Andrea Belfiore, the chef-drummer who conquered Pechino Express
Andrea Belfiore, alongside Joe Bastianich, clinched victory in the latest edition of Pechino Express. An experience that left a mark on a human level, emphasizing even more the significance of the little things. A baggage of emotions that became increasingly ‘weighty’ with each stage. Half Sicilian, he pledged to visit Sicily every year. Smitten by Stromboli, Lampedusa is on his wish list. Sicilian Secrets interviewed him.
Q: How has your approach to travel changed after Pechino Express? On a human level, what did this experience leave you with?
A: It was a 360-degree experience that we lived in a complete manner, putting ourselves in the shoes of those we encountered. We lived with humility and curiosity, wanting to understand people and their traditions. Pechino Express left my heart fuller; immersing ourselves in Southeast Asia made us discover how incredible it is, with its scents and colors, leading us to realize what the essential things in our lives are. We were with super-poor families who shared their daily food with us, with happiness and smiles. We should complain a little less and appreciate the small things.
Q: What is the experience from Pechino Express that you remember with the most pleasure?
A: There are many little great stories, but the one that has stayed with me the most is about the day when Joe and I ended up in a remote village. We needed to find a place to sleep, but no one spoke English. At one point, we encountered a man with an intense gaze, deep eyes. He didn’t speak English, and neither did his wife. They took us to their humble home, and we had dinner with them; it was a poor family. They gave us a room that wasn’t even finished yet; they wanted to make us comfortable. Joe and I got up early and found the man sleeping outside our door; it was a sign of protection, more spiritual than physical. We didn’t notice it until the morning, it surprised us, but I believe this is exactly the idea of giving and giving oneself to others.
Q: Is there a trip you would like to take that you haven’t done yet?
A: There are so many! I’ve traveled a lot, but on my wish list there are Egypt, Central Africa, and Japan. And yes, some places in Latin America too.
Q: Last summer, you visited Sicily. Is there a place that has stayed in your heart?
A: I’m half Sicilian, but unfortunately, I’m only discovering Italy in the last 4 years. I’ve promised myself to go to Sicily every year. The Aeolian Islands are a place I will never tire of visiting, especially Stromboli, which makes you feel connected to the earth. You can see it in how the inhabitants live, so tied to the volcano, greeting and thanking. They live day by day, perhaps going fishing by boat, taking a climb, spending time on the bench chatting.
Q: Andrea Belfiore in his role as a chef: what is your favorite Sicilian dish?
A: Eggplant Parmesan, my Sicilian grandmother used to make it, and now my aunt cooks it. Like her, no one. The taste is very personal, I know, but for me, those are the top.
Q: In your list, is there a place in Sicily to explore soon?
A: No doubt, Lampedusa!
Q: Lastly, what is your professional dream?
A: As a drummer turned chef and entrepreneur, I’ve gone with the flow of life. As an entrepreneur-chef, the first dream is to expand my business and bring the concept I’ve created to New York and worldwide. I’m fascinated by building my team; I’m a team player, and my partner and I are working on that. And then, I would like to open a restaurant or, better yet, an experience, something that stimulates me creatively. Lastly, I want to bring what I do, my concept of pasta making at home, to Africa. I’m already working through some associations to make this wish come true.
