Congratulations
Armando Percuoco
Awarded Order of Australia Medal 2020
Congratulations to Armando, our founder, who was recently awarded the Order of Australia Medal acknowledging his lifetime contribution.
We are very proud of you Chef!
Armando, originally from Naples, in his almost 50 years has contributed to making Italian cuisine a number one favourite among Australians and of the highest quality. Armando Percuoco is a member of the Order of Australia. Listen to his interview on SBS.
Armando Percuoco
Awarded Order of Australia Medal 2020
Congratulations to Armando, our founder, who was recently awarded the Order of Australia Medal acknowledging his lifetime contribution.
We are very proud of you Chef!
Armando, originally from Naples, in his almost 50 years has contributed to making Italian cuisine a number one favourite among Australians and of the highest quality. Armando Percuoco is a member of the Order of Australia. Listen to his interview on SBS.
I am very proud of Buon Ricordo’s reputation as one of Sydney’s essential dining experiences.
Armando Percuoco
Former Owner & Head Chef
Armando Percuoco
Armando, now retired, worked in restaurants from the age of 14, beginning in the family restaurant in Naples, and then, with his father’s encouragement in other restaurants in Naples and Capri. In 1972 Armando arrived in Australia joining his father Mario to work in Arriverderci, East Sydney. Several years later they opened Pulcinella restaurant in Kings Cross, where he quickly established a reputation amongst Sydney diners for excellent food and the ability to create a vibrant dining atmosphere.
Classic
Italian
In 1987 Armando opened Buon Ricordo, which has gone on to become a landmark of the Sydney dining scene due to Armando’s strong principles of service and excellence. Armando champions the return to classical Italian cuisine. His menu reflects the diversity and enduring appeal of Italian flavours, from the opulence of celebratory dishes to cucina povera “the food of the poor” – unpretentious dishes that shirk flamboyance for emphasis on flavour and taste.
Professional
Achievements
Valleyfield
Escape
When the restaurant is closed, Armando can be found at his Hunter Valley farm, Valleyfield, cooking in a more relaxed atmosphere, tending to his olive trees, fruit, vegetables, herbs, cattle and a newly established vine patch. Valleyfield has a boutique romantic guesthouse for two available all year round.
Armando's
Cookbooks
In 1986 Armando’s first cookbook Modern Italian Cooking was published, followed in 1994 by La Cucina Italiana: The Four Seasons of Italian Cooking and most recently, 2009, Buon Ricordo – How To Make Your Home a Great Restaurant.
Armando's
Philanthropy
Armando was instrumental in establishing the ‘Five Chefs Dinner’ for the Starlight Foundation in 1993, a non-profit organisation that grants wishes to seriously ill children. Now a national, annual event, it has raised millions of dollars to assist this valuable work. Buon Ricordo is also one of the original sponsors of Sculpture By The Sea, Sydney’s premier outdoor art exhibition. The Melanoma Institute of Australia, Sydney Dance Company, Prostate Cancer Foundation and Aurora are a few of the many other charitable or artistic organizations Buon Ricordo supports.
Proud
Heritage
As one of a group of Sydney Italian restaurateurs proud of their heritage and committed to safeguarding Italian culinary culture, Armando was involved in the establishment of the Council of Italian Restaurants in Australia (CIRA), which makes a vital contribution to the teaching and promotion of our industry.
