Antonella Ricci & Vinod Sookar

Puglia meets Mauritius – with Antonella Ricci and Vinod Sookar, two Michelin-starred chefs who have been synonymous with excellent Mediterranean cuisine since 1996. Their story is characterised by passion, professionalism and a love of authentic flavours – and you can experience all of this up close at the Falstaff Wine and Gourmet Festival Baden-Baden.

An extraordinary culinary connection

Antonella and Vinod met at an Apulian cookery seminar in Mauritius – a meeting that not only shaped their careers, but also their lives. Since then, they have combined the best of traditional Apulian cuisine with the exotic influences of Mauritian cuisine to create true taste sensations.

Antonella Ricci – tradition meets innovation

After studying economics and banking at the University of Lecce, Antonella consciously decided against a career in the world of finance in favour of her passion: fine dining. Her training at the famous Paul Bocuse cookery school in Lyon and her experience in French Michelin-starred restaurants shaped her style.
Antonella runs the restaurant La Tavola dei Ricci, which is considered the culinary flagship of Puglia and is known for its authentic Mediterranean dishes. She also offers exclusive gourmet experiences and individual cookery courses.

Milestones in her career:

• Member of the prestigious Jeunes Restaurateurs d’Europe, an association for promising young top chefs.
• Professor at the renowned Alma cookery school, under the direction of Gualtiero Marchesi.
• Appearances in popular Italian TV shows such as La Prova del Cuoco and Midnight Dinner.

Vinod Sookar – A master of flavour fusion

Vinod comes from Mauritius, where he first learnt about Italian cuisine through classics such as Ragù Bolognese and Carbonara. In Puglia, he discovered the variety of regional specialities – from orecchiette with turnip tops to fava bean puree. His cuisine is a tribute to the combination of tradition and exotic flavours.
Vinod is also the author of the book World on a Plate, in which he describes his culinary journey between Mauritius and Puglia. In 2015, he also developed the exotically inspired beer Grand Bay, flavoured with lemongrass, which is a highlight on Mediterranean summer evenings.

Experience Michelin-starred cuisine live at the Falstaff Wine and Gourmet Festival Baden-Baden
Immerse yourself in a special gourmet experience with exclusive tastings, show cooking and personal encounters with Antonella and Vinod. Experience the authentic flavours of Puglia and the exotic influences from Mauritius – a feast for all the senses!

Secure your ticket now and be part of this culinary highlight!

Take the opportunity to experience two of the most inspiring top chefs on the international scene live. Let yourself be inspired by their passion and creativity.