An Italian chef, who has climbed the ranks at one of hospitality’s biggest brands, is now bringing a taste of the Americas to the North East.
Luca Tomassetti, originally from Rome, has been appointed Head Chef at the new Karbon Grill Kitchen and Bar, Sunderland.
The 29-year-old, who began his career as a commis chef at Waldorf Astoria’s five star Rome Cavalieri hotel, moved to London to expand his knowledge of international cuisine in 2008.
Initially planning to stay for just six months, he has spent the past eight years climbing the ladder at Hilton Hotels and Resorts, working in some of the UK’s busiest hotel kitchens.
This includes two years as commis chef at the Hilton London Gatwick Airport, three years as sous chef at the Hilton Newcastle Gateshead and almost two years as executive sous chef at Hilton London Heathrow Airport.
Most recently the father-of-two was employed as executive chef at the Hilton Reading hotel, where he heard about the head chef vacancy at the Karbon Grill Kitchen and Bar.
The new eatery, which is expected to open as part of the Hilton Garden Inn Sunderland later this month, will serve a range of Pan-American dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner, including signature grills such as steaks and seafood.
As head chef Luca will manage the day to day running of the kitchen, catering for restaurant visitors, those attending events at the hotel and overnight guests via the restaurant or room service.
“I have worked a lot with steaks and seafood in the past,” said Luca, “but the Pan-American cuisine we will be serving at the Karbon Grill is completely unique.
“We’ve installed an amazing indoor barbecue, the same as the ones you’d find at a Michelin star restaurant and I can’t wait to get cooking.
“It’s great to be back in the North East and to still be a part of the Hilton family, particularly to be playing a role in such an exciting new development as the Hilton Garden Inn Sunderland.”
The Hilton Garden Inn Sunderland, adjacent to Sunderland’s Stadium of Light, will offer 141 en-suite bedrooms, as well as a 24 business centre and a selection of function suites.
It’s contemporary Karbon Grill Kitchen and Bar, so-named in honour of the unique food offering and Sunderland’s mining heritage, will be open to overnight visitors and anyone seeking dining with a difference.
These unique dishes and the venue’s top team of chefs will showcase some unique cooking methods.
Signature grill dishes such as steaks, ribs, burgers, seafood, tapas and sharing platters, will be complemented by regional specialities and unique dishes not widely available.
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