ON THE QUEST FOR LOCAL SUSTAINABLE INGREDIENTS TOWARDS INNOVATIVE CUISINE
Alila Villas Uluwatu presents its new executive chef, Marc Lorés Panadés, whose passion for getting to the root of ingredients, by getting as local, organic and sustainable as possible, aligns perfectly with this eco-luxury resort.
Marc’s culinary career began at hospitality school in his home city of Lleida in Spain. It was the start of a journey that has taken him to many parts of Europe, to Hong Kong, and back home again, and honed his skills in Spanish tapas and Mediterranean cuisine, as well as exposing him to the exotic flavours of Asia.
Among the highlights of his career, in 2011 Marc became head chef at Cal Xirriclo in Lleida, a modern fine dining Mediterranean restaurant, where local and organic produce were highlighted using modern cooking techniques. It was here that Marc received the first of many prestigious awards of his career, winning first prize in the Creative Cuisine’s Madrid Fusion in 2012 for Best Dish and Best Pairing, and then again, in 2016 for Best Dessert with a mushroom-shaped meringue.
Chef Lorés then headed to Hong Kong to work for the Aqua group as executive chef of a French bistro and a Spanish tapas bar. He subsequently returned to the helm at Cal Xirriclo, during which time he also shared his passion for food by teaching fusion food classes, appearing on local TV cooking shows, and writing a food blog for the local newspaper.
During his time in Hong Kong, he visited Bali and, like so many, fell in love with the island. So the opportunity to become part of the Alila Villas Uluwatu team proved irresistible, attracted by this innovative resort and the Alila philosophy.
Chef Marc looks forward to re-exciting the dining experience, drawing on his love for the fresh, radiant flavours of the Mediterranean and the spicy-sweet-sour-bitter punch of flavours unique to Asian cuisine. Fresh local and organic produce remain the stars of each dish, celebrated in all their authenticity, infused with creativity to deliver delicious moments of surprise.
Elevating the experience to another level, Chef Marc’s plans for CIRE restaurant include heart-warming elements of comfort food, and a new tasting menu that will become a signature experience served exclusively in the CIRE’s wine room. A dining experience as irresistible as its destination…
