COYA Monte-Carlo

Victoria Vallenilla was born in Caracas, Venezuela. She grew up on the Caribbean island of Margarita, where she had her first taste of culinary inspiration.

Her love of food came from her nanny, who she still believes to be the best cook she’s ever known. Reproducing her recipes is the best tribute she could possibly pay to a woman she thought of as a second grandmother. The chef draws her inspiration from her childhood memories, adapting them to modern techniques and flavours while staying true to traditional South American cuisine.

After shining at hospitality school and during cooking competitions, she worked at the prestigious Le Vistamar at the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo for three years, first under the direction of chef Joël Garault and then chef Benoit Witz. Next, she headed to Alain Ducasse’s La Trattoria to hone her craft. Her desire to extend her horizons led her to join the COYA Monte-Carlo brigade in 2018. She blossomed in a fusion cuisine that fits perfectly with her background and her travels. Year after year, the young chef rose steadily up through the ranks. In 2021, thanks to her determination, passion and talent, she became head chef of the COYA Monte-Carlo brigade! A great story, full of promise for the future.