I like to draw a kitchen that embodies the most recognisable values of Italianism without losing sight of a contemporary twist. - Roberto Villa Bordering the lively Piazzetta, our sophisticated restaurant at Belmond Splendido Mare immerses you in timeless glamour. Chef Roberto Villa s tempting menus focus on fresh, succulent fish from the Gulf and his desserts are to die for.
CHUFLAY RESTAURANT Step back in time to the glamour of decades past. This sophisticated restaurant has been graced by stars of the silver screen and political luminaries alike - all entranced by the exquisite Italian cuisine. Settle inside in complete luxury, or take a seat on the terrace bordering the bustling piazzetta for romantic dining in the gentle coastal breeze. The small seaside town of Portofino, Italy, has a number of restaurants begging tourists to visit them, but Chuflay Bar & Restaurant at Belmond Splendido Mare doesn t need to beg instead, it woos its patrons. This iconic restaurant is reminiscent of days gone by and offers a bar and a restaurant, with indoor and alfresco seating on the terrace bordering the piazzetta. Chuflay, which got its name years ago from shooing flies away from the gorgeous food, is in a fantastic location right along the water s edge in Portofino providing some fantastic views of the harbour, but set back far enough that you won t be bothered by the hustle and bustle of the influx of tourists.
The restaurant conjures up the glamour of decades past. Escape Portofino s captivating harbourside for a cool aperitif and appetising snacks at Belmond Splendido Mare s Chuflay Bar. Gentle piano music fills the air each evening until midnight and adds to the already fabulous atmosphere. So relax by the harbour with a glass of wine and take it all in. Dine inside or take a seat on the terrace bordering the bustling piazzetta, either way feel totally at home with the courteous staff. There are so many divine options for appetisers and mains, but don t dare miss dessert! The sophisticated charm of the restaurant has attracted famous guests such as James Cameron, Ronald Howard, Rod Stewart, and recently Rihanna. Opening times: Lunch: 12.30-15.30 Dinner: 19.30-23.00 DISCOVER THE CHUFLAY RESTAURANT MENU
ROBERTO VILLA EXECUTIVE CHEF Elegant and exclusive context, it has been an institution for the famous piazzetta of Portofino for over 20 years. The Chuflay Bar Restaurant at the Belmond Hotel Splendido Mare with its sophisticated charm has always attracted famous guests such as James Cameron, Ronald Howard and Rod Stewart. And it is here that since 2001 the Executive Chef Roberto Villa has run the kitchen at one of Portofino s most prestigious restaurants. Roberto Villa is from Nizza Monferrato, a land rich in renowned raw materials, from truffles to Monferrato and Langhe wines. Here, the passion for cooking is easy to sprout. Roberto attended the hotel school in Camogli and then embarked on cruise ships, ready to face a very intense course, where he managed to handle all the catering tasks: the mess-tin was complete and ready for his first adventures on the ground in the Ligurian territory. An important journey began in the catering area between Santa Margherita Ligure, Camogli and Sanremo. Later he started a very important experience in Rapallo, where he worked at the Hotel Bristol for six years. Here he learned to work well, with order and method, respect for others, and humility. He understands that constancy always rewards and carries you forward, in life and in work. After managing new restaurants and opening hotels in the Ligurian territory, he arrived at the Belmond Hotel Splendido Mare in 2001, a new important challenge that wins on all fronts, including the human one. The clientele of the hotel on the piazzetta is enchanted by this Chef, who knows how to create a family atmosphere, and time after time the customers go to visit him they call him, they enter the kitchen to greet him almost as if they were at home. And they come back enthusiastically. The Belmond Hotel Splendido Mare has become a port in which to stop and start again with new enthusiasm.
His menu consists of two cards: one for lunch, a lighter selection with genuine dishes made exclusively with ingredients and local products, and one for dinner, which is more refined and includes some of his most popular successes: raw fish and the fish soup. He loves to rework the local cuisine with elegance. Among the most interesting dishes that the chef recommends to try are the shellfish salad; cuttlefish and chickpeas with artichokes of Albenga; Spaghetti Chuflay with pesto, burrata and tomato sauce; swordfish alla Mediterranea with tomatoes, capers, herbs and crudités from the garden. I also enjoy experimenting and creating novelties, says the Chef. I like to draw a kitchen that embodies the most recognisable values of Italianism without losing sight of a contemporary twist, while also intercepting local tastes. Liguria has certainly played an important role in its evolution path. The typical Ligurian, Piedmontese and international cuisine: these are the ones that satisfy him the most and inspire him, as well as having fresh and high-quality products always available. He loves simplicity and revisits typical dishes in a lighter way, balancing the ingredients. His shopping trolley always contains basil, cherry tomatoes, local fish such as San Pietro or the hen, and plenty of seasonal fruit and vegetables and fresh anchovies. What is the dish to which Chef Villa feels more connected? Definitely the cream of fresh tomatoes with rosetti and ginger, a dish where the earth and the sea are in perfect balance. The creation of a dish starts from the very precise idea that is formed in his mind: the perfect vision of what must be.
MEETING ROBERTO - What did you want to do as a child? I have been a dreamer since I was a child. I wanted to travel and explore the world! - If you were to write your own biography (job or private life), what would you absolutely not forget to mention? Of course, the great passion I have for my job, but I ll never forget to mention the sacrifice and the humility that are an essential part of my career. - What would you have done if you had not become the Chef at Belmond Splendido Mare? I ve always been passionate about precious stones; I would have been an engraver of diamonds! - When you are not at work, what are you like? I would say generous, honest and of course... a creative person! - The first thing you do when you wake up... I drink an espresso in perfect Italian style with the mocha pot! - What is your favourite dish? I would never give up spaghetti with tomato sauce and basil simply Italian style! - The dish you re most attached to? Risotto with Homarus lobster & borage, enriched with citrus fruits. This is a very special dish: I created it years ago for important guests. After the first tasting they were totally in love with it! - Your passion in your private life? I go crazy for watches! - What are your essential ingredients? Aromatic herbs, garlic, chilli pepper and fresh tomato! - If you were a dish, what would you be? A dessert with strawberries! - The dish you would have liked to create. The chateaubriand with béarnaise sauce. - What s the most romantic thing you ve encountered in the hotel? For a wedding proposal, a very precious ring was hidden on the cake! - When you think on your dishes creation what are you aiming to inspire? I close my eyes and I feel the taste, I imagine it with the perfect combination of colours and ingredients! - How much Liguria is in your kitchen? So much! After 25 years in the Liguria Region, I use local ingredients and flavours in my dishes. I have kept the old recipes and I revisit for my clients. - A dream in your life? I would love to run and supervise many kitchens with a large number of staff.
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Melania Costanzo Public Relations Coordinator Italy, Spain and Portugal T: +39 345 677 0011 - melania.costanzo@belmond.com FOR HIGH-RES IMAGES: www.belmondpress.it - www.belmond.com/media-centre Via Roma 2-16034 Portofino (Genoa) - Italy T: +39 0185 2353 00 - reservations.spl@belmond.com BELMOND.COM