The celebrated Italian chef brings his Piedmontese heritage and three decades of culinary excellence back to the beloved modern Italian restaurant.
Ms.Jigger, the vibrant Italian restaurant at the heart of Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok, welcomes the return of Chef Danilo Aiassa as its new Head Chef. A familiar face to the restaurant’s opening team, Chef Danilo brings with him a profound passion for authentic Italian cuisine, honed over a celebrated 33-year career that spans MICHELIN-starred kitchens in Italy to acclaimed establishments across Bangkok.
Born and raised in a small village in Piedmont, a region renowned for its truffles, fine wines and rich culinary traditions, Chef Danilo’s love for cooking was ignited at the age of six in his grandmother’s kitchen. This early inspiration, rooted in warmth and simplicity, is the cornerstone of his culinary philosophy today. His deep connection to Italian gastronomy is a family affair; his father was a farmer, a legacy continued by Danilo’s brother, and his sister is a seasoned sommelier.
Chef Danilo’s impressive journey began in Italy, where he refined his craft at some of the country’s most prestigious restaurants, including the one MICHELIN-starred Del Cambio in Turin, the three-MICHELIN-starred Ristorante Dal Pescatore Santini, and the two-MICHELIN-starred San Domenico in Imola. Since arriving in Bangkok in 2006, he has led kitchens at the Four Seasons and Mandarin Oriental, among others, before becoming an integral part of Ms.Jigger's opening team.
A New Chapter: Seasonal, Simple and Story-Driven
Chef Danilo’s return brings a refreshed menu inspired by seasonal produce, personal memories and a deep understanding of Bangkok’s cosmopolitan guests. His approach is rooted in authenticity and simplicity, ensuring every dish allows the true flavour of each ingredient to shine.
“Food should be easy to understand, honest, and memorable,” says Chef Danilo. “For me, it’s not about complicated techniques but about respecting the produce and serving them in a way that connects with guests.”
What to look forward to in the new menu:
Guests can also look forward to an interactive dining experience, with Chef Danilo and his team presenting specials tableside and offering a more personal connection between kitchen and dining room.
Sustainability at Heart
True to Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok’s vision, the new menu emphasises sustainable practices, from supporting organic local farms to careful waste management. “We respect every ingredient we use,” notes Chef Danilo. “Even what cannot be served is repurposed for plants or animal feed. It’s part of our responsibility as chefs.”
A Culinary Homecoming
With 19 years in Bangkok, Chef Danilo has become a well-recognised figure in the city’s Italian dining scene, beloved by both expatriates and locals. His return to Ms.Jigger marks not just a professional milestone, but a heartfelt homecoming. The return of Chef Danilo signals a new chapter for Ms.Jigger, reaffirming its place as one of Bangkok’s most beloved Italian restaurants.
“Ms.Jigger is family to me,” he reflects. “My goal is simple: to make every guest feel comfortable, cared for and eager to return. That’s what makes a restaurant truly special.”
Ms.Jigger is open daily from 11:30 a.m. to midnight and features an al fresco terrace. Pets are welcome on the terrace from 11:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Reservations may be made by calling 02 056 9999, messaging Line @ms.jigger, or emailing [email protected].
Born and raised in a small village in Piedmont, a region renowned for its truffles, fine wines and rich culinary traditions, Chef Danilo’s love for cooking was ignited at the age of six in his grandmother’s kitchen. This early inspiration, rooted in warmth and simplicity, is the cornerstone of his culinary philosophy today. His deep connection to Italian gastronomy is a family affair; his father was a farmer, a legacy continued by Danilo’s brother, and his sister is a seasoned sommelier.
Chef Danilo’s impressive journey began in Italy, where he refined his craft at some of the country’s most prestigious restaurants, including the one MICHELIN-starred Del Cambio in Turin, the three-MICHELIN-starred Ristorante Dal Pescatore Santini, and the two-MICHELIN-starred San Domenico in Imola. Since arriving in Bangkok in 2006, he has led kitchens at the Four Seasons and Mandarin Oriental, among others, before becoming an integral part of Ms.Jigger's opening team.
A New Chapter: Seasonal, Simple and Story-Driven
Chef Danilo’s return brings a refreshed menu inspired by seasonal produce, personal memories and a deep understanding of Bangkok’s cosmopolitan guests. His approach is rooted in authenticity and simplicity, ensuring every dish allows the true flavour of each ingredient to shine.
“Food should be easy to understand, honest, and memorable,” says Chef Danilo. “For me, it’s not about complicated techniques but about respecting the produce and serving them in a way that connects with guests.”
What to look forward to in the new menu:
- Local meets Italian – Burrata and mozzarella made in Thailand from Italian seed-stock milk, organic vegetables from Khao Yai, Thai Angus beef and sustainably sourced pork and chicken, ensuring flavours as close to Italy as possible while supporting local farmers.
- Seasonal storytelling – Specials that evolve with the produce of the moment, designed to spark curiosity and conversation at the table.
Guests can also look forward to an interactive dining experience, with Chef Danilo and his team presenting specials tableside and offering a more personal connection between kitchen and dining room.
Sustainability at Heart
True to Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok’s vision, the new menu emphasises sustainable practices, from supporting organic local farms to careful waste management. “We respect every ingredient we use,” notes Chef Danilo. “Even what cannot be served is repurposed for plants or animal feed. It’s part of our responsibility as chefs.”
A Culinary Homecoming
With 19 years in Bangkok, Chef Danilo has become a well-recognised figure in the city’s Italian dining scene, beloved by both expatriates and locals. His return to Ms.Jigger marks not just a professional milestone, but a heartfelt homecoming. The return of Chef Danilo signals a new chapter for Ms.Jigger, reaffirming its place as one of Bangkok’s most beloved Italian restaurants.
“Ms.Jigger is family to me,” he reflects. “My goal is simple: to make every guest feel comfortable, cared for and eager to return. That’s what makes a restaurant truly special.”
Ms.Jigger is open daily from 11:30 a.m. to midnight and features an al fresco terrace. Pets are welcome on the terrace from 11:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Reservations may be made by calling 02 056 9999, messaging Line @ms.jigger, or emailing [email protected].
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