Meet the people that are making Modo Mio special

Giampaolo Maffini, Head Chef

There is something very elegant and stylish about Milan – and the same can be said of Giampaolo Maffini, Modo Mio’s Head Chef from Milan, who will be leading the kitchen team in Perth’s finest modern Italian restaurant.

Having travelled the globe working in Italy, Japan and Hong Kong, Maffini will bring to Modo Mio his passion of infusing traditional Italian masterpieces with fresh local produce and his quest for immaculate presentation, as well as some secret recipes that have been in his family for generations.

Risotto alle quaglie, zafferano e porcini – risotto with quail, saffron and porcini mushroom is a recipe that has been in the Maffini family for generations, each bite treating guests to a taste of the very best Milanese cuisine. For wine enthusiasts, Maffini has established an extensive cellar of brilliant Italian wines to pair with their favourite dish.

Maffini has worked in two Michelin star restaurants, including the famous Gualtiero Marchesi in Milan. A culinary inspiration to Maffini, Gualtiero himself is credited as shaping modern Italian cuisine.

“After I finished culinary school I went to work in a two-star Michelin restaurant and I was blown away by the high standards and how Chef Gualtiero was so detailed in everything he did. “He had such finesse when making a sauce for example and I really learnt a lot from him. He is still an inspiration.”

Maffini’s ethos on food is simple; use fresh ingredients and cook with love. “All of my food is cooked with love. I am passionate about my art and when I cook I am representing Italy, so I never want to disappoint.”

Modo Mio – meaning ‘My Way’ will encompass the heart and soul of Italian cuisine, honest, authentic and cooked with love - Giampaolo Maffini’s way!

Bernadine Alcantra, Restaurant Manager

Bernadine Alcantra, or Bernie as her regulars call her, is a Burswood institution. Completing her hospitality training in Singapore, Bernie worked at Grand Hyatt Singapore before migrating to Perth. She commenced her career at Burswood Resort in 1989 as a waitress in Victoria Station.

Her dedication to service and interaction with guests caught the eye of management and she was promoted to Supervisor, and then Manager in 2000 where she remained until Victoria Station closed its doors in January 2011.

Bernie leads her team to strive for excellence in service and was instrumental in Victoria Station being inducted into the AHA Hall of Fame in 2009 after winning the Best Steak Restaurant for three consecutive years.

Bernie’s commitment to customer service has earned her many regular guests all of whom she knows on a first name basis, and she is eager to introduce them to Modo Mio and Giampaolo’s Italian cuisine.

The chance to work with a chef of Giampaolo Maffini’s distinction is a career highlight for Bernie. “It has been so exciting to work with someone of Giampaolo’s calibre and to see the passion he has for what he does. His professionalism is paramount, and his excitement is contagious, it has made this project deeply rewarding for me already.”