Osteria

East Lothian Courier – May 14th 2009:

Italian Restaurant Chef of the Year
Daniella is chef of the year!

NORTH BERWICK chef Daniella Cocchia had double cause to celebrate at Sunday night’s Scottish Chef of the Year Awards.

For the 21-year-old daughter of Osteria owner Angelo Cocchia picked up the coveted Italian Restaurant Chef of the Year title, as well as making the short-list for Scottish Restaurant Chef of the Year.

Daniella, who first made the headlines by winning the latter category in 2008, is believed to be the youngest person to be nominated for two separate categories in the catering and hospitality industry’s flagship event.

“I am thrilled to win the Italian restaurant chef title. To be nominated in two categories was amazing, especially at my age,” she said.

“I would like to thank my colleagues at Osteria for their support, particularly sous chef Daniele Di Marco and commis chef Andrea Garajiola, who both joined the team from Milan nine months ago.”

Proud dad Angelo said: “It is hard to believe how far she has come at just 21. She has always had an interest in cooking, but I don’t think anyone would have predicted this.”

Mr Cocchia also admitted his daughter’s success could eventually see her leave the High Street restaurant. “I may struggle to keep her after this,” he told the Courier.

Daniella, who commutes to North Berwick from her home in Edinburgh, added: “Winning this latest award has given me the appetite to experience working in other countries”