Maurizio Laureri
Partner

Maurizio Laureri has lived in an atmosphere filled with the sights, sounds and aromas of cooking since he was a young boy. His mother, Clara, sought his help in the kitchen and since a teenager he has traveled the globe seeking out new recipes, ideas and ways to make food even more enjoyable. In the same way as Maurizio's mother, and her mother before her, created her own sauces, adding her own spices and making the dish unique, Maurizio has done the same. Moving from London to New York City, running restaurants, creating dishes for his friends and catering for movie stars on set, Maurizio has never been tired of the art of cooking. It was in New York that Maurizio met Tom McNamara . . . a meeting that resulted in him moving to Phuket and opening Da Maurizio Bar Ristorante, under the umbrella of Tom's Baan Rim Pa Group.

Da Maurizio Bar Ristorante has become an increasingly popular venue for island residents, who return time and again to see what new choices are on offer. Maurizio has played host to a wide variety of musicians, from a classical opera duo (Opera by the Sea) to a famed jazz pianist from the USA (Scotty Wright). Over the years, he has always tried to offer something new. In recent years, he has brought a more contemporary and innovative style to the cuisine working with Executive Chef Jared Hucks as well as such novelties as a new cocktail, a show from a musician who just happens to be passing through, or a sunset wedding ceremony on the beach. Maurizio can be seen greeting his guests, chatting and retelling stories of travel, wine and, of course, food.

Paolo Fadda
Executive Chef

Life has been an extraordinary culinary adventure for Italian chef, Paolo Fadda. A series of colourful events and experiences led him from one kitchen to another until he found himself in southern Sun, where he is now working as Executive Chef at the award winning Da Maurizio Bar Ristorante in Phuket.

"And all wanted to do after finishing school was to travel the world!" says Paolo. Soon after graduating, he approached his mother to ask for money, as is customary, so he could travel the world. His mother told him since he was now of age, he could start working for his own money. He was asked to contact a family friend who worked as a chef in Rome.

And so the spirited young man went off and worked. As it turned out his chef mentor was impressed, as he gave Paolo a small piece of paper with the name and contact of another chef. And true to his adventurous spirit, Paolo went. Little did he realise that the person he was going to meet was the renowned 3-star Michelin chef, Heinz Beck at LA PERGOLA at The Hilton Hotel, The restaurant has been awarded by GAMBERO ROSSO guide( the Italian Michelin)as one of the best 3 restaurants in ITALY.

Paolo arrived in Chef Heinz's kitchen in street clothes. The unassuming young Italian was immediately questioned by the award-winning chef, "Why aren't you in your uniform?" Although he was undoubtedly talented, Chef Paolo realised he was never going to rise up in the kitchen hierarchy if he didn't have the proper training. So he went ahead and trained to obtain the necessary qualifications. But this didn't stop him from continuing his globe-trotting ways. "I just wanted to travel in the beginning and true enough I was able to do it, but I did it hopping from one kitchen to another".

Most recently he was in Dubai at the Qamardeen Hotel where he was responsible for the kitchen operations of Esca, an Italian restaurant whose menu he recently revamped to make more genuinely Italian. "People do notice the difference, so we decided to change the menu and offer authentic Italian cuisine."

With a dozen other Italian restaurants in Dubai and many more in the broader hotel circuit, Chef Paolo admits he was in for some stiff competition. "We made our menu as genuinely Italian as possible, but what spelt the difference was the customer's overall experience. At Esca, our customers feel they are walking into an Italian family's dining room and eating with them in the same passionate atmosphere that celebrates good food with your family and friends!"

In late 2010 Paulo accepted Maurizio Laureri's offer to come to Phuket and join Da Maurizio Bar Ristorante. Maurizio believes that this talented chef has the Italian passion, experience and enthusiasm for food, which would continue to improve and grow his award winning restaurant.

Thanin (Tonino) Permsab
Da Maurizio & Joe's Downstairs Restaurant Manager

Thanin or "Tonino" as he has come to be known, speaks not only Thai and English but also Italian, self-taught with a little help from Maurizio of Da Maurizio. Originally from Phang Nga, he moved to Phuket several years ago where he attended catering school and trained in some of the top hotels and restaurants on the island. He joined Da Maurizio Bar Ristorante in May, 1995 as a Captain and was soon promoted to Restaurant Manager. A few years ago he added Joe's Downstairs to his responsibilities.

Tonino can be seen roaming up and down the stairs between the two restaurants making sure all of his guests are being taken care of and enjoying their dining experience. His great personality and warm smile makes all the guests feel welcome. Nothing is too much for Tonino to try and ensure his guests are happy.

Tonino loves to assist his guests with their special requests, not only from the menu but with advice on their holidays in Phuket. He is quite familiar with all the dishes in both restaurants and is always happy to recommend a good wine to accompany your meal.