Chef Franco Malacisa Returns to Argentina to Open Tranquil Restaurant 'Chizza'

Chef Franco Malacisa, inspired by his grandmothers' cooking from a young age, has returned to Argentina to open his dream restaurant, Chizza, in Los Cardales, Buenos Aires Province. After years working in bustling kitchens across Europe, including London's Covent Garden, and experiencing diverse culinary traditions in Italy, the UK, Russia, and Ukraine, Malacisa sought a more peaceful environment. He found it in a historic 1890s mansion in Los Cardales, a town he felt a strong connection to. The restoration of the property was a family effort with his wife, Cecilia. The restaurant, named 'Chizza' as a nod to his family name and his father, opened in March 2008. Despite initial challenges, including a gas supply issue on opening day and the 2008 agricultural conflict impacting meat availability, Malacisa pivoted to focus on seafood, a bold move for the region. This strategy proved successful, and Chizza has become a local secret, known for its fresh, natural ingredients and precise culinary techniques. The menu features standout dishes like sea bass with asparagus and lemon cream, and braised ossobuco with Malbec, alongside creative appetizers and homemade desserts. Malacisa also cultivates his own garden on-site, further emphasizing his commitment to fresh produce. During the pandemic, he expanded the restaurant's wine cellar, now housing over five thousand bottles, and also features a bar with a wide selection of gins and whiskies.