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A chef with three Michelin stars who was complimented by world leaders' wives when he cooked for them at this year's G8 summit in Rome has opened his first London restaurant.
German-born Heinz Beck, regarded as one of Italy's finest chefs, has taken charge of Apsleys at The Lanesborough Hotel in Knightsbridge.
Both Sarah Brown and Michelle Obama lavished praise on him after their meal in July.
The Prime Minister's wife told more than 350,000 followers on her Twitter page how much she had enjoyed Beck's "signature ravioli carbonara".
Beck, 45, said: "To be praised by Sarah Brown on Twitter was wonderful - a real compliment. She was lovely and really enjoyed my carbonara.
"Michelle Obama was also full of praise. To have compliments from the wives was more important than impressing the leaders. It is the women who rule the men I think.
"I look forward to hosting Sarah and Gordon Brown at Apsleys."
Beck has overhauled the Apsleys menu with a focus on healthy Italian fare and installed a team of chefs primarily from his Rome restaurant La Pergola - the only one in the city to hold three Michelin stars and a magnet for Italian celebrities.
Starter dishes such as seabass cannolo with celery and melon are priced from £14, and pasta dishes including rabbit ravioli with asparagus and pistachio begin at £13.50.
Main courses such as slow-braised veal cheek with apple puree and Jerusalem artichokes are priced from £19, and desserts from £8.
There will also be a Menu del Giorno available at lunch, with three courses priced at £26, and Beck has created a seven-course tasting menu at £75 a head.
"I will try to source ingredients locally but some items must be brought from Italy," he said.
He revealed he had been looking for the "right opportunity" to open a London restaurant.
"I had a chance to open places in other world cities like New York, Paris and Tokyo but for me London is the biggest challenge of them all."
Beck has also rejected a career as a celebrity chef to concentrate on his skills.
"Being on TV every day is not important for me," he said. "I have turned down a lot of TV work. The kitchen is where I am happy."
He is also determined to preserve his clients' privacy.
"When Sarah Brown comes we will not announce it. Today we have someone from the royal family eating here - but nobody will know who and I will not tell you."
