The evolution of epicurean expression that is Massimo Navarretta has taken many beautiful forms along the more than 30 year journey. Along the way, I’ve been fortunate enough to express myself with restaurants like Enoteca, Scampi, and now Onotria. Growing up on a farm in the vibrant agricultural Italian town of Caserta I stay true to my roots and it is expressed in every dish, as I share glimpses of the first flavors introduced to me as a boy. Starting from my travels in culinary school, I came to understand how through food I could clearly express the essence of each regional cuisine.

Forging relationships with what were, at that time unknown artisanal wine producers (who would later become known as the great producers of their respective regions), I isolated the pronounced flavors inherent in the soil and paired them with local ingredients and intensifying the flavors of each hand crafted dish. This creative and calculated gamble has lead to one of the finest and most sought after cellars in Orange County, coupled with a menu offering dishes whose flavors are complimentary down to your last bite. I am pleased and honored to have you as my guest.

Mangia bene, vivi felice

Friday, August 17, 2012

cult personality

This morning while working in the garden at Onotria at around  five a thought occurred to me.  Perhaps it  is better to explain our lives and our passions. Everything around the world, the culture of food, our customs and way of life have always been a point of interest to me. As an artist when you believe in your skills and your creativity it is easy to confuse people and a passionate approach can sometimes come off as strong, arrogant and unapproachable. In general, mostly because people don't really know you. Most chefs and colleagues are the dearest people who put forth hard work and especially love serving people. Many people around us who make a lot of noise, creating the perception cult personalities and in most cases they are not really true. I love to share to amuse and be amused. I love sincerity, to be stimulated intellectually.  I enjoy having fun and trying new things. So if people want to feel closer and get to know me, just come over in the morning and work in the vineyard.  We'll have coffee and chat. This year the vines are beautiful and the grapes are exceptional. We are going to make another splendid wine and uncork our last vintage on the first week of September. Salute Massimo.

No comments:

Post a Comment