In a short interview, the head chef of Il Barcaiolo at the Althoff Seehotel Überfahrt gives us some private insights and tells us how he got into cooking.
Which dish on the menu at Il Barcaiolo do you enjoy cooking the most and which do you personally like the most?
Stefano Romano: My favourite dish is our fettuccine con tartufo nero. This dish is not only incredibly popular among our guests, but is also a real pleasure for me in the kitchen. The flavours of the truffle harmonise perfectly with the pasta, and the preparation and taste are convincing. Personally, I love truffles in all their variations, so it's no surprise that this dish is also my absolute favourite. So if I had to choose, fettuccine with truffle pasta would definitely be my favourite dish, which I always like to make and enjoy myself.
What originally inspired you to become a chef?
Stefano Romano: My passion for cooking began when I was a boy helping out in a pizzeria in Italy. From there, everything followed its way - via stops in Munich, back to Italy and my current position at Il Barcaiolo in the Althoff Seehotel Überfahrt, where I have been working for years. My mum and my grandma were a big influence on me. Their dishes, which are also my favourites - like my mother's stuffed artichokes and my grandma's gnocchi - have always impressed me. At the same time, they have shown me again and again that I too am capable of making guests happy with my own creations.
What was your favourite moment and in which moments do you particularly love your job?
Stefano Romano: It's difficult for me to choose a special moment. My favourite moments are often the joint preparations with the team before things really get going in the kitchen. One highlight was definitely our truffle evening in the restaurant. Working with different types of truffles simply gives me the greatest pleasure and fulfils me anew every time.
Does cuisine play a major role in your free time?
Stefano Romano: Culinary delights definitely play a role in my free time, but with a certain balance. When I'm at home in Italy, I like to have my mum cook for me and enjoy not being at the cooker myself for once. In everyday life, I also like to cook privately, but especially on days off when I have the peace and quiet. After a long day in the kitchen at work, however, I often tend to stay away from the kitchen at home.
