By Demola Balogun
A recent encounter with Massimo Priore, restaurant manager, 1415 Italian Restaurant, Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos provided a great experience and pleasure of fine dining (pasta), vintage wine and international hospitality standards at the hotel.
The workaholic Massimo, with rolled sleeves and keen eyes on operations and minute details in the restaurant, is on hand personally to welcome guests for a delightful dining experience and memorable stay. Between 12 noon and 4pm, families and friends are treated to fresh pasta continental combo and specialty Sunday Brunch for Italian food lovers and curious local gourmets.
On his Italian extravagant food flair, Massimo said: “My job entails planning, directing and guiding our staff and associates to the highest hospitality standards, by providing first class customer service and an elegant Italian culinary culture. I am involved in exploring the hotel and kitchen operations in all its service aspects – from in-room guests dining service, restaurant dining, and lounge food tingeing, and ensuring the best of Italian culinary tradition”.
During a visit to the restaurant, one could see a huge delicatessen spread from delicious selection of confectionery, and exotic desserts, candy wafers, grilled jumbo prawns created from fresh ingredients.
According to Massimo, 1415 Restaurant prepares fresh delicious meals inspired by quality recipe formula infused in Italian culinary tradition for guests to have a taste of Italy. “Hospitality has always been my passion. When l was a little boy, I used to accompany my father to Italian Grand Prix and we often capped the exciting races and family escape with special lunch treat at Grand Hotels. The experience made great impact in my career plan and professional development in the hospitality industry. I still remember with nostalgia the hospitality treat given to us which I relished with gusto. So, it was easy to find my call in the hospitality industry,” he said.