Overview
Renowned German chef and owner of the famous La Pergola restaurant in Rome, chef Heinz Beck, is coming to host three exclusive dinners at Sydney's Caffe Sicilia in late November. Beck, having cooked for a startling number from the famous club including First Lady Michelle Obama, heartthrob Leonardo Di Caprio and Latin temptress Penelope Cruz, is no stranger to all things decadent.
Concrete Playground caught up with Beck before his first ever visit down under to talk all things food, Rome and celebs.
Heinz, can you tell us what piqued your interest in food and how your career started out?
The thought of being a chef never crossed my mind, I actually wanted to be a painter when I was young. But I've always had a creative bent and when I was 15 I ended up in culinary school quite by chance.
What are some of the most exciting things happening on the international food scene at the moment?
I am very involved in the trend towards healthier eating. This is a recent international trend however I have been advocating healthy eating for over 10 years. The quality of the produce and realising its full potential is the most important thing in producing good food.
You're well known for your restaurant, La Pergola, in Rome. What's a typical dining experience like at La Pergola and what do you think your restaurant contributes to Italy's culinary scene?
I like to think every aspect of the dining experience would be wonderful. So much effort goes into every dish. It is also important to me that I offer not only a lovely dinner, but also a healthy experience!
You've cooked for an all-star line up of celebrities including Michelle Obama, Leonardo Di Caprio and Penelope Cruz. What is it like to cook for the famous and can you share your most memorable moment?
I like to cook for everyone – every customer is the most important customer. Naturally it is exciting to be recognised by people from all around the world. Michelle Obama enjoyed my fagotelli a la carbonara dish, which is one my signatures.
You're visiting Sydney to host a series of exclusive dinners at Caffe Sicilia. What can we expect from these dinners?
We will be using a mix of European and Australian produce. I am going to show guests at my dinner a very modern, healthy way of eating Sicilian food. I will recreate my signature dishes from La Pergola but also use Caffe Sicilia as inspiration. Guests will get to experience the ultimate dining food affair.
How would you describe Sydney's gastronomic scene?
I have never been to Australia before but I have heard about your Australian chefs. What some of them are doing is very interesting, they have the best playground of produce to prepare and cook which is recipe for success. I am looking forward to sampling the food first hand.
Life without good food is ... no life for me!
Heinz Beck will host three exclusive dinners at Caffe Sicilia on 28 and 29 November and 1 December 2012. To purchase tickets, please visit Caffe Sicilia's website.