Because the visionary hotelier behind profitable market and model positioning of some 5-stars inns in Kuala Lumpur. Cristian Nannucci has redefined what it means to mix sustainability with luxurious. With a long time of expertise within the hospitality business 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 inns throughout a world 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 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 development.
You may have in depth expertise as a hotelier in Asia, particularly in Malaysia. What have been your most memorable experiences within the nation?
One among my most memorable experiences in Kuala Lumpur was to efficiently open two 5-star inns in 2022, with a splendid and constant workforce. It was merely wonderful how this undertaking embraced the eye of the area people as we opened the doorways two months after the Worldwide Borders allowed journey once more in the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. This achievement was a testomony to the onerous work and dedication of the workforce and showcased the energy of collaboration and innovation inside the Malaysian hospitality business.
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 development. 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 give attention to innovation, has offered a difficult and rewarding atmosphere to hone my expertise and contribute to the business’s success.
Past the skilled achievements, the cultural immersion has been actually 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 company and buddies 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 at all times be grateful to Malaysia for being the place the place we now 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, turning into extremely various and dynamic. We now have seen a surge in unbiased cafes, progressive eating places, and complicated bars. The main focus has shifted in direction of distinctive eating experiences, with cooks incorporating international influences and showcasing native elements.
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 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 fanatics and vacationers from all over the world. Moreover, the presence of Michelin-starred institutions has inspired the event of a extra refined and expert culinary workforce. Cooks are continually 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 affect, it’s essential to do not forget 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 avenue meals stalls to upscale eating places, catering to a variety of tastes and budgets.
For wine fanatics, 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 choices, providing every thing from traditional Previous World wines to thrilling “New World” discoveries.
The progressive development within the final decade has additionally contributed to a rising center class with disposable earnings, which has fueled demand for high-quality eating experiences. The facility of social media influencers utilizing platforms like Instagram and Fb has amplified the attain of F&B companies, encouraging exploration and creating tendencies. 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 actually come into its personal as a world 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 number of in my listing 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 suggest checking on-line evaluations and making reservations prematurely, particularly if you happen to’re planning to go to throughout peak hours.
“Vintry” wine bar is a traditional alternative with an intensive wine listing, good for each informal and severe wine fanatics. 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 selection 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 take pleasure in these locations the place we are able to choose the wines from the cellar and luxuriate in them straight there. It makes the expertise fascinating and rewarding when you already know it pairs nicely with the meals you’ve gotten ordered.
For cocktail bars, I might say “Penrose”, largely identified for its progressive and artistic cocktails. It’s a fashionable spot for these in search of a classy and classy 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 onerous to decide on just some favorites. However a few of my go-to spots embrace:
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 suggestion for my greatest Italian restaurant. You will see a pleasant atmosphere, an excellent wine listing, and particularly a superb gastronomic delicacies.
De Wan by Chef Wan, for unique and “Kampung” fashion Malay Delicacies recipe. Chef Wan’s experience and creativity had been invested a number of years in the past into De Wan they usually have opened a number 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 searching 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 lodge, we put numerous give attention to delivering unique recipes from Southeast India, with a chef from Kerala and the unique Tandoori ovens are merely wonderful.
As somebody who enjoys non-public dinners and distinctive wine explorations, what rising tendencies do you see shaping the world of wine consumption?
I see a rising development in direction of experiential wine consumption. Individuals are much less fascinated with merely ingesting wine and are extra within the story behind it. This interprets to elevated demand for:
Non-public wine tastings and dinners — like those I take pleasure in, supply a extra intimate and personalised expertise.
Demand for wine tourism and journey to probably 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 artistic and surprising meals and wine combos. Be daring particularly with spicy cuisines or fusion recipes.
Sustainability is turning into more and more essential to wine customers. We’re seeing an increase in demand for natural and biodynamic wines produced with minimal environmental affect.
Customers are additionally turning 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 surprising flavours. This could possibly be a brand new development 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 tendencies. I consider that these personalised experiences, coupled with a give attention to sustainability and discovery, will proceed to form the way forward for wine consumption.
As somebody introducing lots of your Malaysian buddies 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 consider Italy’s unimaginable variety makes it an thrilling vacation spot for younger wine fanatics 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 suggest 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 pink wine is now crafted in trendy types which might be gentle, fruity, and excellent for informal gatherings.
Franciacorta glowing wines are Italy’s reply to Champagne, produced within the Lombardy Area utilizing the standard “Basic Methodology”. They’re well-known for his or her magnificence, 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 aware of 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 lightweight – a superb alternative for these in search of one thing completely different.
I additionally suggest visiting wine bars and tasting rooms, the place you may pattern a wide range of wines and study from educated sommeliers. Internet hosting casual wine tastings with family and friends is one other nice strategy 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 reminiscences.
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 characteristic 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 buddies has been deeply rewarding. By showcasing their variety, approachability, and social enjoyment, I hope to encourage younger wine lovers to delve into the wealthy world of Italian viticulture.
Relating to French wines, do you end up drawn extra to the daring magnificence 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 ability and construction of Bordeaux blends, whereas I’m captivated by the magnificence and terroir expression of Burgundy. Finally, it is determined by the event and my temper. Generally I crave the boldness of a Bordeaux, whereas different instances I’m drawn to the subtlety of a Burgundy.
On one facet I’m significantly keen on the wines of Saint-Émilion in Bordeaux for instance, and on the opposite facet 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 purpose is at all times to strike a stability 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 actually unmatched. I’ve already conceptualised my very own F&B enterprise and am presently looking for the right location.
Lately, 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 need to organise the same session that includes Burgundy wines—although I’ve already hosted loads with Italian wines, in fact!
Relating to 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 can be to focus extra on bespoke experiences, equivalent to vertical or horizontal wine pairing dinners, classic wine tastings, and extra producers’ data sharing.
We additionally should 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 want to go to cities like Milan, Alba, Florence, Chianti and Montalcino areas, and Valpolicella.
The following wine tour can be in France most likely Bordeaux first and generally sooner or later Burgundy. These are all good plans that take fairly a number of months forward of time to rearrange. You will need to have a transparent calendar to facilitate such planning.
Is there a mentor who conjures up you in your each day work?
Steve Jobs has been a continuing supply of inspiration. His unwavering give attention to innovation, his relentless pursuit of perfection, and his potential to suppose outdoors the field have deeply influenced my strategy 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 potential to construct high-performing groups, foster a tradition of creativity, and encourage unwavering dedication in his staff is actually admirable. I attempt to apply these management ideas in my very own work, specializing in constructing robust relationships, empowering my workforce, and making a constructive and galvanizing work atmosphere.
Steve Jobs constantly emphasised the significance of understanding and exceeding buyer expectations. This customer-centric strategy has deeply resonated with me. I consider that by actually understanding the wants and needs of our company, we are able to 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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