MICHELIN-starred chef Matteo Temperini, executive chef of Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco, is celebrated for refined, ingredient-driven cuisine rooted in authenticity. With a deep respect for Italian culinary heritage, he brought a taste of Tuscany to Rosewood Abu Dhabi briefly.
How has your Tuscan cultural heritage shaped your identity and vision as a MICHELIN-starred chef?
I’m a native Tuscan, and the cultural heritage of my region flows through my veins. In particular, its culinary traditions are deeply rooted in my identity. Moreover, I have a profound love for Tuscany, its culture and its authentic products. Above all, I feel a profound bond with “la mia terra,” which shapes my philosophy. It continues to inspire both my daily work and my dishes.
In what ways do tradition and terroir continue to guide your cooking style?
Castiglion del Bosco has an organic kitchen garden located just steps from our Michelin-starred restaurant. Its produce, including vegetables, aromatic herbs and spices, is an essential element of my cuisine. These ingredients form the heart of our vegan menu, where the main goal is to highlight their flavors. At the same time, they are key ingredients across our other menus. In these menus, the ingredients remain authentically Tuscan, including meats and seafood. Moreover, some preparations are inspired by traditional local recipes. Indeed, traditions are treasures that must never be lost. Therefore, regional traditions and local ingredients are fundamental elements of my cuisine. Many of them are deeply connected to my past and my childhood. For example, they include recipes I saw prepared at home and flavors I grew up with. These are reinterpreted in my own way while always honoring their origins.
How do you balance authenticity with modern culinary expectations?
Innovation and authenticity can coexist, each bringing out the best in the other. I believe in honoring and respecting traditions, without completely overturning them. I prefer to enhance and highlight their value. In this way, guests who may expect and love purely modern cuisine can still fully appreciate the depth and richness of authentic flavors. Thus, it’s about creating a balance where heritage meets creativity, allowing tradition to shine in a contemporary context.
