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

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

Bernd Knöller, a renowned German star chef, has developed into a culinary great in Valencia and thus embodies an impressive life story. Born in the Black Forest and raised in Ditzingen, Baden-Württemberg, his school career began with a secondary school diploma. Despite his poor school grades, he decided against a career as a musician and instead trained as a chef, which began in 1977 at the Hotel Ochsen in Höfen. This training was physically demanding as he had to process 10 kg of flour and 100 eggs per week, he said Craft sheet.

After his apprenticeship, Knöller moved to London, where he worked at the Crosvenor Hotel in Chester. Back in Germany, he quickly took on the position of semi-manager at the Hotel Ochsen, but resigned after just three weeks. The path took him to 2-star restaurants in Düsseldorf and Berlin before he temporarily worked as a home nurse at Caritas in Berlin. During this time he also took painting courses and acting lessons, which underlines his diverse interests.

The step to Spain

The 1990s and the associated economic crisis forced Knöller to look for a job in Spain. He found a job as a chef at the restaurant “Ma Cuina” and later moved to a pizzeria. In 1993, he opened his own restaurant, “El Ángel Azul,” which quickly gained popularity. After eight successful years, he handed the restaurant over to his sous chef and opened “Riff” on September 10, 2001. The restaurant has been awarded a Michelin star since 2009, which underlines Knöller's culinary talent Valencia for Germans reported.

His cuisine in the “Riff” is characterized by modern, Mediterranean dishes, in the preparation of which fresh ingredients play a central role. Knöller prefers shopping at the Mercado Central in Valencia and has a particular preference for fresh fish, which he buys directly from fishing boats. An insider tip for coffee lovers in Valencia is the Retrogusto Coffeemates stand, known as the place for the best coffee in the city.

Life in Valencia

Knöller has lived in Valencia for 27 years, originally because of love and the sun. He has three children with whom he speaks German and Spanish alternately. His eldest son trained as a chef and is currently studying in Paris, while his daughter attends a Valencian-speaking school and enjoys speaking German with her father.

For Knöller, olive oil is an indispensable part of his cuisine. He adapts his cooking style to local preferences, as Valencians don't like butter or cream. With his creative approach, he has also published a new book entitled “Unánime”, which contains 68 recipes and interviews. He previously presented his first book “Anima Mediterránea” in 2013.

Bernd Knöller shows that passion, dedication and the courage to break new ground can make a fulfilling and successful career possible. He is still full of ideas for the future, but currently sees no need for another restaurant. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family, taking care of his horse and attending cultural events in Valencia.