It’s business as usual for popular Italian restaurateur Enzo Ciappelli even though he now has the title of Maestro del Lavoro.

That translates as Master of Work, a title granted to the 56-year old Sicilian.

The honour has been likened to being an Italian version of the OBE and Enzo is rightly proud.

But the father-of-three is not going to let the fact that he now has the Star of Merit for Labour, go to his head.

As reported in this week’s Examiner the honour is given to people whose long serving work merits, of at least 25 years, are recognised.

Enzo said that since receiving the Stella al Merito del Lavero from Sergio Mattarella, president of the Italian Republic, he has been bombarded with messages of congratulations.

These have come from regular customers at his Buck’s Road, Douglas restaurant as well as pals and even former school mates from Italy who had read about the honour in the Italian press.

Speaking to the Manx Independent from the restaurant, hard working Enzo said: ’I have had quite a lot of friends ringing me up. People I know who live in Rome, Turin and Milan have been contacting me to congratulate me.’

Enzo’s older brother Mario, who runs Portofino in Douglas, is also said to be delighted for him. His sister Antonella, 50, who is back in Sicily, is ’really happy’.

Enzo talked about how he has spent more than 35 years living and working in the Isle of Man, a place he loves.

Enzo had originally finished his studies to achieve a diploma in accountancy in his native Sicily when he ventured across to the Isle of Man in 1981 where his uncle and older brother Mario were already based. He worked at the Palace Hotel and Casino until June, 1982, when he had to return to Italy to undertake compulsory 12 months’ national service. During his time in the army he undertook a cookery course. He also gained catering experience during school summer holidays.

But then he returned to the island and has been here ever since, a decision he does not regret.

He went back to work in a restaurant at the Palace Hotel until 1989.

Then the restaurant Ciappelli’s was launched in the pavilion at Noble’s Park in a joint venture with his brother.

Then from 2004 until 2011 the business was based at Admiral House.

The restaurant later moved to King Edward Bay before Enzo’s was established around five years ago.

Enzo runs a tight ship as part of a four-person team at the restaurant which is running high in the popularity stakes on the website Trip Advisor.

Enzo received his accolade from the Italian Ambassador in Great Britain, Raffaele Trombetta, in a ceremony at the Institute of Italian Culture in Belgrave Square, London.

His full name is Vincenzo but he’s always preferred to be known as Enzo. And he stresses the title of Maestro del Lavoro will not change the way he operates.

He said: ’It is harder for people living abroad to receive this honour than people living in Italy. This is because the selection is done through a meticulous procedure.

’For somebody who lives abroad and even myself in this case, it is more of a satisfaction.

’My brother Mario has congratulated me.’ He admitted there is a ’friendly rivalry’ with Mario and they meet up every day. ’We are very close brothers.’

Enzo said his mother Rosalia died last year and his father Giuseppe died a few years ago. ’Both of them would have been absolutely over the moon with this, knowing their son works hard, but to receive an honour from the president of the Italian Republic, would be amazing.’

Enzo has three children, Luca, Callum and Marco, and two grandchildren who are twins. He still keeps up to date with the day-to-day events in Italy and has been keeping a special eye on the news surrounding the creation of a new coalition government there.

Although he still goes back to Sicily for breaks he sees the Isle of Man, where he is actively involved in the community, as home.