Paulo de Tarso appoints Maurizio Morelli as head chef of new Italian restaurant
Paulo de Tarso and partner Nicolas Jaouën have appointed Maurizio Morelli as head chef for their new Italian venture, Margot, which opens in Covent Garden this summer.
Maurizio, who hails from Latina, near Rome, will move from his role as chef patron at Latium restaurant. Paulo said: “Our dream for Margot is that it will be an amazing Italian restaurant, celebrating the country and its many regions.
Maurizio’s depth of knowledge and passion for bringing together gorgeous ingredients will bring an incredible authenticity to Margot, which is so important to Nicolas and me. He has a great background and is as passionate as we are to take this journey.” After finishing his catering college degree, Maurizio worked his way through Italy finessing his skill, including the Hassler Hotel in Rome. He came to London to work at the Lanesborough hotel, and from there he moved to Stefano Cavallini at The Halkin hotel before opening Ibla restaurant in Marylebone as head chef where he earned a Bib Gourmand.
He went on to open Latium in 2003 as chef patron which quickly gained a reputation as one of the city’s finest Italian restaurants. In 2012, he opened Briciole, a casual modern Italian trattoria with a delicatessen. Paulo continued: “Maurizio is a humble individual and we are proud to be working with him." Paulo, who left his role as maître d’ of Daniel Boulud’s London outpost, Bar Boulud, 29 January told The Caterer in November that he wants Margot, which will have approximately 100 covers, to celebrate the glamour and rustic charm of Italian design and craft with a focus on great food and great service, and simple elegance - combining comfort and a refined but lively setting. “We want it to feel warm and inviting while at the same time bringing that energy of a little bit of excitement and allure.” Nicolas Jaouën, meanwhile, left his role as general manager at Mayfair’s La Petite Maison on 14 February.
>>>READ: Paulo de Tarso Chanes, Maitre D’, Bar Boulud, London
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