**From Blueprints to Bread: How Chef Matteo Pertoldi Redefines Luxury Dining**

Reinvention often drives the most compelling success stories, and Chef Matteo Pertoldi’s journey from engineering to crafting exquisite dining experiences for billionaires, luxury brands, and royalty is no exception. What began with drafting blueprints evolved into creating culinary masterpieces that bridge food, nostalgia, and meaningful human connections. Today, Matteo’s name is synonymous with excellence in luxury dining, but his path was anything but conventional.

### **From Engineering to a Culinary Calling**

Matteo’s early career in construction and architecture seemed promising. However, after moving from Italy to Singapore in 2001, he realized that the impersonal nature of his work left him unfulfilled. “I felt a detachment from clients,” he recalls. Food, his lifelong passion, became an unexpected bridge to deeper connections, and he launched a small supper club focused on intimate Italian dining.

This experiment quickly gained traction, drawing praise for its authenticity and warmth. An early highlight came when Matteo was invited to cook for Panerai, the iconic Italian luxury watchmaker. That pivotal event revealed his knack for delivering high-quality, evocative dining experiences, setting him on the path to becoming a sought-after name for exclusive events. By 2014, he had established Atipico, his Singapore-based Italian restaurant catering to billionaires, global brands, and heads of state.

### **The Meaning of Luxury: Simplicity, Nostalgia, and Quality**

While many equate luxury dining with opulence—think gold leaf, caviar, and truffles—Matteo embraces a philosophy rooted in simplicity and authenticity. “Simple dishes hold the most value,” he explains. His approach is best embodied in his signature offerings: freshly baked bread served with high-quality butter and handmade pastas like ravioli.

What makes these dishes extraordinary is their ability to evoke memories. Matteo’s clientele, though capable of demanding the most extravagant experiences, often seek familiarity—flavors that remind them of cherished moments, such as a summer on the Amalfi Coast or a beloved family recipe. “The simplest dishes often evoke the strongest emotions,” Matteo says. “Luxury is not just about extravagance but emotional resonance.”

This focus on simplicity doesn’t mean Matteo shuns premium ingredients. Events he crafts—whether intimate dinners aboard superyachts or embassy galas for hundreds—often include elements like truffle and caviar. However, his hallmark lies in the subtle balance of flavors and impeccable execution. Every dish is prepared *à la minute*—cooked fresh, just before it’s served—to ensure peak quality and freshness.

### **Catering to the World’s Wealthiest**

Over the years, Matteo has solidified himself as a favorite among the upper echelon. One standout milestone includes preparing a bespoke menu for the President of Singapore during an embassy gala. Other memorable occasions include catering grand corporate events for brands like Panerai, crafting private dinners aboard luxury yachts, and flying to Cambodia to serve high-powered business elites.

Every event Matteo caters challenges him to innovate while staying true to his roots. “Each event is an opportunity to evolve,” he reflects. The collaborative nature of working with demanding clients pushes him creatively, allowing him to blend artistry, tradition, and precision seamlessly.

### **What Elite Diners Value Most**

Though Matteo’s clients possess the wealth to afford the rarest ingredients, their preferences often lean toward consistency, quality, and emotional ties to their meals. Freshness is non-negotiable, and everything from the food to the ambiance must be thoughtfully curated. Even table settings and decor serve as an extension of the culinary narrative Matteo weaves.

One recurring theme Matteo has identified is culinary nostalgia. Many of his clients request dishes reminiscent of their Italian travels—think seafood pasta inspired by the shores of Liguria or the airy decadence of a classic rum baba. “Wealthy clients don’t just look for luxury; they seek familiarity,” Matteo shares.

### **A Philosophy of Connection**

What truly sets Matteo apart is his unwavering commitment to human connection. From his supper club days to orchestrating grand affairs for royalty, his work is rooted in forging genuine bonds. “Food is my language,” Matteo explains. “It’s how I connect, inspire, and create lasting memories.”

Though his clientele includes some of the most powerful and affluent individuals in the world, Matteo’s focus remains steadfast on the fundamentals: simplicity, authenticity, and fostering emotional connections. Whether serving freshly baked bread or a truffle-infused gourmet creation, Matteo’s work reminds us that luxury lies not in extravagance but in the care and thought we bring to the table.

Chef Matteo Pertoldi’s story is a testament to how passion, reinvention, and a commitment to connection can redefine success. From blueprints to bread, his remarkable journey proves that the finest luxuries in life often begin with the simplest, most heartfelt gestures.