Chef Amedo Masala
Experience a true taste and aroma of Italian cuisine at Pane & Pasta
Located in Camana Bay, Pane & Pasta brings a true taste, aroma and experience of Italian cuisine to Cayman through their traditional breads and pasta. The dishes are handmade by their team of Italian chefs, delivering a deliciously fresh and aromatic fine dining experience with a menu designed for the convenience of those with a busy lifestyle.
Heading up the Pane & Pasta kitchen team is Italian born Chef Amedo Masala. He found time to dust the flour off his hands to answer a few questions and give me an insight into the creator of Cayman’s most authentic Italian pane and pasta!
Where are you from originally?
Prato, Italy, a small city near Florence.
When did you first come to Cayman and why?
I first visited Cayman in August 2018 for a vacation. Then after falling in love with the Island, I relocated in June 2019 to open the restaurant.
Where else in the world have you worked before working in Cayman?
I worked in many cities in Italy before making the decision to experience life outside of my country and relocating to the Cayman Islands.
Who or what inspired you to become a chef?
I was influenced by my entire family who all enjoy cooking. Since I was a child, our kitchen during the holidays looked and operated like a restaurant! I was so fascinated and excited to learn and help in the kitchen. This is when I first fell in love with cooking.
What would you say is the key element in running a successful kitchen?
The love of food and the special attention paid to the customers are key elements in running a successful kitchen. It is also extremely important to form the right team because a restaurant is like a racing car and the kitchen is the engine.
What are your go-to seasonings and why?
As a good Italian chef, extra virgin olive oil, garlic and fresh basil. From these ingredients you can prepare most of the Mediterranean dishes.
What is your favourite dish and why?
For sure any kind of risotto because I think it’s the best expression of the Italian cuisine.
How do you decide what to include on a menu?
The main criteria depends on the availability of the ingredients during the seasons and equally the authenticity of the traditional Italian cuisine.
Have you ever had a kitchen nightmare?
Once, a refrigerator caught afire, and the entire fire alarm system was triggered. The kitchen was full of water like a swamp.
What would you recommend as romantic meal for two?
A glass of Franciacorta to start followed by fresh tuna tartar with burrata foam, risotto with prawns and wild berries, and tiramisu for dessert.
What advice would you give someone who wants to start a culinary career?
To be passionate, curious and be ready to miss family, friends, and holidays.
What is your favourite expression?
Taking into consideration I cannot say bad words, my favourite expression is, “Guys is everything ready?”
If you are looking for an authentic Italian dining experience from a dedicated and passionate team, then Pane & Pasta is a must try! Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner with take-out service available.
Pane & Pasta open Monday-Friday 11.30am-2.30pm and 5.30pm-9.30pm, Saturday 11.30am-9.30pm. Closed on Sundays.
For more information about Pane & Pasta, visit https://www.paneandpasta.net/
Email: info@paneandpasta.net
Telephone: +1 (345) 547-9208
By Juliette Heath
Juliette Heath is a Caymanian foodie, weddings and events planner, and author of kids’ books.