By Nicholas Allen, Class of 1992 Les Roches alumnus
Over the next few months, I’m catching up with some of the great people I met during my time studying at Les Roches. Last time out I spoke with “Chef Brendan” – one of the greatest assets Les Roches had during my period there. This time it is the turn of the incredible Gianluca Sparacino to sit in the interviewee’s chair…
Nicholas Allen (NA): What is your profession and current position?
Gianluca Sparacino (GS): I’m Vice President of F&B EMEA at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts.
NA: Who was your first room-mate at Les Roches?
GS: Alex Van Ness.
NA: Where did you grow up?
GS: Rome, New York, Chicago, Montreal and Singapore – in that order!
NA: Whom has made the biggest impact on your professional career?
GS: My Dad. Consummate professional and ultimate gentleman.
NA: Who was your favorite teacher at Les Roches?
GS: Mr. George Ortiz. He was the first teacher I had in Les Roches. I actually beat him in a Cork Pulling competition!!!
NA: What’s your advice for new graduates?
GS: Travel and see the world. Get as many experiences you possibly can and then decide which hospitality sector you want to be in. Capture your own future!
NA: Who did you have a crush on at Les Roches?
GS: A lady called Alexandra (Alexandra Jockle – class of ‘92)… and it worked out pretty well – this year we will celebrate 25 years of marriage!
NA: What is your fondest memory of Les Roches?
GS: That it was the most beautiful place in the world. Lifetime friends. How quiet everything is when it snows. Le P’tit Paradis and the 5 CHF “Choppe”.
NA: Do you have any phobias?
GS: Not really. Perhaps not achieving everything that I wanted to… yet!
NA: You can ask me one question, what is it?
GS: What is your “why”?
NA: Oh, good question Luca. When I reflect on this question, I can split it into three:
- What do I believe in? Compassion, honesty and love.
- What motivates me? I have a drive to always do better: better for my clients, friends, parents and children. And there is nothing better than achieving something no one else could.
- What fuels my actions? I talk to my girls about their dreams and aspirations, that reinforces mine. There’s a good life ahead and I’m going to make every moment count.
NA: Last question. You have organized a lavish dinner party with no expense spared. You can invite eight people, alive or dead, who are they?
GS: Gathering together eight generations of my family would be a real kick.
NA: Thank you so much, Luca!
More from the Between You and Me Series:
- Interview with Chef Brendan
- Meet Nick Allen
- Interview with Krystyna Shvedova
