The celebrity chef and well known restaurateur, Steven Saunders, has arrived back on the Costa del Sol and although initially looking for a restaurant to open and run, is pleased to tell me that he has taken Elliot Wright’s offer to be Executive Chef Director at Olivia’s Restaurant La Cala. This very popular and beautifully appointed eatery has been a land mark in the Costa del Sol village of La Cala for some years now. Having suffered a disastrous fire a couple of years ago, Elliot rebuilt his small empire to the highest standard and now boasts a thriving, and even more popular dining venue, with live music most nights. But he and friend Steven Saunders got together and Elliot wanted to lift the standard of his food to another level and who better to do that than the city boy turned local and his Michelin inspired training. “We are not aiming that high as Olivia’s is such a busy operation,” says Steven with his trade mark trilby framing his forever young face, “but we think between us we will take the food up another couple of notches. I am working on menus at the moment and plan to take over the kitchens on the first of November.”

Elliot says, “I am pleased to welcome Steven to Olivia’s, his knowledge and experience, together with his popularity and reputation, is a great addition to our already established business. I am excited for the future and the heights we will reach with Steven’s enthusiasm and eye for quality and service.”

Olivia’s is a seven day a week operation, lunch and dinner and is already filling up for Christmas and New Year. Special party menus are available for the festive period and Steven is already looking at a new a la carte menu, lunch bar tapas snacks and the very popular Sunday Lunches.

With a new place to live and with a delightful young woman by his side, Steven is settled for the first time in a while. “I am so glad to be back, I missed Spain so much and it’s been great meeting old friends and having people stopping me in the village saying how pleased they are to see me back. I am very excited at the prospect and can’t wait to get started.”

Tel: 952 493495   reservations@oliviaslacala.com       www.oliviaslacala.com