Because the visionary hotelier behind profitable market and model positioning of some 5-stars accommodations 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 accommodations 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 high quality eating. As Founders of Join PRKL, KL’s Premium Life-style 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 help their progress.
You might have 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 accommodations in 2022, with a splendid and constant crew. It was merely superb how this undertaking embraced the eye of the local people as we opened the doorways two months after the Worldwide Borders allowed journey once more throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. This achievement was a testomony to the exhausting work and dedication of the crew and showcased the energy of collaboration and innovation inside the Malaysian hospitality trade.
I’m ever so grateful for the chance to work in Malaysia, it’s a memorable section in my life and deeply related to my skilled progress. I’ve had the privilege of working with extremely proficient 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 offered a difficult and rewarding setting 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, lodge visitors and associates from completely 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 all the time be grateful to Malaysia for being the place the place we’ve met.
As a connoisseur of high quality 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’ve got seen a surge in unbiased cafes, modern eating places, and complicated bars. The main focus 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 town’s F&B scene. The pursuit of Michelin recognition has pushed many eating places to attempt for increased requirements of culinary excellence, service, and total eating expertise. The arrival of the Michelin Stars Award has put Kuala Lumpur on the worldwide culinary map, attracting meals fanatics and vacationers from all over the world. Moreover, the presence of Michelin-starred institutions has inspired the event of a extra subtle and expert culinary workforce. Cooks are consistently pushing boundaries to create modern and distinctive dishes that meet the excessive expectations set by Michelin requirements.
Whereas the Michelin Information has undoubtedly had a constructive affect, it’s vital to keep in mind that Kuala Lumpur’s F&B scene was thriving even earlier than the arrival of the Michelin stars. The town affords a various vary of eating experiences, from road meals stalls to upscale eating places, catering to a variety of tastes and budgets.
For wine fanatics, Kuala Lumpur has grow to be a vacation spot in its personal proper. The town boasts a rising variety of wine bars and eating places with spectacular alternatives, providing the whole lot from basic Previous 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 listing that I’ve visited, nonetheless, that is only a small choice, and Kuala Lumpur has many different wonderful wine lounges and cocktail bars to discover. I all the time suggest checking on-line evaluations and making reservations upfront, particularly if you happen to’re planning to go to throughout peak hours.
“Vintry” wine bar is a basic alternative with an in depth wine listing, excellent for each informal and critical wine fanatics. They provide a variety of wines by the glass and bottle, together with scrumptious meals pairings.
“Wine Knot” affords a relaxed ambiance with a wide variety of wines and lightweight bites. I like their inside design and the general coziness of the ambiance, which may 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 luxuriate in them straight there. It makes the expertise attention-grabbing and rewarding when it pairs properly with the meals you have got ordered.
For cocktail bars, I might say “Penrose”, largely recognized for its modern and artistic cocktails. It’s a in style 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 affords such a various culinary scene, that it’s exhausting to decide on only a few favorites. However a few of my go-to spots embody:
DC By Darren Chin — 1-Star Michelin Restaurant — has been a well-established high quality 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 occasions for a advice for my greatest Italian restaurant. You’ll discover a pleasant setting, an excellent wine listing, and particularly a wonderful gastronomic delicacies.
De Wan by Chef Wan, for authentic and “Kampung” type Malay Delicacies recipe. Chef Wan’s experience and creativity had 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 totally steeped in native custom and magnificence. The presence of a number of non-public rooms provides that “home-y” feeling and exclusiveness.
For Chinese language delicacies, I might 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. Once we opened the lodge, 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 non-public 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. Persons are much less enthusiastic about merely consuming wine and are extra within the story behind it. This interprets to elevated demand for:
Non-public wine tastings and dinners — like those I get pleasure from, provide a extra intimate and personalised expertise.
Demand for wine tourism and journey to essentially the most infamous locations akin to Italy, France, and Australia — visiting vineyards, assembly winemakers, and immersing oneself within the winemaking course of. When you perceive the story you should have a higher appreciation for what you drink and be extra selective following your palate.
Distinctive wine pairings — exploring inventive and sudden meals and wine combos. Be daring particularly with spicy cuisines or fusion recipes.
Sustainability is changing into more and more vital to wine shoppers. We’re seeing an increase in demand for natural and biodynamic wines produced with minimal environmental affect.
Shoppers are additionally changing into extra adventurous of their wine selections. We’re seeing a shift away from well-known manufacturers in direction of boutique, much less commercialised and uncommon grape varieties — exploring the variety of the wine world.
Pure wines are made with minimal intervention, providing distinctive and generally sudden flavours. This could possibly 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 associates to the variety of Italian wines, what suggestions would you give to younger wine fanatics 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 fanatics to discover. From gentle and refreshing whites to daring and complicated reds, there’s one thing for everybody.
For these simply starting their journey, I’d suggest beginning with approachable and refreshing choices like:
Prosecco: A glowing wine that’s excellent for celebrations and aperitifs, gentle and bubbly.
Pinot Grigio: A flexible white wine that pairs splendidly with dishes like seafood and pasta.
Lambrusco: Usually misunderstood, this glowing pink wine is now crafted in fashionable kinds which can 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 “Basic Technique”. They’re well-known for his or her magnificence, complexity and refined bubbles.
From there, I’d recommend exploring elegant entry-level reds akin to Chianti from Tuscany, Barbera d’Alba from Piemonte, and Valpolicella from Veneto.
As soon as acquainted with these classics, I encourage younger wine lovers to enterprise into lesser-known areas and grape varieties. Sicilian wines, for instance, provide distinctive worth and distinctive flavours. Etna wines, specifically, stand out for being fruity, elegant, and lightweight – a wonderful alternative for these in search of one thing completely different.
I additionally suggest visiting wine bars and tasting rooms, the place you possibly can 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 option to share bottles, focus on discoveries, and improve the general enjoyment of wine. It’s the social facet of wine that creates unforgettable experiences and lasting recollections.
I anticipate extra frequent travels to Italy and recommend incorporating winery visits and leisurely lunches at native wine bars into the itineraries. Many of those institutions function complete wine lists and provide alternatives to style wines which can be hardly ever exported, offering a novel and genuine expertise.
Sharing my ardour for Italian wines with associates 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 magnificence of Bordeaux or the refined complexity of Burgundy?
Ah, a basic 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 magnificence and terroir expression of Burgundy. In the end, it is dependent upon the event and my temper. Generally I crave the boldness of a Bordeaux, whereas different occasions 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 affords 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 aim is all the time 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 presently trying to find the right location.
Not too long ago, Debbie and I had the pleasure of internet hosting a home-cooking and gastronomic session that includes Château Troplong Mondot, introduced 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 must organise the same session that includes Burgundy wines—although I’ve already hosted lots with Italian wines, in fact!
In terms of French wines, do you end up drawn extra to the daring magnificence of Bordeaux or the refined complexity of Burgundy?
The main focus for 2025 shall be to focus extra on bespoke experiences, akin to vertical or horizontal wine pairing dinners, classic wine tastings, and extra producers’ information sharing.
We additionally have to be extra energetic 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 presently planning a visit to Italy for the tip of March. We need to go to cities like Milan, Alba, Florence, Chianti and Montalcino areas, and Valpolicella.
The subsequent wine tour shall be in France likely Bordeaux first and generally 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 each day work?
Steve Jobs has been a continuing supply of inspiration. His unwavering concentrate on innovation, his relentless pursuit of perfection, and his skill to assume exterior the field have deeply influenced my method to work. I attempt to emulate his imaginative and prescient and drive to create merchandise and experiences that really resonate with individuals.
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 provoking work setting.
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 needs 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 creating individuals relations in Kuala Lumpur, “Forging Strategic Partnerships & Networks” – www.connectprkl.com
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