A Michelin-Starred Celebration of Italian Craft
As Italy’s new La Dolce Vita Orient Express pulled out of Roma Ostiense Station on April 4, 2025, its inaugural voyage was more than a luxury train journey—it was a celebration of Italian heritage, craftsmanship, and gastronomic excellence. At the heart of this culinary debut was three Michelin star chef Heinz Beck, who not only curated the onboard dining experience but brought along a trusted companion: Bonini Balsamic Vinegars.
Chef Heinz Beck, known globally for his refined approach to Italian cuisine and his flagship restaurant La Pergola in Rome, has long counted Bonini among his favorite pantry staples. His friendship with the exceptional Bonini family stretches back years, rooted in a shared commitment to purity, patience, and excellence. So it comes as no surprise that when Beck was entrusted with overseeing the cuisine aboard Italy’s first homegrown luxury train, he made Bonini Balsamic Vinegar a central feature of the menu.
Onboard, the restaurant car offers a rotating menu inspired by the diverse regional cuisines the train traverses—from Tuscan vineyards to Sicilian coasts. In each dish, Bonini’s Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena adds its signature complexity: aged in a battery of wooden barrels for over 12 years, its depth of flavor is a natural match for Beck’s elegant preparations. Whether drizzled delicately over roasted vegetables or paired with Parmigiano Reggiano in a minimalist antipasto, Bonini brings balance and brilliance to each bite.
This collaboration marks a new chapter for Bonini—not only as a benchmark in the world of traditional balsamic but as a chosen partner for Italy’s most ambitious new luxury project. Much like the train itself, Bonini represents the very best of Italian tradition, elevated by contemporary vision. Together with Heinz Beck, they offer guests a taste of timeless luxury—on rails.
As La Dolce Vita Orient Express continues its journeys through Italy’s most iconic destinations, passengers can look forward to a dining experience that embodies the country’s finest culinary achievements, crowned by the unmistakable richness of Bonini.
