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Heston Blumenthal once noted; You think about some of the most memorable meals you’ve ever had; the food will be good but it will often be about locating a mental memory and taste is inexorably linked to all the other senses and memory, so ultimately it is all about taste.

And that is precisely what Chef Letizia Vella constantly focuses on to create her amazing dishes. Something you will quickly notice whilst dining at Golden fork. An emphasis on taste complemented by precision, detail and colours which together give Letizia the possibility to create pure works of art. Delicious recently caught up with Letizia to discuss her style, her connection with Heston Blumenthal and what makes The golden Fork one of the best eateries on the island.

How would you describe your style?

The idea is to express the maltese traditional essence, but in a very contemporary and refined way. I use complex transformation techniques to create apparently simple dishes, that are immediately recognisable but new at the same time. I want people to have an authentic maltese experience, but the taste is enhanced by the innovative approach.

In what way has Heston Blumenthal been a source of inspiration in your culinary journey?

My different experiences working under Chef Blumental fuelled my imagination and introduced me to a culinary journey like no other. It created a spark, enhanced my love for culinary techniques and gave me a platform to grow my ideas.

Why do you feel that being a Chef is “a labour of love”?

I believe this passion for cooking stands on five pillars: Passion, Dedication, Creativity, Perfectionism and Pleasing Others. Overall, being a chef involves immense dedication, passion, creativity, and the desire to please others. It is the combination of these factors that makes it a labor of love, as chefs pour their hearts and souls into their culinary creations, aiming to bring joy and satisfaction to those who indulge in their dishes.

James Beard once noted; “Food is a

To what extent do you agree?

Food is most definitely a universal “common ground” as the great James Beard observed. Not only is it a basic need of life but it is something that is invented and reinvented and shared throughout history and throughout the world. Albeit this, food also differentiates us through the different ingredients and techniques used in all corners of the world.