Valentino Rossi’s cook is from Varese

When you follow a champion with enthusiasm, and then have the chance to meet him (and perhaps cook for him), you understand that dreams can come true, even on the other side of the world. The champion in question is Valentino Rossi, and the dreamer, Luca Colombo, who was born in Cazzago Brabbia, in 1987.

Since attending catering school and gaining experience in London and New Zealand, Luca has been living in Australia for more than two years, where he works as a cook in a Melbourne restaurant.

His passion for MotoGP, and especially for “The Doctor”, is one of those things that he has taken with him on all of his trips, and when he saw Valentino on the highest step of the podium at the Australian Grand Prix, his enthusiasm was added to the happiness of meeting him and cooking for him.

I hear you’ve had the chance to cook for Valentino Rossi.
During this past year, Valentino came three times to the restaurant in Melbourne where I work, and I had the chance to cook for him.

What did he order?
He certainly doesn’t have any pretensions when it comes to food. He ordered some mixed cured meats and cheese starters, grilled piadinas, grilled ribs, and little else … you know, simple, good quality things.

What was it like meeting him?
The first time, I was quite nervous, since, apart from him, I’ve never had any athlete as an idol; but after I introduced myself, I didn’t feel timid anymore, for the simple reason that he’s a very humble guy, a normal guy, one of us. His whole team is fantastic, they’re all nice and down to earth. Then, after he ate at the restaurant, I had the honour of having him as a guest at my house, just for a chat and a couple of drinks, together with his inseparable friend Uccio.

How did you feel when you saw him cross the finishing line first?
Wonderfully excited. I watched the race with great anxiety, but when he won and I was able hug him, and congratulate him, I felt immense satisfaction!

Luca could not hold back his joy and he wrote on his Facebook profile, “For the third time, I’ve had the honour of cooking for you, the honour of having you as my guest for an evening, and I felt immense joy to see you at the top of the podium once more … I mean, what an extraordinary week! A week that will be engraved on my heart for the rest of my life … Thanks, Champ!”

Dreams can come true, even on the other side of the world.