XMAS GOURMET 2* DINNER AT THE "OCEAN", VILA VITA

December 14th, 2012

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Now we come to the last highlight of the year which is our Christmas Dinner at the 2*Michelin Star Ocean Restaurant in Vila Vita Parc, Porches, hosted by General Manager Kurt Gillig who has been a committed member of The Chaine for over 15 years and, as my predecessor, a honarary Bailli of The Chaine together with his Executive Chef de Cuisine Hans Neuner. Both of our hosts are Austrian which is very appropriate for a Christmas Celebration.

Kurt who studied at the College of Hospitality & Tourism at the lovely location of Villach in Carinthia, Austria has been involved in Hotel and Culinary operations for over 20 years in a number of 5 Star European hotels, holding various positions as Director as well as Hotel and Food and Beverage Manager at these establishments. In 2000 he joined Vila Vita Parc as Executive Chef before starting to move up the ladder first as Food and Beverage Manager and Culinary Director in 2002 followed by the Resident Manager and Food and Beverage Operation and VIP Services position in 2004 culminating in the Director of Operations and Hotel Director in 2010 and lastly as General Manager in 2011. This is in German a "Bilderbuch"(picture book ie dream) career for which he should be congratulated.

Hans began his professional training with apprenticeships from 1991 to 1994 at the ***** Steigenberger Hotel Alpenkönig with 16 Gault Millau Points in Tirol, Austria near to where he was born. It was here that he obtained his professional qualifications which put him into good stead to become one of the very top chefs in Europe. From then onwards he has held ever higher positions in the culinary business starting at his apprenticeship hotel and then at the ***** Hotel Carlton in St.Moritz, Switzerland, at The Grill Room in The Dorchester in London, at the "Whaler Inn" Seafood Restaurant  in Bermuda, on Crystal Cruise Ships, at the * Michelin Star Restaurant Gourmet Adlon at the Hotel Adlon being a part of the time there in partnership with Chef Marc Haeberlin from the world famous *** Star LÁuberge de I´ll in Illhaeusen, Alsace France, before spending a year at the **Michelin Restaurant Tristan in Mallorca culminating in the * Michelin Restaurant Gourmet" Seven Seas" as well as 17 Gault Millau Points at the Hotel*****Gastromony in Hamburg and lastly since 2007 as Executive Chef de Cuisine at our host Restaurant Ocean. In 2009 he managed to secure the first *Michelin and in 2011 the** Michelin  which is a fantastic achievement in such a short time and emphasises that he has been an excellent signing by Kurt!