Sat | Jul 27, 2024

New Buzo executive chef excited to connect with Italian roots

Restaurant celebrates first anniversary in Jamaica

Published:Thursday | April 4, 2024 | 12:09 AM
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Shannon Chen See Nehemiah, poet and marketer, and Chad Nehemiah, software engineer, pose for the camera.
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Shannon Chen See Nehemiah, poet and marketer, and Chad Nehemiah, software engineer, pose for the camera.
Executive Chef Michele Pieragostini is all smiles in front of Buzo Osteria Italiana, located at 1 Park Place in New Kingston.
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Executive Chef Michele Pieragostini is all smiles in front of Buzo Osteria Italiana, located at 1 Park Place in New Kingston.
Executive Chef Michele Pieragostini adds the final touches to his lamb chops in wild berry sauce served with a potato mille-feuille.
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Executive Chef Michele Pieragostini adds the final touches to his lamb chops in wild berry sauce served with a potato mille-feuille.
Francis Oliver, general manager, Buzo Kingston and Buzo Trinidad.
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Francis Oliver, general manager, Buzo Kingston and Buzo Trinidad.
Sisters Jessica Campbell (left), design and production manager, Xodus Carnival, and Melissa Campbell, deputy commercial manager at China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd, enjoy an evening out at a Taste of Buzo.
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Sisters Jessica Campbell (left), design and production manager, Xodus Carnival, and Melissa Campbell, deputy commercial manager at China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd, enjoy an evening out at a Taste of Buzo.
The spaghetti alla vodka e salmone or salmon pasta.
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The spaghetti alla vodka e salmone or salmon pasta.
The spaghettoni, spinach spaghetti, wild shrimp flambé, cherry tomatoes, pecorino cheese and fresh spinach.
Contributed
The spaghettoni, spinach spaghetti, wild shrimp flambé, cherry tomatoes, pecorino cheese and fresh spinach.
Fancy a slice of the margherita fresh basil and extra virgin olive oil pizza?
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Fancy a slice of the margherita fresh basil and extra virgin olive oil pizza?
Kris Ann Taylor, marketing lecturer, the University of Technology, Jamaica, toasts with a glass of Aperol Spritz.
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Kris Ann Taylor, marketing lecturer, the University of Technology, Jamaica, toasts with a glass of Aperol Spritz.
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Buzo Osteria Italiana celebrated its first anniversary in Jamaica by welcoming a new executive chef, Michele Pieragostini.

Pieragostini is an accomplished Italian chef hailing from Fermo and brings with him 21 years of knowledge. He is looking forward to bringing innovation to the kitchen and taking Buzo’s culinary offerings to new heights.

“I plan to bring to Buzo my knowledge and my passion, and I’m excited about this journey and looking forward to great things with the Trotters Group,” he told Food.

The knowledgeable chef, who spent the last nine years at Amici’s in St Lucia, plans to entice the taste buds with dishes that honour the northern Italian heritage while incorporating modern flair.

“Italian food holds a special place in my heart because it connects me to my roots. Through my experiences in various environments, I have learned to cook Italian dishes in unique ways, making them authentic to me. I believe that Italian cuisine is one of the best in the world because of its simplicity and the way basic ingredients come together to create something truly magical,” he shared.

Grateful for his time at Amici’s, he says it has taught him a lot about living and working in the Caribbean. “I learned that everything was a little slower working on St Lucian time. Before, when I worked in Italy, I was accustomed to the rush – so now I’ve learned to take life a little easier,” said Chef Pieragostini.

Asked to name three well-loved dishes at Buzo, Chef Pieragostini named the spaghettoni, spinach spaghetti, wild shrimp flambé, cherry tomatoes, pecorino cheese and fresh spinach; the spaghetti alla vodka E salmone or salmon pasta and the margherita fresh basil and extra virgin olive oil pizza.

As Buzo continues to celebrate its first anniversary, it marked the occasion with a special event on March 27 and promises even more events on the horizon, including themed tasting events and unique wine pairings.

Francis Oliver, Buzo’s general manager, states that Buzo Jamaica is more than just a dining destination; it’s a culinary journey filled with passion, honest cooking, and warm hospitality. “As we celebrate our one-year milestone, we invite our guests to join us in savouring the essence of Italy and to stay tuned for all the exciting things we will be unveiling.”

lifestyle@gleanerjm.com