Restaurants in Dubai Welcome New Italian Favourite

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES--(Marketwire - Mar 1, 2012) - New flavour heats up at Cucina, one of the most authentic Italian restaurants in Dubai, as Courtyard by Marriott Dubai Green Community welcomes their newest Italian Chef ~ Fortunato Leocata.

Chef Fortunato is a chef with a difference, as he spent 14 years in the culinary world and has gained experience through exposing himself to a wonderful variety of menus with backgrounds from the authentic Italian cuisine and Italian-Mediterranean dishes.

Originally from Catania, Sicily in Italy, he pursued his passion for cooking and entered 'Instituto Professionale Alberghiero di Stato' in Giarre and graduated in 1997 with Qualification in Food Science.

Before joining the team at the 4 star Dubai hotel, Chef Fortunato has served in restaurants across the UK and held senior positions in Hotel Cadogan in London and Del Lago Italian Restaurant in Manchester both as a Chef de Partie.

"I love my work because of the way I have been taught. I work professionally and always with enthusiasm. I put a great deal of effort into presentation, which I do with originality and creativity," says Leocata.

When looking for things to do in Dubai, join Chef Fortunato at Cucina for lunch or dinner with your family and friends. Courtyard by Marriott Dubai Green Community team is proud to have him as the latest addition to its esteemed restaurant.

The Courtyard Dubai, Green Community features several on-site Dubai restaurants. The Cucina Italian Kitchen is famous for its freshly prepared bread. Enjoy lake-view seating while exploring the vibrant flavours of Tuscany. Pizza from the open kitchen's wood-burning oven is also an all-time favourite.

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL, INC. (NYSE: MAR) is a leading lodging company with nearly 3,700 lodging properties in 72 countries and territories. Marriott International operates and franchises hotels under the Marriott, JW Marriott, The Ritz-Carlton, EDITION, Autograph Collection, Renaissance, AC Hotels by Marriott, Residence Inn, Courtyard, TownePlace Suites, Fairfield Inn & Suites, SpringHill Suites and Bulgari brand names; develops and operates vacation ownership resorts under the Marriott Vacation Club, The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club, and Grand Residences by Marriott brands; licenses and manages whole-ownership residential brands, including The Ritz-Carlton Residences, JW Marriott Residences and Marriott Residences; operates Marriott Executive Apartments; provides furnished corporate housing through its Marriott ExecuStay division; and operates conference centers. The company is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and had approximately 129,000 employees at 2010 year-end. It is ranked by FORTUNE as the lodging industry's most admired company and one of the best companies to work for. In fiscal year 2010, Marriott International reported sales from continuing operations of nearly $12 billion. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.