How did your journey lead you to become the General Manager of Corinthia Palace?
The transition to General Manager happened very organically. Having worked in hospitality since the age of 15, my passion for creating exceptional guest experiences has always driven me. Corinthia Palace is a property of great significance to the Corinthia group, and I felt a strong desire to bring my vision to life here. It’s been an exciting journey, and I’m proud to contribute to the continued evolution of this iconic landmark.
Why did you believe Josephine’s was a great addition to launch at Corinthia Palace?
Josephine’s was born out of our desire to bring something curious, crafted, and conscious to Corinthia Palace and evolve Corinthia Palace into a more modern experience. Therefore, Josephine’s presented itself as the perfect concept to bring to the heart of the hotel. By collaborating with like-minded partners such as Origin Coffee, we introduced a natural go-to spot for business lunches and casual get-togethers. This cemented Corinthia Palace as a leading destination and broke into the market as a new modern establishment, all while holding its legacy and historic roots.
How has Josephine’s contributed to the evolution of Corinthia Palace?
Josephine’s entered the market as a leading plant-based coffee shop, marking a significant step in Corinthia Palace’s culinary evolution. By introducing a plant-based element to the hotel’s offerings, it showcased Corinthia Palace’s commitment to innovation and forward-thinking cuisine. This addition reflects the hotel’s ongoing dedication to culinary excellence, providing guests with diverse, health-conscious options.
Can you describe the culinary approach at Josephine’s, such as the focus on innovative plant-based dishes?
Josephine’s is renowned for its innovative approach to both coffee and cuisine. Each dish reflects a modern culinary philosophy, blending fresh, high-quality ingredients with creative techniques. Standout dishes like our Sweet and Sour BBQ Jackfruit Bun, featuring beetroot BBQ sauce glazed jackfruit in a savoury sandwich, and our Raw Pad Thai Salad, bringing an Asian-inspired raw kick to the menu, exemplify this creativity. This combination of specialty coffee and innovative plant-based cuisine positions Josephine’s as a leader in contemporary dining.
Villa Corinthia, an iconic building – what inspired the collaboration with Chef Francesco Mazzei?
Chef Francesco Mazzei’s deep passion for Italian cuisine, combined with his innovative approach and commitment to sustainability, made him the perfect partner for Villa Corinthia. His dedication to using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients, along with his ability to blend tradition with contemporary flavours, resonated with our vision for the transformation of Villa Corinthia. The collaboration was born from a shared vision to create a warm, inviting atmosphere that honours the building’s rich legacy, while embracing a modern and approachable dining experience.
What was your goal in transforming Villa Corinthia? What did you envision— moving away from fine dining, incorporating homestyle dishes, creating a more inviting atmosphere?
Moving away from formal fine dining, the vision was to introduce homely, authentic and delicious food, making the space feel welcoming for both locals and visitors alike. By combining the grandeur of the space with a warm, relaxed dining experience, the transformation aimed to maintain the elegance of Villa Corinthia while offering a more comfortable and approachable atmosphere.
How do you envision the culinary aspect of Corinthia Palace continuing to evolve?
Our collaboration with Chef Francesco Mazzei extended to our outdoor restaurant, The Summer Garden, where we introduced poolside bites and trattoria-style dining in the magical setting of our outdoor pool. Combined with live music nights and the serene ambiance of our garden, The Summer Garden became a summer sensation. With a Michelin-star restaurant, a plant-based coffee shop, Italian cuisine, and a Far-Eastern restaurant, Corinthia Palace remains a culinary destination to watch as we push the boundaries of the dining scene.
What’s next?
As we look ahead to 2025, we aim to introduce initiatives that foster a sense of community and belonging, creating a place that helps connect and inspire all in one. Our vision is to blend food with enriching experiences, offering guests something truly immersive.
