Forbes Travel Guide (“FTG”), the only global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants and spas, announced its 2021 Star Awards. Cucina, the Italian restaurant at Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel, has once again won the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star restaurant award, while Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel was named Recommended Hotel for its second consecutive year. Also, Mr. Bruce Wong Siu Lung, Supervisor of Cucina, is the first person in the world to be awarded “Restaurant Employee of the Year”. All awards are showcased alongside other winners on ForbesTravelGuide.com.
At Cucina we combine passion with great love for food. Born and raised in Piedmont, Cucina’s Chef de Cuisine Andrea Delzanno crafts exquisite menus using centuries-old traditions of Italian gastronomy, featuring innovative twists and the finest quality produce. He is renowned for his culinary craft and his creativity in cooking.
To celebrate this major achievement, a decadent four-course set menu by Chef Andrea will be served, from appetisers to dessert, all set against a backdrop of spectacular Victoria Harbour views. Available from 18 February 2021 at HK$888 per person. Highlights include Lobster Tail with Crab Meat Cannelloni, Avocado, Passion Fruit, Herring Caviar and Mango Pearls, Risotto in “Pina Colada” style with Coconut, Pineapple, Marinated Red Prawn and Lime, Baked Angus Beef Tenderloin Tournedos with Beetroot Purée, Duck Liver Powder and Carrots Flan and Chestnut with Dehydrated Meringue, Raspberry Ice Cream and Pomegranate. Pair it with four glasses of wine, recommended by Sommelier Mr. Raymond Lo, for an additional $380 per person. For reservations, please call Cucina at +852 2113 0808.
Among the four finalists from around the world, Mr. Bruce Wong Siu Lung, Supervisor of Cucina was the only finalist in Asia for the “Restaurant Employee of the Year”. He impressed in the nomination process and became the first person in the world to win this prestigious award.
Having worked at Cucina for two years and other renowned restaurants, Bruce is a star who demonstrates confidence and passion in his work. He is ambitious in his career in the food and beverage industry, not only taking up wine and spirit courses to further strengthen his skills, but is also an aficionado of cigars. As a restaurant supervisor, Bruce carefully listens to and understands our guest requirements, while trying his best to satisfy their requests.
“A guest once told me at Cucina that he likes honeydew melon juice and yam congee for breakfast, which said was difficult to find in recent years. The next morning, I got him the two items before going to work and arranged it to be sent to his room. The guest was surprised and highly appreciative. This is not part of my job duty, but I feel satisfied to see a happy guest and this is where my motivation comes from. This guest has now become a regular patron at the restaurant and we have become good friends.” said Bruce.
Bruce also understands that working together as a team provides guests with exceptional experiences. He often shares his experiences with colleagues to help instill self-confidence and ensure they meet service standards. Guests and colleagues often speak highly of his genuine personality and just like his idol, Mr. Bruce Lee said “As you think, so shall you become.”
“This is big news and an achievement for every one of us at Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel. Thank you Forbes for recognising our team’s efforts in providing extraordinary service, especially during this difficult time,” said Mr. Dalip Singh, General Manager of Marco Polo Hotels-Hong Kong. “At Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel, it is our aim to create value in every encounter, provide the most exceptional personalised Asian hospitality experience, and exceeds guests’ expectations. Our associates will continually work together as a team to deliver excellence and innovation to valued guests, making them feel at home while providing a memorable dining journey.”
Forbes Travel Guide is the world-renowned authority in genuine Five-Star service, and both Cucina and Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel are the latest additions to its illustrious annual Star Rating list. Properties were inspected prior to the pandemic and when regional restrictions allowed for the safe return of guests.
“These 2021 award winners are a testament to the resiliency of the hospitality industry,” said Filip Boyen, CEO of Forbes Travel Guide. “During an unprecedented time, these top properties adapted to numerous adversities all while maintaining high service levels and ensuring the health security of their guests and staff.”
He added, “We hope that these excellent properties will inspire travelers for when they are ready to venture out on their next trip.”
To view the new Star Award winners, visit ForbesTravelGuide.com. For a detailed explanation of how Forbes Travel Guide compiles its Star Ratings, click here.
