Luisa Marelli Valazza
Luisa Marelli Valazza | |
|---|---|
| Born | December 20, 1950 Soriso, Italy |
| Occupation(s) | Chef, restaurateur |
| Known for | Owner and head chef of Al Sorriso, a three Michelin-starred restaurant |
Luisa Marelli Valazza (born 1950) is an Italian culinary professional whose establishment, Al Sorriso, situated in Soriso in the Piedmont region, has maintained Michelin acclaim since 1982. The restaurant was awarded its initial star that year, a second star in 1988, and achieved a third star by 1998.
Biography
Luisa Marelli was born on 20 December 1950 in Soriso. Before entering the culinary field, she pursued studies in Italian literature. Her passion for cooking grew while managing family life in Borgomanero, where her husband Angelo Valazza operated a Michelin-starred restaurant from 1970 to 1980. In 1980, the couple acquired a dining venue in Soriso near Lake Orta. Following Angelo’s return to Switzerland, Luisa assumed leadership of the kitchen, enhancing her skills by exploring recipes from esteemed French and Swiss chefs including Frédy Girardet, Georges Blanc, and Jacques Pic.
Al Sorriso earned its first Michelin star in 1982, obtained a second star in 1988, and reached the prestigious third star in 1998. This achievement places Valazza among a select group of three Italian women to have received three Michelin stars. In 1999, the restaurant became part of Relais & Châteaux and was honored with the designation of cucina eccellente by the Accademia Italiana della Cucina.
Valazza attributes much of her success to her husband’s influence: "The success of this restaurant is primarily thanks to Angelo... He has always possessed exceptional skills in public relations and hospitality. He taught me everything. I never underwent formal apprenticeships. He was a chef before I was. I simply stepped in to manage an urgent situation."