Because the visionary hotelier behind profitable market and model positioning of some 5-stars motels in Kuala Lumpur. Cristian Nannucci has redefined what it means to mix sustainability with luxurious. With many years 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 motels 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 tremendous 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’ve gotten intensive expertise as a hotelier in Asia, particularly in Malaysia. What have been your most memorable experiences within the nation?​ 

One in every of my most memorable experiences in Kuala Lumpur was to efficiently open two 5-star motels in 2022, with a splendid and constant staff. 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 throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. This achievement was a testomony to the arduous work and dedication of ​the staff and showcased the ​energy of collaboration and innovation throughout 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 concentrate on 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 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 friends and associates 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 all the time be grateful to Malaysia for being the place the place we’ve met.

As a connoisseur of tremendous 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. Now we have seen a surge in unbiased cafes, revolutionary eating places, and complicated bars. The main target has shifted in the direction of distinctive eating experiences, with cooks incorporating world 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 attempt for greater 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 fans 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 revolutionary and distinctive dishes that meet the excessive expectations set by Michelin requirements.

Whereas the Michelin Information has undoubtedly had a constructive influence, 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. The town gives a various vary of eating experiences, from road meals stalls to upscale eating places, catering to a variety of tastes and budgets.

For wine fans, Kuala Lumpur has turn out to be a vacation spot in its personal proper. The town boasts a rising variety of wine bars and eating places with spectacular picks, providing the whole lot 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 ability of social media influencers utilizing platforms like Instagram and Fb has amplified the attain of F&B companies, encouraging exploration and creating developments. 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, nevertheless, 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 opinions and making reservations prematurely, particularly in case you’re planning to go to throughout peak hours.

“Vintry” wine bar is a traditional alternative with an in depth wine listing, excellent for each informal and critical wine fans. They provide a variety of wines by the glass and bottle, together with scrumptious meals pairings.

“Wine Knot” gives a relaxed environment with a wide variety of wines and lightweight 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 luxuriate in them immediately there. It makes the expertise attention-grabbing and rewarding when you understand it pairs properly with the meals you have got ordered.

For cocktail bars, I’d say “Penrose”, largely identified for its revolutionary and artistic cocktails. It’s a in style spot for these searching for a classy 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 gives such a various culinary scene, that it’s arduous 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 tremendous 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 suggestion for my greatest Italian restaurant. You will discover a pleasant atmosphere, an excellent wine listing, and particularly a superb gastronomic delicacies.  

De Wan by Chef Wan, for unique 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 they usually 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 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. Once we opened the lodge, we put a lot of concentrate on delivering unique recipes from Southeast India, with a chef from Kerala and the unique Tandoori ovens are merely wonderful.

I see a rising development in the direction of experiential wine consumption. Individuals are much less interested by 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 get pleasure from, provide a extra intimate and personalised expertise.

Demand for wine tourism and journey to probably the most infamous locations reminiscent of 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 better appreciation for what you drink and be extra selective following your palate.

Distinctive wine pairings — exploring artistic and surprising meals and wine mixtures. Be daring particularly with spicy cuisines or fusion recipes.

Sustainability is changing into more and more essential to wine customers. We’re seeing an increase in demand for natural and biodynamic wines produced with minimal environmental influence.

Shoppers are additionally changing into extra adventurous of their wine selections. We’re seeing a shift away from well-known manufacturers in the 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 might 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 developments. I consider 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 a lot of your Malaysian associates to the variety of Italian wines, what suggestions would you give to younger wine fans exploring Italy’s choices?

As a proud consultant of Italian wines, I consider Italy’s unimaginable range makes it an thrilling vacation spot for younger wine fans to discover. From mild 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, mild 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 types which might be mild, fruity, and excellent for informal gatherings.

Franciacorta glowing wines are Italy’s reply to Champagne, produced within the Lombardy Area utilizing the normal “Basic Methodology”. They’re well-known for his or her magnificence, complexity and refined bubbles.

From there, I’d recommend exploring elegant entry-level reds reminiscent of 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, particularly, stand out for being fruity, elegant, and lightweight – a superb alternative for these searching for one thing totally different.

I additionally suggest visiting wine bars and tasting rooms, the place you possibly can pattern quite a lot of wines and study from educated sommeliers. Internet hosting casual wine tastings with family and friends is one other nice strategy to share bottles, talk about 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 recommend incorporating winery visits and leisurely lunches at native wine bars into the itineraries. Many of those institutions characteristic complete wine lists and provide alternatives to style wines which might be not often 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 the case of 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 troublesome 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. Finally, it is dependent upon the event and my temper. Typically I crave the boldness of a Bordeaux, whereas different occasions I’m drawn to the subtlety of a Burgundy.

On one aspect I’m notably 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 gives 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 mild 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 actually unmatched. I’ve already conceptualised my very own F&B enterprise and am presently looking for the proper location.

Just 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 should organise the same session that includes Burgundy wines—although I’ve already hosted a lot with Italian wines, in fact!

In the case of French wines, do you end up drawn extra to the daring magnificence of Bordeaux or the refined complexity of Burgundy?

The main target for 2025 will likely be to focus extra on bespoke experiences, reminiscent of 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.

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 subsequent wine tour will likely 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. It is very important 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 concentrate on innovation, his relentless pursuit of perfection, and his capacity to suppose 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 folks.

Steve Jobs was not solely a visionary but in addition an distinctive chief. His capacity to construct high-performing groups, foster a tradition of creativity, and encourage unwavering dedication in his workers is actually admirable. I attempt to apply these management ideas in my very own work, specializing in constructing robust relationships, empowering my staff, and making a constructive and galvanizing work atmosphere.

Steve Jobs persistently emphasised the significance of understanding and exceeding buyer expectations. This customer-centric method has deeply resonated with me. I consider that by really understanding the wants and wishes of our friends, 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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