Each essence, each fragrance, each word or each person we meet has an impact on us. Silvio Patrucco choose to teach to ignite the flame of curiosity. According to him, knowledge has the ability to conquer the world.
Can you share your background with us?
My name is Silvio Patrucco, I am South African/Italian. I am currently the Head of Kitchen Practicals at Les Roches Marbella – Spain. I have been with the school for 17 years now.
How did it all start??
As an only child I was brought up to respect, be humble, persevere and to believe in myself; this has significantly shaped my long and winding road full of experiences. Experiences, challenges, responsibility, and dedication are the 4 fundamental pillars of my working career. In my military career as an officer, which was a crucial step in my life, I really learned to value life and respect those precise seconds of decision making which could have gone wrong for many a soldier.
I received my Gourmet cooking and Catering Diploma from The International Training College in Cape Town. I have more than 26 years of experience in the industry.
I have had the pleasure and honor of meeting and working with people that have made significant impacts in my working career. From my first General Manager in The Sun International Hotel Group South Africa, who was the youngest manager in the brand, with his wise saying “to become a great manager, become a great chef first”, to the Executive Chef of the Dorchester Hotel – who taught me about dedication, perfection and strict protocol concerning food service. And also to Michelin star chefs who express their feelings and passion on anything and everything that is or is not a plate.
Through my trajectory of countries like South Africa (which is my country of birth by the way), to London, Paris, Italy, the USA, and Spain I have been fortunate enough to strengthen my culinary and managerial skills. I realize that each essence and fragrance of culture can be nurtured and reflected in what I have a strong passion for: hospitality.
We all have essential guidelines in our lives in terms of being inspired by someone/some people or some words…I am no different. I chose the following quotes in which I strongly believe:
“There is no elevator to success – you have to take the stairs.” anonymous.
No matter who you are or what you believe or fail to believe, have the inspiration, discipline, self-control and focus to persist with your dreams and ambitions – but take one solid step at a time; if not you will fall hard.
“Attitude is a choice. Happiness is a choice. Optimism is a choice. Kindness is a choice. Giving is a choice. Respect is a choice. Whatever choice you make makes you. Choose wisely.”
What made you want to teach?
I have always been fascinated with some form of teaching others…I have been fortunate enough to have taught throughout my career in diverse situations and careers. My first passion is cooking and the second is teaching. Now at les Roches Marbella, I have fused the two so I have the best of both careers.
Why did you choose Les Roches rather than another hotel management school?
Well, Les Roches Marbella was a strategic setup for me besides the fact that it is highly respected and valued as the hospitality management school in the world. I admire and embrace the Les Roches Values and I find they clearly define the school’s expectations. I mentioned it was a strategic point for me because I met my wife (who is Spanish) and now live on the Costa del Sol with our two sons….so we have pretty much settled in, and Les Roches is my second home now.
How would you define Les Roches? What makes Les Roches unique?
Les Roches is simply – a way of life. You must breathe it, eat it and consume it to understand its unique touch/approach with our students. The dedication/passion of our teachers and staff really take the experience to another level. It’s a perfect setup, in a very strategic part of the Costa del Sol, which really offers diversity, entertainment, culture and a sense of home away from home for our students. Our ongoing commitment to strive for the highest excellence is what creates our foundations for success.
“Attitude is a choice. Happiness is a choice. Optimism is a choice. Kindness is a choice. Giving is a choice. Respect is a choice. Whatever choice you make makes you. Choose wisely.”
Has the atmosphere of Les Roches influenced the way you prepare your courses?
Always, that sense of preparedness and expectations from the school orientates and guides each one of us to implement and plan. Les Roches is committed to preparing future managers in our ever-changing world, and courses, syllabi and objectives need to be realigned constantly.
What is your definition of the transmission of knowledge?
Knowledge has the ability to conquer the world. I feel that a level of preparedness, discipline, dedication, and passion to know and find out, are fundamental roots in the way we approach and share knowledge. Our manners, style, creativity and professionalism define how effectively we are able to transmit enthusiasm in all we teach.
Beyond the technical aspect, what do you try to transmit to your students?
Respect and humbleness are high on the chart. I try to emphasis passion, professionalism, and dedication in all I teach. Perfection and professional critique is a value that students must embrace and nurture. Confidence to question yourself and others.
Do you have a secret for getting the best out of each student?
To fully understand each student’s approach to his/her studies and then identify/structure related course information to align with their expectations.
“Knowledge has the ability to conquer the world. I feel that a level of preparedness, discipline, dedication, and passion to know and find out, are fundamental roots in the way we approach and share knowledge.“
In your opinion, are there any fundamental values that a student should possess if he or she wants to work in hotel management?
Able to self-analyze, motivated, dedicated, passionate, hardworking, humble, confident, strong leadership qualities, patience.
Be inclusive, be caring, be open. In your opinion, will these notions, which are essential for the new generations, change the face of the hotel industry?
The hotel industry is all about hospitality – this is what we are already implementing. Yes, the demands and expectations are forever escalating, but with these and other values, we can certainly shape more than change the face of the industry.
Thinking green and implementing sustainability is surely part of the caring value. We need to care for our planet to care for our clients. We must be open to evolution and the acceptance of New Trends in the industry.
What can, and will the new generations bring to the hotel sector? Or the world of work in general?
Certainly, the new generation is more high-tech savvy so the constant development and creation of more effective, beneficial, efficient, and cost cutting methods will be implemented in the near future.
I feel the new generation will still need to reflect on past and present methods of managing and creating unforgettable sensations, experiences as these have been/are the foundation pillars to success and motivation of our future leaders.
With our ever-changing world making demands in all facets, our future leaders will need to adjust and reinforce, promote sustainability, commit to problem solving and creating a more productive/healthy working environment.
In your opinion, what are the challenges facing the hotel sector in 2023?
– Adaptation to the growing population
– Providing continuous nutritional information for all health/nutritional issues
– New forms of redefining eating habits
– Programs/incentives to align with guest expectations
– Cost controlling and revenue management is always present
– Stiff competition from all brands
– Staff employment and hiring quality staff
– Employee cross training and personal performance evaluations
– Space availability for construction and redevelopment
“Respect and humbleness are high on the chart. I try to emphasis passion, professionalism, and dedication in all I teach.“
