22 February 2021, Hong Kong SAR, China – Forbes Travel Guide (“FTG”), the only global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants and spas, announced its 2021 Star Awards. Cucina, the Italian restaurant at Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel, has once again won the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star restaurant award, while Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel was named Recommended Hotel for its second consecutive year. Also, Mr. Bruce Wong Siu Lung, Supervisor of Cucina, is the first person in the world to be awarded “Restaurant Employee of the Year”. All awards are showcased alongside other winners on ForbesTravelGuide.com.
At Cucina we combine passion with great love for food. Born and raised in Piedmont, Cucina’s Chef de Cuisine Andrea Delzanno crafts exquisite menus using centuries-old traditions of Italian gastronomy, featuring innovative twists and the finest quality produce. He is renowned for his culinary craft and his creativity in cooking.
To celebrate this major achievement, a decadent four-course set menu by Chef Andrea will be served, from appetisers to dessert, all set against a backdrop of spectacular Victoria Harbour views. Available from 18 February 2021 at HK$888 per person. Highlights include Lobster Tail with Crab Meat Cannelloni, Avocado, Passion Fruit, Herring Caviar and Mango Pearls, Risotto in “Pina Colada” style with Coconut, Pineapple, Marinated Red Prawn and Lime, Baked Angus Beef Tenderloin Tournedos with Beetroot Purée, Duck Liver Powder and Carrots Flan and Chestnut with Dehydrated Meringue, Raspberry Ice Cream and Pomegranate. Pair it with four glasses of wine, recommended by Sommelier Mr. Raymond Lo, for an additional $380 per person. For reservations, please call Cucina at +852 2113 0808.
Among the four finalists from around the world, Mr. Bruce Wong Siu Lung, Supervisor of Cucina was the only finalist in Asia for the “Restaurant Employee of the Year”. He impressed in the nomination process and became the first person in the world to win this prestigious award.
Having worked at Cucina for two years and other renowned restaurants, Bruce is a star who demonstrates confidence and passion in his work. He is ambitious in his career in the food and beverage industry, not only taking up wine and spirit courses to further strengthen his skills, but is also an aficionado of cigars. As a restaurant supervisor, Bruce carefully listens to and understands our guest requirements, while trying his best to satisfy their requests.
"A guest once told me at Cucina that he likes honeydew melon juice and yam congee for breakfast, which said was difficult to find in recent years. The next morning, I got him the two items before going to work and arranged it to be sent to his room. The guest was surprised and highly appreciative. This is not part of my job duty, but I feel satisfied to see a happy guest and this is where my motivation comes from. This guest has now become a regular patron at the restaurant and we have become good friends.” said Bruce.
Bruce also understands that working together as a team provides guests with exceptional experiences. He often shares his experiences with colleagues to help instill self-confidence and ensure they meet service standards. Guests and colleagues often speak highly of his genuine personality and just like his idol, Mr. Bruce Lee said “As you think, so shall you become.”
“This is big news and an achievement for every one of us at Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel. Thank you Forbes for recognising our team’s efforts in providing extraordinary service, especially during this difficult time,” said Mr. Dalip Singh, General Manager of Marco Polo Hotels-Hong Kong. “At Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel, it is our aim to create value in every encounter, provide the most exceptional personalised Asian hospitality experience, and exceeds guests’ expectations. Our associates will continually work together as a team to deliver excellence and innovation to valued guests, making them feel at home while providing a memorable dining journey.”
Forbes Travel Guide is the world-renowned authority in genuine Five-Star service, and both Cucina and Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel are the latest additions to its illustrious annual Star Rating list. Properties were inspected prior to the pandemic and when regional restrictions allowed for the safe return of guests.
“These 2021 award winners are a testament to the resiliency of the hospitality industry,” said Filip Boyen, CEO of Forbes Travel Guide. “During an unprecedented time, these top properties adapted to numerous adversities all while maintaining high service levels and ensuring the health security of their guests and staff.”
He added, “We hope that these excellent properties will inspire travelers for when they are ready to venture out on their next trip.”
To view the new Star Award winners, visit ForbesTravelGuide.com. For a detailed explanation of how Forbes Travel Guide compiles its Star Ratings, click here.
About Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel
EXPLORE DISCOVER EXPERIENCE
Situated in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui, Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel, which earned 2021 Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Award, is part of Harbour City – Hong Kong’s largest shopping complex.
Comprised of 665 luxurious guestrooms and suites, many of which offer breathtaking waterfront views of celebrated Victoria Harbour. Within a short walk are landmarks such as the Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, and 1881 Heritage. The hotel is also on the doorstep of Star Ferry terminal and MTR subway stations.
Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, a gym, a lobby lounge, an all-day dining outlet, Cafe Marco, featuring a wide variety of gourmet cuisines from all over the world and our 2021 Forbes Travel Guide 4-star restaurant – Cucina, a renowned Italian Restaurant. The hotel has 14 function rooms; the largest venue can accommodate up to 430 guests, with the dedicated service of our professional Banquet Services Team.
The hotel is part of Wharf Hotels, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Wharf (Holdings) Ltd, a Hong Kong-listed company with core business interests in property and investments in communications and container-terminal operations. Other Wharf Hotels properties include Gateway Hotel and Prince Hotel in Hong Kong, as well as hotels in mainland China and the Philippines. Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel is a member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands, bringing together more than 35 brands with over 570 hotels in 85 countries. Further details on Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel are available at marcopolohotels.com.
About Forbes Travel Guide
Forbes Travel Guide is the only global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants and spas. Our anonymous professional inspectors evaluate based on up to 900 objective standards, with an emphasis on exceptional service, to help discerning travelers select the world’s best luxury experiences. The only way to get a Five-Star, Four-Star or Recommended rating is by earning it through our independent inspection process. For more information about Forbes Travel Guide, please visit ForbesTravelGuide.com.
About DISCOVERY Loyalty
A memorable trip demands more than a comfortable stay. DISCOVERY, an award-winning global loyalty programme, provides 17 million members recognition and perks across over 570 hotels, resorts and palaces in 85 countries. Elite members have the opportunity to immerse themselves in local culture through Local Experiences, distinctive activities that capture an authentic taste of each destination. For more information, visit discoveryloyalty.com.