The human factor and the dignity of people

As you ask me for my thoughts on the Human Factor I’m in Nobeoka, a countryside town in the south-west tip of Japan.

When we arrived, at 11 pm, the lady who owns the hotel was waiting for us in the street. She welcomed us with a smile and lit the path to the hotel Takahiraya with a lantern. The house smelled like wood and sea. The bed was scented and perfect. She prepared a hot stone tub, overlooking the ocean. A fresh breeze was coming from the window. The lady’s son, the house chef, served us some sushi and then we went to sleep.

I was awake at 6 already. The lady heard me and immediately arrived holding a tray with coffee. Meanwhile, she started to prepare a fantastic breakfast. Together with Taka and Pippo we spent two hours like that. Incredible. It was a first. I’s a moment we’ll treasure for a long time.

I tell this story because hospitality is the most important thing. It’s the utmost gesture. Nourishment, nourishing the soul: this is the meaning of a restaurant. At Francescana this kind of attention begins upon booking, and continues until the client leaves Via Stella. Food is only one side of the issue. It’s the human factor that recreates the dignity of people.