Author name: Antonio Chiconi

Bangkok

Bangkok on a Plate

History, culture, and culinary identity of Thailand’s capital Krung Thep, as the Thais call it — and the expats who want to sound like locals — or more formally, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayutthaya… A poetic litany, which in its full length tells of a divine city, celestial palaces, and immortal kings. […]

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scalabilità

Scalability in the Restaurant Industry: Solution or Downfall?

In recent years, the term scalability has become something of a mantra in the restaurant world. Restaurant chains, ghost kitchens, dark kitchens—the market seems to favor models that can expand quickly and replicate proven formats. But behind this seemingly ideal solution lie deeper issues that deserve closer examination. What Does Scalability Really Mean? In the

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camerieri

The Forgotten Professional: The Rise and Fall of the Waiter

From the Art of Service to Precarity: The Rise and Decline of an Essential Profession For centuries, table service was a refined art, reserved for highly skilled professionals and trusted members of royal courts and great noble houses. From Imperial Rome to the grand hotels of the 19th century, the waiter embodied prestige, competence, and

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fine dining

Fine Dining: The Crisis of Self-Referentiality

For months, the restaurant industry has been debating the so-called end of fine dining. Renowned chefs, food critics, and insiders are discussing this supposed decline, trying to explain why more and more Michelin-starred restaurants are closing or shifting toward more casual dining concepts. However, this entire discussion seems more like a self-referential exercise than a

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Continental Palace Saigon

Hotel Continental Saigon: History, Art, and Culture of a City Icon

In the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, the Hotel Continental Saigon is far more than just a luxury hotel—it is a symbol of Indochina’s colonial past, a cultural and artistic landmark, and a place where the lives of writers, journalists, and historical figures have intertwined. Opened in 1880, this legendary hotel has witnessed over

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Ritz-Paris

The Ritz Paris: At the Origins of Luxury Hospitality and the Myth That Inspired Artists and Writers

In the heart of Place Vendôme, the Ritz Paris is not just a hotel: it is a timeless icon that forever changed the history of hospitality and European culture. Opened in 1898 thanks to the revolutionary vision of César Ritz and the culinary genius of Auguste Escoffier, the Ritz anticipated the needs of the emerging

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woman-eating-alone

Dining Alone: Challenges and Opportunities for Restaurants

Who says a good meal must be shared? Dining alone is a common experience for many: singles, travelers, business professionals on the go, or people simply seeking a moment of peace. Yet, despite the growing popularity of this practice, many restaurants still seem unprepared to welcome those who choose to dine without company. A World

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maitre

The Role of the Maître d’ and the Importance of Continuous Training

In the world of fine dining, the maître d’ is the cornerstone of the entire gastronomic experience. They are not just the coordinator of the front-of-house team but also the custodian of hospitality and the ambassador of a restaurant, transforming a meal into an unforgettable memory. However, while the maître d’ plays a strategic and

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cyberpunk-techno-guru

Cyberpunk and Technology: The Impact on Techno-Gurus and the Future of Society

In recent decades, the line between imagination and reality has grown increasingly thin. What was once pure fantasy in science fiction novels and films is now part of our daily lives. But what is the connection between the dystopian, technologically advanced worlds of cyberpunk and the visionaries shaping our future? In this article, we will

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ospite-ristorante

Putting the Guest at the Heart of the Restaurant: A Guide to Customer-Centric Hospitality

In the fast-paced world of hospitality, with online reservations, constantly evolving culinary trends, and the never-ending need to stand out from the competition, it’s easy to lose sight of the most fundamental element: the customer. Not just a number or a source of profit, but a guest to welcome, care for, and delight. Putting the

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AI God: The Portrait of Alan Turing and Art in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

This article marks the beginning of a series exploring the relationship between humans, new technologies (such as artificial intelligence and robotics), art, and hospitality. The goal is to examine how these seemingly distant worlds can intersect to redefine the concepts of creativity, experience, and innovation. Let’s start this journey with an event that shaped 2024:

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Operator

Code Name: Operator – The AI Agent Revolutionizing Hospitality

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the hospitality industry, and Operator, ChatGPT’s AI agent, is the perfect example. In the ever-evolving world of AI, the concept of agents is quickly emerging as a cornerstone for changing how we interact with advanced technologies. With the release of ChatGPT’s Operator feature, OpenAI gives us a glimpse of the

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Chatbots and Artificial Intelligence: The Future of Personalized Hospitality

In the digital era, the hospitality industry is undergoing a radical transformation, driven by technological innovations that aim to create increasingly personalized experiences. Among these innovations, artificial intelligence (AI) and chatbots are proving to be valuable tools for hotels and accommodation facilities of all levels, from boutique hotels to luxury chains. These technologies not only

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Nurture Yourself

Our work, those of us who work in hospitality, should be done by cultivated individuals. It’s not just about carrying out tasks or adhering to operational standards; high-level hospitality is an art that requires people who have explored the world, learned from diverse experiences, and developed a continuous curiosity toward life. People capable of offering

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