Interview with Raffaele Rispoli

Welcome to a unique glimpse into the world of fine dining! Nestled in the heart of St. Moritz, the Michelin-starred Cà d’Oro offers unforgettable culinary experiences under the guidance of Raffaele and his team. In this interview, Raffaele shares fascinating insights into his career and explains what sets Cà d’Oro apart.

Interviewer: Ciao, Raffaele. Thank you for joining me. Could you start with a brief introduction about yourself?
Raffaele: Of course, with pleasure. My name is Raffaele, and I’ve been working at the Cà d’Oro restaurant in St. Moritz for ten winter seasons. Unfortunately, the restaurant is only open during the winter. I started as a regular waiter, gradually progressing to maître d’ and eventually to restaurant manager.

Interviewer: That’s impressive! Can you share your journey and what inspired you to become a maître in this industry?
Raffaele: Sure. I’ve had some incredible experiences throughout my career, including working at Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant and spending a couple of seasons on the Amalfi Coast. These opportunities allowed me to gather valuable insights, which helped shape my vision. When I joined Cà d’Oro, I wanted to bring those ideas to life and create something truly special here.

Interviewer: Fascinating. What sets fine dining at Cà d’Oro apart from other Michelin-starred restaurants?
Raffaele: Our Michelin-starred restaurant stands out because we’re not as rigid as some other establishments. For example, we offer a dégustation menu, where guests can choose the number of courses, alongside an à la carte option. This flexibility allows us to welcome guests multiple times during their stay, offering variety and tailoring the experience to their preferences.

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Interviewer: That’s an interesting approach. How do you ensure a seamless and memorable dining experience for your guests?
Raffaele: It begins with a warm welcome—that’s the essential first ingredient. From there, we focus on every detail, from service to ambience. Most importantly, I strive to create a personal connection by interacting with guests at their table. It’s not just about serving food; it’s about crafting an experience.

Interviewer: What inspires you when crafting the perfect wine pairings for the menu?
Raffaele: This winter, I curated a wine pairing that blends tradition with local flavours. It features wines from my home on the Amalfi Coast, Swiss wines to honour our location, and, of course, French and Tuscan wines. It’s a harmonious balance of international and regional influences.

Interviewer: How do you balance tradition and innovation in your role?
Raffaele: Tradition is essential. Coming from southern Italy, I draw from a rich heritage of food and hospitality. I strive to bring this warmth and familiarity to our guests, making them feel at home. At the same time, I incorporate innovative elements to ensure the experience remains fresh and exciting.

Interviewer: Could you share a memorable story of a guest interaction or dining experience that impacted you?
Raffaele: Cà d’Oro is a small restaurant with just 10 tables, which allows me to spend quality time with each guest during dinner. One of my goals is to encourage guests to return multiple times during their stay, and I’ve been fortunate in achieving this. Meeting them in the lobby during the day and seeing them return for another meal is always incredibly rewarding.

Interviewer: In your opinion, what is the secret ingredient to exceptional hospitality?
Raffaele: It’s a combination of a warm welcome, meticulous attention to detail and seamless coordination between the kitchen and service teams. Showcasing the chef’s creations while maintaining a stress-free, harmonious atmosphere for the guests is crucial. Everything needs to function like clockwork.

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Interviewer: One last question. If you could host a dream dinner party at Cà d’Oro, which three historical or iconic figures would you invite, and why?
Raffaele: That’s a tough question because St. Moritz attracts so many extraordinary guests every winter. Honestly, I’d love to host a dinner party for all the guests who’ve ever dined with us—it would be a celebration of the unique community we’ve built here.

Interviewer: Thank you very much, Raffaele, for sharing your insights.
Raffaele: Thank you—it’s been a pleasure.

Raffaele’s passion and dedication shine through every aspect of Cà d’Oro, especially in its exquisite cuisine and perfectly paired wines. Let’s take a closer look at the culinary highlights that complete this extraordinary experience.