Simone Zanoni has always been defined by his passion for authentic, high-quality ingredients, even as a child. He grew up on a farm in the Italian region of Lombardy, where his grandmother laid the foundation for his connection to traditional Italian cuisine.
Following his culinary training, he spent time in some of the most prestigious kitchens, including Restaurant Gordon Ramsay in London – the only establishment in the city with three MICHELIN Stars. In 2016, he took over management of Le George at Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris, which earned a MICHELIN Star under his leadership in 2017. In the same year, he created a 3,000-square-meter vegetable garden in Versailles for the restaurant – a deliberate return to his Lombard roots. In addition to cooking, Zanoni is also passionate about Porsche. His fascination with mountain racing in his home region began at an early age. When Zanoni has a moment to escape his fast-paced life in the kitchen, he enjoys spending time on the racecourse himself – in the 911 GT3 RS.
What is love?
The intensity and energy you feel when a dish is just as successful as you imagined it.
How are you?
I never stop moving. That’s how I stay alert, focused, and full of life.
The Porsche 911 in three words?
Timeless, precise, emotional.
Which simple things can make you happy?
A perfect espresso, jogging at sunset, fresh bread with olive oil.
What would you never do in a 911?
Drive it without respect. A 911 is engineering culture.
What’s your favorite road?
The Tonale Pass in Italy.
What can distract you?
New ideas for dishes.
Three things you would take to a desert island?
A knife, a pan, and the sound of a Porsche engine.
Is there a historical figure you admire?
Enzo Ferrari.
What on a 911 could you do without?
The screens.
And what couldn’t you?
The movement, the dynamism, the action – standing still for too long makes me crazy.
What music did you wake up to this morning?
Italian jazz – something soft before you switch to racing mode.
Your favorite film?
Le Mans with Steve McQueen.
Your favorite book?
Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain.
Where do you long to be?
On a racecourse early in the morning, before everyone else gets there.
Your most treasured possession?
My knife and my racing helmet. Both represent discipline and precision.
Your secret?
I view my life as a racing strategy and plan energy, risks, and relaxation carefully – in the kitchen and on the racecourse.
The 911 moment of your life?
The first lap I drove in a 911 GT3 RS – unforgettable.
Your best advice?
Always give it your all. Go big or go home.
What would no one expect of you?
That I’m extremely disciplined and structured.
Simone Zanoni
Born: 1976
Residence: Versailles, France
Profession: Chef
Porsche: 911 GT3 RS
Info
Text first published in Christophorus Magazine, issue 418.
Images: Calvin Courjon / Porsche France
Copyright: All images, videos and audio files published in this article are subject to copyright. Reproduction in whole or in part is not permitted without the written consent of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG. Please contact christophorus@porsche.de for further information.
