Mandarin Oriental Bangkok’s Chef - Norbert Kostner - Conferred Cavaliere dell’ Ordine della Stella d’Italia

Under the ordinance of H.E. Ambassador Michelangelo Pipan, Ambassador of Italy to Thailand, the President of the Republic of Italy, Mr. Giorgio Napolitano has conferred the decoration Cavaliere dell’ Ordine della Stella d’ Italia upon Norbert Kostner who has been Executive Chef of Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok for the past 38 years.

H.E. Mr. Michelangelo Pipan presented the award of “Cavaliere” (or Knight) to Chef Norbert Kostner, Culinary Director of Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, during a private ceremony at the Ambassador’s residence recently.

The accolade was bestowed in recognition of Chef Norbert’s contribution to the promotion of the Italian image and the relation between Italian and Thai people through his work.

“Chef Norbert’s dedication to the art of his profession has earned him an excellent reputation amongst the general public and media alike, thus helping to promote closer relations between Thailand and Italy,” said Ambassador Pipan.

The Ordine della Stella d'Italia (Order of the Star of Italy) was originally instituted in 1947 as the Star of Italian Solidarity, to recognize expatriates and foreigners who made an outstanding contribution to the reconstruction of Italy after World War II. The badge bears the inscription Solidarietà Italiana encircling a depiction of the Good Samaritan. The order is bestowed by decree of the President of the Republic, on the recommendation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs. In 2011, it was reformed and the emphasis shifted to the preservation and promotion of national prestige abroad.

Chef Norbert’s culinary expertise has long been sought after in Thailand. He is advisor to the agricultural Royal Projects in Chiang Mai, Thailand; and under his patronage and the experienced eye of Chef Luca Casini, is also now responsible for Mandarin Oriental Bangkok’s newest Italian offering, Ciao, which offers guests the chance to sample a range of Italian dining, from classics to imaginative dishes.

Lying on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, Ciao’s al fresco setting helps create a relaxed, yet sophisticated, ambience. To one side of the restaurant lies Ciao’s chic cocktail bar, serving a selection of fine Italian wines and cocktails, spuntino, and one of the greatest selections of sparkling and wine-based cocktails in the country.

For an extra special experience, guests can book in advance an exclusive Chef’s Counter with seating for up to eight diners to enjoy an eight-course tasting menu accompanied by wines chosen by the hotel’s award winning sommelier.