in fact!
In terms of French wines, do you end up drawn extra to the daring class of Bordeaux or the refined complexity of Burgundy?
The main target for 2025 will probably be to focus extra on bespoke experiences, equivalent to vertical or horizontal wine pairing dinners, classic wine tastings, and extra producers’ information sharing.
We additionally should be extra lively on what’s upcoming in Kuala Lumpur and join forward of time with key gamers to plan unique launch occasions.
Any wine-related journeys deliberate?
We’re at present planning a visit to Italy for the tip of March. We wish to go to cities like Milan, Alba, Florence, Chianti and Montalcino areas, and Valpolicella.
The following wine tour will probably be in France most likely Bordeaux first and typically sooner or later Burgundy. These are all good plans that take fairly a couple of months forward of time to rearrange. You will need to have a transparent calendar to facilitate such planning.
Is there a mentor who evokes you in your every day work?
Steve Jobs has been a relentless supply of inspiration. His unwavering concentrate on innovation, his relentless pursuit of perfection, and his skill to suppose outdoors the field have deeply influenced my method to work. I try to emulate his imaginative and prescient and drive to create merchandise and experiences that really resonate with folks.
Steve Jobs was not solely a visionary but in addition an distinctive chief. His skill to construct high-performing groups, foster a tradition of creativity, and encourage unwavering dedication in his workers is really admirable. I attempt to apply these management ideas in my very own work, specializing in constructing sturdy relationships, empowering my crew, and making a constructive and galvanizing work atmosphere.
Steve Jobs constantly emphasised the significance of understanding and exceeding buyer expectations. This customer-centric method has deeply resonated with me. I imagine that by really understanding the wants and wishes of our visitors, we will create distinctive experiences that foster lasting relationships and drive continued success.
Cristian Nannucci and his spouse, Debbie Tay, are each companions managing their very own life-style administration consultancy, Join PRKL, that focuses on growing folks relations in Kuala Lumpur, “Forging Strategic Partnerships & Networks” – www.connectprkl.com
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