Chef Marouane Rahali at Alba, Italian restaurant at JW Marriott Bangalore chose this line of work as a young boy. Only to make people happy. In conversation with Explocity, he tells us about his journey from a young boy in Italy to Bangalore being his second home.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in small flower full village called Casorate Sempione in north of Italy not far from Milano city.

What led you to become a chef?

I have started my career in kitchen when I was only thirteen years old because I was inspired from my mother who was an excellent cook. She used to  spend a lot of time in the kitchen, cooking and experimenting new recipes to make for us and as I was the youngest one in my family I used to help her.

The day I walked into Chef Dario Colombo’s kitchen (Also Partner of Ristorante Le Querce) he looked at me and started to laugh. He thought I was kidding when I told him I wanted to work for him on my days off from school for free. When he realized I was not joking but serious, he asked me why I wanted to do this. I told him that I notice my family, like many other people, when they come to eat at his restaurant they are always happy. That’s why I want to learn how to make people cheerful and to learn the secrets of cooking good meals.

At that time I was still not thinking of being a Chef, I had no idea of what I wanted to do later on.

How long have you been a chef?

Today, sixteen years later, my ideas are clearer. I am a passionate chef, who is motivated from the smiles and the happiness of my guests. I always try to please my guests more than I can. I constantly enjoy learning something new, to discover new cultures and new techniques of cooking because as a Chef this is the best  way to grow up and create a niche for yourself from others.

What do you enjoy more? Cooking or creating?

I love both.

Do you feel there is virtue in preserving the authenticity of cuisine?

We are in 2018 and there are innumerable new techniques and ways to create a dish. And, I truly believe in preserving the authenticity of a cuisine. The authenticity in the flavor lies in the ingredients and the procedures that we follow while cooking, and I believe in preserving it.

What dishes do you like eating the most?

To be honest I like everything that tastes good and made with love. But if you ask me if this is your last meal what do you wish to have?... I would say, I wish to have the Lasagne pasta prepared by my mother. That Pasta is unique, not everyone can prepare it like she used to do it.

I love everything so far and I have full respect for the food, so I can’t name just one dish as my favorite.

What’s your least favorite dish?

There is no such dish that I least like, I like almost every dish. It depends on the mood or the day, when I wish to have a particular dish and choose it over the rest.

How long have you been in Bangalore?

I have been in Bangalore for two years and  eight months.

Do you like it here?

I feel Bangalore is more like my home now. I like the people, Places, the South Indian dishes and much more.