Chef Alessandro Stefoni heads the Palazzetto

Feb. 8, 2011 - PRLog -- Rome, February 8, 2011. Authentic flavors without sacrificing creativity or the desire to make an impression are just some of the qualities that Roberto Wirth, President and General Manager of the Hassler Roma, recognized in Roman Chef Alessandro Stefoni to whom he entrusted the guidance of the Palazzetto restaurant.

Chef Stefoni returns to the Hassler Roma where he collaborated with Chef Francesco Apreda from 2007 to 2008 at the Michelin starred restaurant, Imàgo.

This young Roman chef takes over the kitchen once headed by Neapolitan chef, Vincenzo Di Tuoro, who after a four-year experience at the head of the Palazzetto’s restaurant was chosen by Roberto Wirth and Chef Apreda, consultants of the Italian restaurants of the Oberoi hotels in Mumbai and New Delhi, to head the renowned restaurant Vetro in Mumbai.

The Palazzetto, a prestigious 16th century building with an exclusive view of the Spanish Steps, features four charming rooms, a wine bar, and is a marvelous place to enjoy a pleasurable break any time of day. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner. The restaurant features two inner venues—the library and the fireplace rooms. You can also enjoy the covered garden. In warmer seasons, the restaurant and the wine bar offer a magnificent panoramic terrace with a striking and unique view of the city.

The food and wine menu at the Palazzetto restaurant is now under the care of Chef Alessandro Stefoni. For lunch, the chef offers a light menu, featuring tasty salads, sandwiches and cold meats and starters, perfect for a break from work.  For dinner, the chef suggests more traditional Roman dishes such as “tonnarelli alla carbonara” (pasta made with water and flour dressed with a bacon, eggs and cheese sauce) and other tasty dishes created during his work experience abroad. For example, the menu offers delicious experience like the “riso al salto alla valenziana” (sautéed rice Valencia style) or winter pan mushrooms with chestnuts and warm ricotta cheese.

Alessandro Stefoni started his career in 2001 working for the Sol Melià Hotel group. In 2004, Chef Stefoni lives the most significant experience of his career; he meets Chef Antonio Bufi his great mentor at the “Le Bistrot de Venise” restaurant in Venice. In January 2007, they meet again at the Hotel Santa Venere in Maratea, where Stefoni works as pastry chef.

In 2006, for the first time in his career, Stefoni works the alongside a starred chef, Alfio Ghezzi, at the “Hosteria dell’Orso,” owned by Gualtiero Marchesi.

Alessandro Stefoni’s professional experience has sturdy international influence, with a strong Spanish cuisine influence. He participated in seminars held by Tolo Trias, a renowned Spanish chef. In 2010, during his employment at the “Reale Club Nautico” (Royal Yacht Club) in Palma de Mallorca, he demonstrated his talent as chef when he cooked for the Spanish King.

“Passion for his profession and a constant search for innovative ideas to be placed at the service of the Palazzetto are the just some of the qualities that I noticed in Mr. Stefoni. I am certain that he will deliver and provide our guests with total satisfaction when savoring his delicious and tasty dishes,” assures Roberto Wirth, President and General Manager of the Hassler Roma.

Hassler Roma hotel has a total of 95 rooms, 13 of which are suites. It is located at the top of the Spanish Steps (Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti) and, is recognized as the best hotel in the capital by the prestigious American magazines, Condé Nast Traveler and Travel & Leisure.  It offers a classic and elegant setting, where recently added modern touches result in the perfect balance between past and present. The magnificent “Salone Eva”, represents “the” most famous lounge in the heart of the Eternal city from a historical perspective. It is the perfect place for afternoon tea, a business lunch or for a snack after the theater. The hotel’s restaurant, ”Imàgo” (one star Michelin), is located on the sixth floor and offers one of the most strikingly beautiful views of the Eternal city. Enjoy the setting along with the high quality modern dishes created by Chef Francesco Apreda.

A few steps away and next to the Spanish Steps is the Palazzetto, which offers an elegant and unique setting. It features four charming rooms, beautiful lounges and a restaurant with beautiful panoramic terrace.

Hassler Roma was founded in 1893 and has been owned by the Wirth family since the 1920’s. Today the acting President and General Manager is Roberto Wirth, a direct descendant, who with almost 30 years experience in hotel management, is the most experienced hotel manager in Italy, and legendary landlord of this magnificent five star luxury jewel of the hotel industry. Consider this property the ideal meeting place for political, economic and cultural exchange at the highest level for national and international celebrities.

In 1999, Roberto Wirth, President and General Manager of the Hassler Roma Hotel bought the Palazzetto with the intention of expanding the historic hotel brand located on Trinità dei Monti Square. The Palazzetto and the International Wine Academy of Rome both created personally by Roberto Wirth, share one of the most spectacular sites in the heart of Rome. While savoring the magnificence of these surroundings, consider that this is the same place where, over 2000 years ago, Locullo held his famous sumptuous banquets.

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