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Dieter Koschina, the chef at Vila Joya, the only Portuguese restaurant to hold two Michelin stars, is once again bringing some of the most highly regarded chefs together for the “Tribute to Claudia” 2010. Cuisine “d’auteur”, for sophisticated gourmets. From 16th to 24th January, some of the most reputable names in international gastronomy will be passing through the kitchen of Dieter Koschina, the only chef working in Portugal to have been distinguished with two Michelin stars.

All have been recognised by the Michelin and Gault Millau guides and they will be presenting their d’auteur menus, comprising a minimum of seven dishes, appetisers, wines and digestifs.

With growing influence on the international gastronomy scene, the 2010 staging of the International Gourmet Festival “Tribute to Claudia” will be presenting a deluxe list of participants from different countries, with their own distinctive style of cuisine.

This, the 4th such festival, like the previous ones, will open with a dinner at which, at the invitation of host Dieter Koschina, all the chefs will be contributing jointly to the preparation of a single menu, setting the tone for a week of gastronomy at which guests will be able to savour unique dishes which would necessitate trip to European capitals, but also to Japan, if they were to be enjoyed in the restaurants of the chefs who will be present at the Vila Joya in Albufeira.

The dinner Koschina & Friends (16th January) will be prepared by Juan Amador and Heinz Winkler, both holders of three Michelin stars, Thomas Dorfer (2 stars), Mario Lohninger, Martin Klein, Peter Knogl, Nicolas Isnard, Frank Buchholz, Sigi Danler-Heinemann, all resident chefs at restaurants distinguished with one star by the highly respected gastronomy guide.

Jörg Wörther, with 17 points and Peter Schachermayer, 15 points, in the exacting table of the Gault Millau Guide, complete the initial “constellation”.

The chef Dani Garcia (1 Michelin star) will be preparing the menu on the second day, and will hand the baton to Jonnie Boer (3 Michelin stars).

Jacques Pourcel, whose work is classified with three Michelin stars, will be the following day’s chef, and on 20th January there will be a chance to try out the menu of Roland Gorgosilich.

Michael White (2 stars) will be in charge of the Vila Joya’s kitchen on 21st January, followed by Andrea Berton, whose restaurant has one Michelin star.

On 23rd January, the "Tribute to Claudia" will allow guests to try out the cuisine d’auteur of Jin Jie Zhang and the festival will close with the creations of Kyoto Tsuruya, 3 Michelin stars, two women who are participating in the festival for the first time.

The champagne Mumm, with a history spanning almost two centuries, will be one of the main brands sponsoring the 4th International Gourmet Festival “Tribute to Claudia”.

source: http://www.algarveobserver.com
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