Pollini in the kitchen

As a world-renowned pianist, Maurizio Pollini has dazzled audiences with his virtuosic performances. But there is another side to Pollini’s talents that is less well-known: his skills in the kitchen.

Pollini comes from a family of great cooks. His mother, Marisa, was celebrated for her cooking in their hometown of Milan, and his grandfather, a pastry chef, imbued in him a love of all things culinary from a young age. For Pollini, cooking has always been a natural and enjoyable activity, one that brings him together with family and friends.

Over the years, Pollini has developed his own unique style of cooking, taking inspiration from traditional Italian recipes as well as his own creativity. He favors simple, fresh ingredients and bold flavors, and is known for his expert technique and attention to detail.

One of Pollini’s signature dishes is risotto alla milanese, a classic dish from his hometown. He starts with high-quality rice and slowly adds a rich broth, stirring constantly until the rice is creamy and tender. The finishing touch is a generous amount of saffron, which gives the dish its signature yellow color and fragrant aroma.

Another favorite of Pollini’s is roast lamb with rosemary and garlic. He sources the best cuts of lamb he can find, and rubs them with fresh rosemary, garlic, salt, and pepper before slow-roasting them to tender perfection. The result is a dish that is savory, aromatic, and utterly delicious.

Pollini is also a skilled baker, and his desserts are a particular highlight. One of his specialties is torta della nonna, a classic Italian tart filled with a rich custard made from eggs, sugar, and mascarpone cheese. He makes the crust from scratch, using a combination of flour, butter, and sugar to create a tender shell that perfectly complements the creamy filling.

For Pollini, cooking is not just a way to nourish oneself and others, but also a way to connect with one’s heritage and traditions. He enjoys passing down family recipes and techniques to his own children and grandchildren, and is always happy to share his love of food with others.

In fact, Pollini has even collaborated with well-known chefs to create unique culinary experiences. In 2018, he worked with chef Filippo La Mantia to design an exclusive tasting menu inspired by the flavors of Italy and the music of Chopin. The menu included dishes like spaghetti with clams and bottarga, seared tuna with avocado and fennel, and a dessert of pistachio and raspberry parfait with a chocolate crumble.

With his combination of culinary talent and musical genius, Pollini is a true renaissance man. Whether playing Rachmaninoff or whipping up a batch of fresh pasta, he approaches everything he does with passion, skill, and a deep respect for tradition. And for those lucky enough to taste his cooking, the experience is nothing short of unforgettable.