Epic day for Laqua Collection and the Cannavacciuolo family, as they watched Chef Gianni Bertone and Chef Gianluca Renzi receive their first Michelin star.
Chef Gianni Bertone – When a dream becomes a vision
Our Chef Gianni Bertone embodies the journey of someone who has a dream and relentlesslypursues it with humility, tenacity, hope, and immense passion. From the very first day that Laqua by the Lake opened in 2021, Chef Bertone set his sights on bringing a new Michelin star to Lake Orta.
Today, at the 70th Michelin Awards held at the Teatro Pavarotti-Freni in Modena, his deepest wish came true, moving friends, colleagues, and Chef Cannavacciuolo himself. Such a milestone is never achieved by waiting; it takes resilience, a relentless focus on raw ingredients, and a commitment to innovative pairings that astonish guests and elevate the dining experience. But it’s not enough.
The whole team must strive to do their best, and Gianni has masterfully led his brigade to achieve ever-higher standards, showing them the impact of teamwork on the final dish. But the most important ingredient is love – Chef Bertone’s love of cooking since childhood, which has driven him to exceed all expectations and hold his first Michelin star in his hands.
Chef Gianluca Renzi – Michelin star in record time
Gianluca Renzi, a young chef who joined the Laqua Collection and Cannavacciuolo Group less than a year ago, is already a rising star in Italian gastronomy. His restaurant, Le Cattedrali, in the heart of Asti, was recently named “World’s Best New Hotel Restaurant,” and has now been awarded its first Michelin star.
Achieved in record time, this honour reflects the Head Chef’s incredible technique, boundless passion for cooking, and the expertise of his entire team. The focus remains on quality ingredients, often sourced locally, to celebrate the region in all its richness. This achievement is shared not only by the Head Chef, but also by the entire Cannavacciuolo Group, which now boasts 8 Michelin stars.
All the Michelin stars of the Cannavacciuolo Group
From today, Tuesday 5th November, 2024, Chef Cannavacciuolo and his team proudly hold a total of 8 Michelin stars. Within the Laqua family, Head Chefs Nicola Somma and Marco Suriano still hold their stars, awarded just a few months after the opening of their restaurants. Another source of pride for the Group is Head Chef Gabriele Bertolo, who recently took over Cannavacciuolo Bistrot in Turin and successfully retained its Michelin star, which has been shining since 2019.
Special recognition also goes to Villa Crespi’s 3 stars, one of the most coveted achievements in recent years, confirmed in the 70th edition of the Michelin Guide.
Last but not least, a special award for Chef Cannavacciuolo: the 2025 Mentor Chef Award, in recognition of his ability to nurture young talent and champion their ideas.
