Chefs

For 13 years, he was the only chef in Portugal with 2 Michelin stars for Vila Joya, which he holds since 1999. Dieter Koschina landed in the Algarve in 1989 after taking a telephone call from Cláudia Jung, the hotel’s owner, who was looking for a chef for her restaurant. At the time, working as sous-chef at the Hilton Vienna Plaza, he accepted the challenge. He currently still works in the kitchen that was built to his measure.

What is this Austrian chef’s secret? Firstly, his talent and his extreme passion for the work he does and secondly, his inspiration, creativity and the vice of always trying to achieve the perfect flavour. In order to please customers, the chef likes to accept special requests, announcing to his brigade: “It’s John Wayne Time”. This means opening the fridge, taking a look at what is available and cooking dishes that are not on the menu.