Aldo Zilli's Lunch Launch at Thomson offices in Luton

Celebrity Chef Aldo Zilli yesterday marked the launch of his autobiography - Being Zilli -  by cooking up a storm at Thomson's head office in Luton.  Aldo, who has personally created the meals on all Thomson flights as well as opening a Zilli's Restraurant on board the Thomson Celebration Cruise Ship, showed off his culinary skills for staff by preparing his signature dishes for their lunchtime menu.  He also staged a book signing in advance of the official media launch of 'Being Zilli' next month.

"Being able to cook for customers on Thomson flights and cruise ships is an amazing opportunity and I wanted to give Thomson staff the chance to also enjoy the 'Zilli' experience!", said Aldo. "With the launch of my new autobiography, it was the perfect time for me to come in and cook for them."

In an industry first, Aldo Zilli came on board with Thomson in 2006 to personally create all its airline meals across both standard and premium class, including all starters, hot meals and desserts, as well as an optional Zilli sandwich from the café cart service.   In addition to Thomsonfly, Thomson Cruises have also offered passengers on board the Thomson Celebration the chance to enjoy the Zilli experience, when in October 2007, a Zilli's Restaurant opened on board.  Teaming up with the Italian-born chef has proved a real hit with Thomson cruise customers, with the restaurant scoring 99 out of 100 on customer satisfaction scores this winter on the RED SEA MAGIC itinerary which sails from Sharm el Sheikh.