ALFREDO RUSSO

The Italian chef checks in on his Sheraton restaurant

At Vivaldi, I love the way our chefs cook: everything is focused on the quality and flavour of the ingredients. That is the Italian way.

If I had to name one ingredient I can’t live without, it’s good quality olive oil. Of course – I’m Italian! I also always need to have parmiggiano cheese and pasta in my kitchen.

One of my strongest food memories is working with white truffles in Italy during truffle season. I made a wonderful soup of potato, white truffle and cheese – it was unforgettable.

Food is a mirror for understanding cultures. Whenever I travel – whether to Asia, Mexico or Europe – I must try the local restaurants and local ingredients.

Nowadays there are too many showy restaurants. I don’t like that. For me, the perfect meal is one that’s healthy, simple and memorable.

To have an emotional connection with food, you need to recognise it and experience it. That’s how you make memories, of people and places and meals together. That doesn’t happen when the plate is too showy.

Cooking is an act of love. When food is cooked with such care and emotion, you can taste it. I can tell when a chef is all about technique, but without any heart.

Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers, Baniyas Street, Dubai, daily noon to 3pm and 7pm to 11pm. Tel: (04) 2071717. Metro: Union Square. vivaldidubai.com