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Go JRE-Inside+Interview with Pietro d'Agostino
Pietro d'Agostino is chef at restaurant La Capinera. This talented chef is a true force of creative culinary energy. His approach to food is firmly based on the journey of the ingredients, from the kitchen and the table all the way to the mouth. After his culinary education, Pietro worked at various top restaurants. In 2003, he returned to his beloved Taormina, where he opened his own restaurant La Capinera. We asked the chef some questions to get to know him better, about his culinary inspiration, his favourite dish, and a whole lot more.
Pietro, how would you describe your cooking style?
I love cooking my region's products and personally select all the ingredients for my cuisine, with specific reference to organic food, creating unique and sophisticated dishes. My daily attention is dedicated to a sustainable way of living, which means to save, preserve and respect every single ingredient present in my dishes.
What's your favourite dish to make?
I love making fish dishes. I love its freshness, its elegant taste both when it's raw and cooked. I love to find interesting combinations of flavours even while cooking fish. There's one dish that I love to cook above all: red prawns with sesame seeds and pine nut sauce: an explosion of taste thanks to its sweetness and the aromatic flavours.
What is your favourite ingredient to work with?
My cuisine is vary famous for fish as the main ingredient, but I have to confess that my favourite ingredients are seasonal vegetables. I love their taste, colours and the powerful touch they can give to a dish.
I have to confess that my favourite ingredients are seasonal vegetables.
La Capinera
Who is one of your top suppliers or producers?
I enjoy working with all the professional suppliers that can guarantee quality and professional services. I work with international suppliers too, but my favourite suppliers are the local farmers and fishermen as they are so close to me, my philosophy and my culinary style.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your culinary career?
My biggest challenge was to obtain and maintain a Michelin-starred restaurant. It's not easy to meet the high expectations of my customers and the food lovers I meet every day in my work.
Which gastronomic trend are you excited about the most?
I'm really enthusiastic when I meet colleagues working on sustainability concepts in their kitchen. This is not only a gastronomic trend but it's a strong change in our global everyday lifestyle.
If you could only eat one dish for the rest of your life, what would that be?
Pasta al pomodoro, for sure.
What’s one thing in the area that your guests absolutely need to see or do?
I always suggest visitors to go see the charming and fascinating centre of Taormina, with its unique Greek Theatre.
Thank you, Pietro.
Book your table at restaurant La Capinera
Try chef Pietro d'Agostino’s creative Sicilian cuisine for yourself at restaurant La Capinera in Taormina, Italy. You can make your lunch or dinner reservation through our website, for an unforgettable culinary experience.