Bernd Knöller: From the secondary student to the Michelin star chef in Valencia!

Bernd Knöller: From the secondary student to the Michelin star chef in Valencia!

Valencia, Spanien - Bernd Knöller, a renowned German star chef, has developed into a culinary size in Valencia and thus embodies an impressive life story. Born in the Black Forest and grew up in Ditzingen, Baden-Württemberg, his school career began with a secondary school leaving certificate. Despite his bad school grades, he decided against a career as a musician and for training as a cook that began in 1977 in the Hotel Ochsen in Höfen. This training was physically demanding because it had to process 10 kg flour and 100 eggs weekly, so reports Handwerkblatt .

After his apprenticeship, Knöller moved to London, where he worked in the CroSvenor Hotel in Chester. Back in Germany, he quickly took over the position of a semi-leader at the Hotel Ochsen, but announced after only three weeks. The path continued to 2-star restaurants in Düsseldorf and Berlin, before he worked as a house nurse at Caritas in Berlin. During this time he also took painting courses and acting lessons, which underlines his versatile interests.

The step to Spain

The 90s and the associated economic crisis forced Knöller to find a job in Spain. He found a job as a chef in the "Ma Cuina" restaurant and later switched to a pizzeria. In 1993 he opened his own restaurant "El ángel Azul", which quickly gained popularity. After eight successful years he handed over the restaurant to his Sous boss and opened "Riff" on September 10, 2001. Since 2009, the restaurant has been awarded a Michelin star, which underlines Knöller's culinary talent, as Valencia for German reported.

his kitchen in the "reef" is characterized by modern, Mediterranean dishes, with the preparation of which fresh ingredients play a central role. Knöller prefers shopping on the Mercado Central in Valencia and has a special preference for fresh fish, which he obtains directly from fishkutern. An insider tip for coffee lovers in Valencia is the Stand Retrogusto Coffeemates, which is known as a place for the best coffee in the city.

live in Valencia

Knöller has lived in Valencia for 27 years, originally because of love and the sun. He has three children with whom he alternately speaks German and Spanish. His eldest son has done a cooking training and is currently studying in Paris, while his daughter attended a Valencian -speaking school and likes to speak German with her father.

For Knöller, olive oil is an indispensable part of his kitchen. He adapts his cooking style to the local preferences because Valencians do not like butter or cream. With his creative approach, he also published a new book entitled "Unánime", which contains 68 recipes and interviews. Previously, he presented his first book "Ánima Mediterránea" in 2013.

Bernd Knöller shows that passion, dedication and the courage to break new ground can enable fulfilling and successful career. He will also be full of ideas in the future, but currently sees no need for another restaurant. In his free time he likes to spend time with his family, takes care of his horse and visits cultural events in Valencia.