Armando Percuoco

Armando has 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

Armando’s professional achievements have been acknowledged by the Italian Government who in 1997 awarded him the ‘Insegna del Ristorante’ Italiano for his contribution to Italian food outside of Italy; and the Australian Restaurant and Catering Association, who inducted him into ‘The Hall Of Fame’ in 1999. In 2011, Armando was recognized by the CIRA receiving a Life time Achievement Award for his contribution to Italian Culinary culture. 2012, which marked 40years since Armando’s arrival in Australia, saw Buon Ricordo awarded Australian Small Business Champion Award for restaurants.

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

Council of Italian Restaurants in Australia (CIRA)

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.