PERSEVERANCE IN TASTE & HEART
Francesco Fedrighi sits us down for a cosy chat with Koyyi Chin, sharing on his journey and what it takes to be a chef at Marini’s on 57
Sitting aloft at the 57th floor of Petronas Tower 3, the ambience at Marini’s on 57’s lounge is both comfortable and astoundingly lavish at the same time—the tall windows reveal the sprawling expanse of Kuala Lumpur city below. And sitting across, taking the time to speak to us, was chef Francesco Fedrighi. Possessing an impressive 16 years’ worth of experience under his belt, and having worked nearly all over Italy, he was originally born and raised in Verona of northern Italy, where he grew up surrounded by a love for fine Italian food.
What was your fondest memory related to your love of food?
The times when I’d cook with both my mother and my grandmother—we’d make homemade pasta like tortellini, gnocchi, and ravioli.
Tell us an interesting story about your journey in becoming a chef.
I remember being scared when I first started out at culinary school, because there were so many ingredients that I wasn’t quite fond of—one of them being fish! But after years of cooking, I grew accustomed to the variety of ingredients, no matter how strange it may seem at first.
What was the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from being at Marini’s on 57?
Modesto himself is a trained chef, and he’s super passionate about food! He always has an innovative vision on how key ingredients, which are seasonal at times, can be showcased on a plate but still retain the authenticity of fine Italian cuisine—something I find invaluable as I’ve learned to turn that very vision into the variety of unique dishes we have in our menu. As a result, I constantly strive to improve myself every day, in terms of cooking, right down to plating.
What does it take to be a chef at Marini’s on 57?
You have to have a passion for food. Qualities like creativity, perseverance, the ability to innovate and the drive to deliver the best dishes are an absolute must. I also find that good organisational and time management skills really help too. And you have to understand that while hard work is not without its rewards, balance is everything.
What are your hobbies outside of work, or rather what do you do to de-stress?
I work out in the early mornings before work; it energises me and refreshes my mind!