THE ICONIC BUILDING CLOSED FOR YEARS, known as Aresbank is due to re-open as a restaurant/entertainment venue. Something I always said I'd love to do. Why it took so long I don't know. Can't wait.

IT'S THAT TIME AGAIN. MasterChef is back and I for one never cease to be amazed at the talent of some of the amateur “home cooks”that appear on the programme. It’s only the first round and already I have picked a couple that I think will go far. It was good to see the food critic and writer William Sitwell appearing setting a task for the competitors. He is one of the few real critics as opposed to a lot of the wannabees. John Torode is as always on top form but how he puts up with that idiot Greg Wallace whose knowledge of food is limited to the words of, taste, spicy, sweet, peppery, bitter, etc. He really should have stuck to selling vegetables. I’m sure he’s a really nice guy, but……..!

MORE MICHELIN STAR CHEFS than you can shake a stick at.

This month ChefsForChildren visited the Benahavis School of

Hospitality in Benahavís and there they presented the latest news from the solidarity gala.

The event was chaired by José Antonio Mena, mayor of Benahavís; and Esperanza González, from the Malaga Provincial Council and representing Sabor a Málaga.

No fewer than 47 chefs from Michelin-star restaurants around Spain are supporting this year’s fifth edition of the Chefs for Children  philanthropic initiative.

Chefs José Carlos García, from José Carlos García Restaurant; Diego Gallegos, from Sollo; Fernando Villasclaras, from El Lago; Mauricio Giovanini, from Messina; Dani Carnero, from Kaleja; and Manuel Navarro, from the Anantara Villa Padierna hotel; Together with Marcos Granda, Skina's head waiter and sommelier, all participated in an educational meeting with the school's students

The fifth Chefs for Children initiative is being held on 24 April at the Anantara Villapadierna hotel in Benahavís

KEMPINSKI HOTEL BAHÍA MARKS ITS 24TH ANNIVERSARY THIS MARCH.

Where has the time gone? It doesn’t seem that long ago when I saw them start building it.With spectacular views out over the Mediterranean sea, its unique beachfront setting and the hotel designed by probably the Coast’s most famous architect, Melvin Villarroel . With its extensive gardens and uninterrupted views towards Africa, Gibraltar and the Málaga coastline, it soon gained a reputation as a paradise for both locals and international visitors alike. From welcoming royalty, heads of state, celebrities, musicians and film stars. As the first international-branded five-star hotel to open in the area, Kempinski Hotel Bahía has a relationship with the town of Estepona that has grown over the years.  A number of staff  are also celebrating their 24th work anniversary at the hotel as well.

During 2018, the hotel’s key spaces, including the lobby and two restaurants, underwent an extensive refurbishment, creating a modern and inviting dining hub, El Paseo del Mar, which consists of Black Rose The Bar, Baltazár Bar & Grill and Spiler Beach Club, all of which are open to the public. Spiler Beach Club has recently become a popular destination for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a more sophisticated yet laid-back pace of life. Connected directly to the promenade which runs along the coast, the beach club has seen a surge in guests dropping in for a drink and a bite to eat whilst out walking or cycling along this enchanting path.