Meet the chef - Paolo Tarantino

The secrets of the finest food in the world revealed
Paolo Tarantino owes his love of cooking to his mother, because he often helped her prepare feasts for the family and friends. Now he’s sharing his love of Italian food with those passengers lucky enough to step on board an MSC Cruise.

After hotel school, Paolo Tarantino worked as a pastry chef at a patisserie in central Milan and then moved on to working in many hotels and restaurants throughout Italy and London. Combining his two great passions, travel and cooking, he decided to apply to work onboard cruise ships. After joining MSC Cruises, he worked his way up the ranks to where he is today, MSC Cruises’ Corporate Chef.

The gala dinner is enjoyed by the Corporate Chef Paolo Tarantino, his officers and all the guests on board. Magical holiday memories are created not only by the amazing destinations that you visit but also with the unforgettable cuisine experienced on board MSC ships.

Chef Paolo Tarantino explains, “My biggest satisfaction is seeing customers smile with pleasure”. Fine dining is one of the core ingredients of an MSC cruise.

So, what’s the secret recipe? “Our dining options onboard are created to cater for guests from many countries from all over the world and we combine the traditional Italian style with many other cultural dishes to create something to suit everyone. We only use fresh raw ingredients, carefully sourced and selected by MSC Italcatering, coordinated by Enrico Borniotto. Every recipe is developed by paying attention to the smallest details, from preparation to presentation”

What are the qualities that transform a great chef into an MSC Cruises Chef?
“My duties include training other kitchen staff on a daily basis and always looking at ways to improve ourselves in everything we do. One of the main qualities about becoming an MSC Cruises chef is not only being passionate about food, but you have to believe in yourself. When you love your guests as much as you love fine food, your techniques will flourish along with your passion for cooking”.

What makes a Gourmet Cruise?
“It’s like exploring the world from your table, tantalising your taste buds with different types of cuisine. Amazing choices flourish through our specialty restaurants (MSC Yacht Club, Tex-Mex, Kaito and the Oriental Plaza) and you will be amazed when you try any of our unique gourmet dishes, like Virgin Islands chicken with pineapple, the hearty “El Locro” soup or “Old Cape Dennigvleis” stew with laurel and lemon. Guests are also treated to a wine tasting experience, where the selection is made up of more than 300 wines, all from the MSC’s very own cellars”.

Want a taste of Chef Paolo Tarantino’s food in your own kitchen? Try his delicious Cuttlefish Risotto with Dried Pachino Tomatoes and Marjoram.