Fran López
With two Michelin Stars under his belt, Fran López is a benchmark in Spain and at the forefront of Spanish cuisine.
Background
Born in l’Aldea in 1983, this young chef has established in his genetic map the hotel tradition because he is the fourth generation of restaurateurs.
Raised in the kitchen, Fran became more and more interested in the world of cooking, until one day, at the age of 16, he moved to Barcelona and began his studies as a cook at the prestigious Hofmann Cookery School where, after three years and with the previous preparation to become a professional, he decided to continue his studies in the city of Paris. There, he will do a three-month internship and will stay for three years with Alain Ducasse at the Plaza Athénée in the capital of world cuisine.
Becoming the boss
Back in Spain, in 2006, together with his brother Joaquim, they opened the Hotel Villa Retiro and, inside the hotel, the restaurant known as El Torreó de l’Indià, now called Restaurante Villa Retiro.
In a short time, Fran López’s cuisine becomes well-known in the south of Tarragona and throughout Spain. So much so that in November 2009, the prestigious Michelin Guide awarded him a Star, which he still retains today. This makes him the fourth youngest chef in the world to have a Michelin Star (at just 25 years old).
Growth mindset
Together with his brother Joaquim, he completed his studies in sommelier production at the Rovira i Virgili University because his approach to the world of wine was only the prelude to what would become his next project: a winery.
This is how Pagos de Híbera was born and co-directed with his brother Joaquim, manager of Pla dels Catalans. The first vintage comes on the market in 2010 and l’Indià, its first white wine, becomes a benchmark in the D.O. Terra Alta.
In 2013 and consolidated in the world of wine, they embarked on a project together, which is none other than the management and direction of the Celler Cooperativo de Pinell de Brai, known by all as the Cathedral of Vi.
The Edén Restaurant & Lounge
In 2016 first contacts get established between the Hacienda Na Xamena and the Chef, and quickly the decision is taken to start a collaboration in the Eden Restaurant & Lounge, Ibiza in 2018.
The constant renovation of his cuisine, and the guarantee of success in his gastronomic restaurants, events and catering service, make Fran López a reference in Spain and at the forefront of Spanish cuisine.
