Star Chef: Giovanni Ricci of Sheraton Beijing Dongcheng Talks Astrophysics

Chef Ricci has brought the best of Italian seafood to landlocked Beijing, so it’s not a stretch to imagine him making pizza in space. Read on for the astrophysics-loving Italian’s take on science, poetry, and which ingredients he misses most in Beijing.

We’re told that you’re a fan of astrophysics.
I love Galileo Galilei, who is the founder of experimental science. Galileo opened the doors of knowledge of the universe.

Have you read Cosmicomics by Italo Calvino?
Calvino is not an astrophysicist but one of the greatest Italian writers of the 20th century. Cosmicomics relies on real notions of astronomy but I am not really interested in that. I prefer pure science – to read the essays of astronomy rather than science fiction.

What’s your favorite planet? What kind of dish could you imagine creating on that planet?
Saturn, of course! Because it’s a beautiful planet, the most mysterious in the solar system. I could create a special pizza with a secret ingredient as secret as that planet. The solution to know which ingredients I will use is to come to Bene and try it.

Does your interest in the stars translate to an interest in astrology? What’s your sign?
I am Sagittarius and I absolutely don’t believe in astrology. That’s just an old popular belief that has nothing to do with science.

Do you have a favorite poet?
My favorite poet is obviously Giacomo Leopardi, who was born in Marche, my region. You should read his poem “L’Infinito.” It’s really amazing – I recommend that everyone read it.

You specialize in the cuisine of Italy’s central region. Tell us about some of its highlights.
My region is famous for its fresh seafood, caught directly from Italy’s biggest fishing port on the Mediterranean. At Bene, you can enjoy a succulent cod fish, pasta with fresh clams or the famous risotto with mixed seafood. Of course, we also have very good meat dishes such as my favorite, cannelloni.

What ingredients are most challenging to source in Beijing?
Fresh fish from the Adriatic Sea. It is very difficult to find it in Beijing, perhaps impossible, but I can assure you that the fish from the Adriatic is quite tasty and nice.

See if Chef Ricci’s creations are out of this world at Bene.

Photo: Sui

This article originally appeared on page 38 in the March issue of the Beijinger.