Boutique hotel The Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux is proud to announce the appointment of two new positions at its Michelin-starred restaurant de Mondion – Executive Chef Clint Grech, and Head Chef Gabriel Caruana. Based at the restaurant, within the bastion walls of the medieval fortified city of Mdina, Chef Clint and Chef Gabriel will help to elevate the unique gastronomic offerings provided in the stunning restaurant concept of de Mondion.
Chef Clint joined The Xara Collection nearly 20 years ago, working under the talented Chef Kevin Bonello, who served as a mentor and guided Clint to build on his creativity, skill and love for the culinary world. Throughout the years, Clint has nurtured and developed his passion for ‘Culinaria’ continuously – his talent and dedication were instrumental in achieving and recently maintaining the one Michelin star at de Mondion. Prior to joining The Xara Collection, Clint studied at the Institute of Tourism Studies for four years, and then moved on to spend time at the Gavroche with acclaimed Chef and Restaurateur, Michel Roux.
Now settling into his new role as Executive Chef at The Xara Palace, Chef Clint is excited about the new prospects for the exclusive restaurant and takes pleasure in working with the dedicated and skilled teams. Together, the team at de Mondion have a hunger to keep building and improving themselves, which is reflected in the carefully curated experience they offer to diners. Executive Chef Clint comments, “My goal is to take our guests on a journey around our beautiful island. As Executive Chef, my responsibility is to honour the seasons and people behind our produce here at de Mondion and my vision is to showcase Malta’s wonderful culture, history and art through our food here at The Xara Palace.”
Chef Clint will help to guide the kitchen team at The Xara Palace, working alongside Chef Gabriel to ensure the very best food offering. Newly appointed Head Chef Gabriel Caruana joins Chef Clint’s team at The Xara Palace following a prestigious history working alongside some of the most talented chefs in the United Kingdom at renowned establishments including the prestigious Le Gavroche and The Latymer Michael Wignall, both of which hold two Michelin stars. Gabriel then transferred his legacy to the Maltese islands. He was instrumental in the acquisition of one of the first Michelin stars to hit Malta during his time at Marea, prior to joining the team at de Mondion and The Xara Palace. Head Chef Gabriel states: “my aim has always been to enhance the ingredients but never to have them overshadow one another – instead letting the ingredients shine in their natural way.”
Justin Zammit Tabona, Managing Director of The Xara Collection, remarks: “We are absolutely delighted to have Executive Chef Clint and Head Chef Gabriel at the helm of our exclusive de Mondion restaurant with their culinary talent and incredible skill, I have no doubt our guests will be treated to the very best gastronomy experience.”
