Al Messila, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Doha, part of the Luxury portfolio of Marriott International, has appointed Chef Pino Lavarra, one of Italy’s most acclaimed Michelin-starred chefs and a noted cookery book author, to oversee operations of its eight innovative culinary experiences. Chef Lavarra, who is recognised as a globally reputed ambassador of Italian cuisine, will specifically focus on the launch of Al Messila’s signature international dining experience, Deli Kitchen, and the debut of his provenance-based gourmet retail service.

Chef Lavarra joins the opulent resort, which marks the flagship entry of The Luxury Collection to Qatar, direct from The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong where he was Director of the multi-award-winning TOSCA restaurant steering it into the Michelin star realm. Chef Lavarra has worked at some of the world’s most celebrated hotels and restaurants, across Europe and Asia and throughout his career has been noted for his devotion to natural produce.

Deli Kitchen will be Qatar’s home of the bespoke flatbread where the specially imported
minimal ID oven, Lavarra will present the best oven-baked flatbreads from around the world
combined with innovative toppings for a casual gourmet sharing experience.

Lavarra’s artisanal culinary creations will be available in a retail service where products will be
packaged with individual coding to validate the ingredients and nutritional values. Deli Kitchen, marks his first foray into the Middle East and will feature matchless sustainability, responsibility and sharing will converge in a new approach to agricultural and healthy product dining, shopping and learning.

Pino Lavarra will also be in charge of ‘Chef in a Villa’ service which will provide Michelin-star standard catering for the resort’s exclusive villas. Chef Lavarra will personally create tailor-made menus and oversee the service for exceptional social events. His appointment is the first of a cadre of world-class chefs that Al Messila is engaging to create a destination of epicurean excellence.