MODENA, ITALY (Nov. 11, 2024) – The Italian luxury wellness group, Lefay Resorts & Residences (lefayresorts.com) is pleased to announce its Grual Restaurant at Lefay Resort & Spa Dolomiti, led by Executive Chef Matteo Maenza, received a Michelin Star.
Opened in December 2019, the Grual Restaurant is named after the mountain that forms the backdrop of the resort and emphasizes Trentino-South Tyrol ingredients sourced from organic and sustainable suppliers. Inspired by an enchanted forest, it relies on ethical cooking and careful selection of raw materials for a cuisine of ideas that excite. Its menu is "altimetric" - or organized by altitude - with each dish is made from ingredients that celebrate the mountains, in a metaphorical journey that from the valley floor, rises to the High Mountains, passing through the Alpine pastures. There are two tasting menus: "The Path" and "the Peak," with 8 and 12 courses, respectively.
The concept is the result of a strong collaboration between the Leali Family, founders of Lefay Resorts & Residences, and Group Executive Chef Matteo Maenza. Born in Trani in 1984, during his career he has worked with some of the most internationally acclaimed chefs such as Alain Ducasse, Anne Sophie-Pic and Jean François Piège. Since 2013 he has been Executive Chef at Lefay Group, following the principles of Lefay Vital Gourmet sustainable wellness cuisine and enhancing it through his creativity.
"I am very proud of this iconic recognition," says Executive Chef Matteo Maenza. "This work is nourished by a generous dose of passion, to be dedicated every day to each dish, even more so in a setting like Lefay, where every detail is thought out for an excellent experience. The MICHELIN star for me is the achievement of a lifetime. A special thanks goes to the entire brigade, who strive to offer Guests a one-of-a-kind itinerary designed to amaze every sense."
The Michelin Star is awarded to restaurants that offer cuisine of excellence. For this award, the MICHELIN Guide takes into consideration five criteria: the quality of ingredients, the harmony of flavors, the mastery of techniques, the personality of the chef as expressed in his or her cooking, and the consistency over time and of the entire menu. MICHELIN inspectors, famously anonymous, all full-time MICHELIN employees and former restaurant and hospitality professionals, make the decisions. Each restaurant is visited by several inspectors, who discuss and compare their respective experiences to arrive at a final verdict.
The star was awarded at the MICHELIN Guide Ceremony Italy 2025, held at the Pavarotti Freni Municipal Theater on Nov. 4 in Modena.
LEFAY RESORTS PHOTOS + MEDIA KIT
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Lefay Resorts & Residences (www.lefayresorts.com) was founded in 2006 by Domenico Alcide and Liliana Leali with the aim of becoming the Italian reference brand in the international market for luxury wellness holidays through the creation of a collection of eco-resorts according to the Italian style and living and the new Lefay concept of luxury. The first in the collection, Lefay Resort & SPA Lago di Garda, opened in 2008 in Gargnano and has been awarded with more than 100 international accolades in 14 years, ranking as one of the world’s top SPA Destinations. Lefay Resort & SPA Dolomiti in the ski area of Madonna di Campiglio followed in 2019 and has been acknowledged in a short time with more than 40 international awards. Lefay Dolomiti marked the Group's entry into the Serviced Branded Residences segment, the first example within a SPA Destination in Italy. Consistent with the values of well-being and sustainability, both Resorts are totally carbon neutral and certified by the world's most reputable organizations. In 2022, the Group announced its first Resort in management contract abroad, in Crans-Montana, Switzerland.
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