Matteo Cooks - Simply Beautiful

Ciao Ragazzi! Welcome to Matteo Cooks

The kitchen is where it all begins. My name is Matteo, an Italian chef from Rome who now calls Mexico home. This is where the old world meets the new, where the flavors of my childhood dance with the vibrancy of this beautiful land. Cooking is more than a profession to me; it’s my life, my art, my way of bringing people together. Today, I invite you to step into this world and discover how simple changes can elevate your home cooking.

The Three Pillars of Cooking at Home

To cook well is to respect the food, the people who eat it and the act of sharing it. In my opinion, the fundamentals of great home cooking are:

1. Cooking Technique

2. Material Quality

3. Plating Skills

Mastering technique takes time and patience—years, even. But you don’t need to wait to create something beautiful. Start with what you can control: the quality of your ingredients and how you present them. These are the secrets to making food that isn’t just good but unforgettable.

Material Quality: Where It All Begins

Good food starts with good ingredients. It’s that simple. A ripe tomato, a fresh fish or a fragrant herb—these things speak for themselves. Your job is to let them shine.

• Shop Local: Find a market near you. Talk to the vendors. Learn what’s fresh and in season.

• Choose Whole Foods: Avoid anything pre-packaged or pre-cut. Whole ingredients hold their flavor better.

• Taste as You Go: Smell it, feel it, even take a small bite if you can. Trust your senses.

Here in Mexico, the markets are alive with color and scent, offering treasures like Ataulfo mangoes and nopales. Wherever you are, seek out the best of what’s around you. Let the seasons guide your cooking.

Plating: The Beauty of Simplicity

Cooking is an art and the plate is your canvas. You don’t need elaborate techniques to make your food look as good as it tastes. Here are a few simple tips:

• Use White Plates: The food’s colors will do the work.

• Keep It Clean: A little space around the edges makes the dish feel intentional.

• Add Contrast: Bright greens, deep reds, or golden browns—balance the colors.

• Garnish with Care: A sprig of parsley, a sprinkle of sea salt, or a drizzle of olive oil can make the difference.

Remember, less is more. Let the beauty of your ingredients take center stage.

Cooking as Connection

Food is love made visible. It’s the laughter at the table, the stories shared, the comfort of something warm and familiar. When you cook with care, it shows—in the way the flavors come together, in the way the dish looks on the plate and in the way your guests feel when they eat it.

In the weeks to come, I’ll share more ideas, tips and stories to help you bring a little of this magic into your own kitchen. For now, take a moment and look at the ingredients in your home. Pick one thing—a ripe fruit, a fresh vegetable, or a cut of meat and think about how you can let it shine. Start there.

Grazie mille for joining me. Let’s cook something beautiful, together.