Luisa Vallazza

Interviewed December 2007

Luisa Vallazza is that rarity, a female 3 star chef (not so rare in Italy in fact, where there were three in 2007). Al Sorriso combines stunning ingredients with flawless technique, while the welcome there is very genuine.

Q – How long have you been cooking professionally?

26 years

Q – Where did you train to cook?

A restaurant called Autodidact

Q – How would you describe your style of cooking?

A new wave of Italian cooking respecting the taste of the produce.

Q – Is there a secret for a successful restaurant?

Working from morning until the evening.

Q – Do you have a “signature dish” or favourite dish you enjoy cooking?

Not as such; we change our menu in response to the changing seasons.

Q – Do you have a favourite ingredient?

Only the best!

Which restaurant do you most enjoy eating at on your night off?

In various of my Italian colleagues' restaurants in Italy.

What is your most interesting or fun experience from your time in restaurants?

No special fun experience to recount but I admire other Italian chefs greatly.

What would be your “last request” dish?

A consommé as this is the thermometer of every cuisine

Is there another chef that you most admire?

Too many to mention.

Any advice you would give to someone wanting to become a chef?

To know that it is such hard work that you must love it; the best work but it requires many sacrifices.

Any final thoughts you’d like to add?     

Cooking with love is the best kind of work.

Current Restaurant

Al Sorriso