Messina reflects the dream of chef Mauricio Giovanini, who has explored beyond his Argentinian roots to develop his unique, non-conformist culinary style, ably supported by his wife (Pía Ninci) in her role as sommelier and front-of-house manager. In the kitchen, he always strives for harmony and clean, individual flavours, creating cuisine influenced by Europe (including the Mediterranean) and Latin America, with a special focus on Lebanese recipes. Mauricio Giovanini began to make a name for himself when he observed that flavour resides in the liquid part of foods, hence his use of pure juices and their by-products (concentrates, creams etc) that are a key part of his culinary concept. Today, he continues in the same vein, although he now shows much more interest in natural thickening agents.