Four Seasons Hotel Beijing

Four Seasons Tenure

• First from 2012 to 2020; now since 2023
• First Four Seasons Assignment: Four Seasons Hotel Milano

Employment History

• The Carlton Tower Hotel Jumeirah; Four Seasons Hotel at the Surf Club; Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane; Four Seasons Resort Seychelles; Four Seasons Hotel Firenze; Four Seasons Hotel Milano

Education

• Bocconi University Course of Food and Beverage Management, Certificate HACCP level 3

Birthplace

• Legnano, Milan, Italy

Languages Spoken

• Italian, English, French

Matteo Re Depaolini, the Chef de Cuisine of Mio, the Italian dining establishment within Four Seasons Hotel Beijing, redefines the heart of authentic Italian cuisine through a contemporary culinary perspective. Boasting over a decade of expertise in luxury global hotel service, Matteo epitomizes traditional Italian culinary artistry while breaking free from conventional boundaries. His imaginative concepts effortlessly traverse the realms of familiarity and surprise. Whether meticulously curating ingredients or passionately exploring their innate flavours, he showcases a craftsmanship deeply rooted in the opulent essence of Italian tradition. Whether summoning the vibrancy of southern Italy or presenting the nuances of northern flavours, Matteo's gastronomic creations promise to lead diners on an exquisite Italian culinary odyssey, transcending from the palate to the very soul.

Matteo's distinctive culinary vision finds its roots in traditional Italian culinary principles, which he skillfully transforms into inventive and contemporary dishes that resonate harmoniously with local dining habits and preferences. Embarking on his culinary journey at the tender age of 15, Matteo honed his skills at the E. Maggia cooking school, cultivating a deep fascination for exploring the rich tapestry of traditional Italian flavours. His culinary passion was further nurtured under the guidance of Michelin-starred Chef Davide Oldani in Milan. According to Matteo, culinary expertise matures over time, but the true catalyst for a chef's talent lies in intuition and sensation. Behind each meticulously crafted dish lies a plethora of careful experiments.

Engaging in conversation with Matteo reveals that, for him, cooking transcends the realm of mere routine. He consistently astonishes by fashioning delightful dishes grounded in traditional flavours and commonplace ingredients. In every moment spent in the kitchen, he practices the art of communication, sensation, and understanding. Venturing beyond the culinary haven, his goal is to seamlessly integrate into the dynamic culinary landscape of Beijing. His mission extends beyond serving delectable meals; it involves fostering trust and emotional connections with diners, sparking contemplation, and inspiring continuous culinary creation.

Matteo's culinary philosophy strikes a harmonious equilibrium between tradition and innovation, seamlessly marrying the comfort of familiarity with delightful surprises, all while remaining steadfast to traditional Italian culinary craftsmanship. Fuelled by spontaneous imagination and a grounded creativity, he approaches his culinary creations with an exploration of philosophy that transcends geographical boundaries.

Beyond merely presenting Italian culinary classics, Mio serves as a curator of gastronomic treasures, guiding diners on a transcendent journey from palate to soul. Whether invoking the emotions of southern Italy or embracing the nuanced flavours of the north, Matteo and his culinary team tirelessly explore local specialties and source high-quality imported ingredients. This commitment fosters a harmonious fusion, where Beijing's traditional Chinese flavours collide gracefully with Western cultural representations of Italian delicacies. The result is a delightful symphony that resonates through the taste buds, creating a truly memorable culinary experience.