An award winning chef has credited his decision to open his own restaurant in Darlington to the charm of the town and its people.
Georgios Latousakis, whose 28-year career has seen him work as an executive chef in 5 star hotels across Europe and Asia, opened his Greek restaurant, Santorini, on Tubwell Row 13 months ago.
Following a successful first year of trading, which has already seen the restaurant expand its team, the former Best Foreign Chef in Beijing, is looking forward to employing more staff in 2017, however he has no plans to move from his current location.
“I’ve worked in some of the biggest and best hotels in the world, including a 3* Michelin French restaurant in London, but I always wanted to own a restaurant myself,” said Georgios.
“When I came to Darlington I fell in love with the town, which is why I decided to open up Santorini and it’s been the best decision I have made.
“Darlington is certainly on the rise and the people are so friendly. Although I will be adding to the current team of staff, I see no need to expand in the future, as I always want to cook fresh meals and with a bigger restaurant this is more difficult to do.”
Georgios and his family, wife Matina and his two children, moved to Darlington three years ago, following his illustrious five-year career in China. During this time, the talented chef won several top awards including Best Foreign Chef in Beijing for three years in a row and An Eternal Pot, China’s ultimate cooking prize.
In spite of winning these accolades, Georgios maintains there’s only one way he is able to tell the restaurant has been a success.
“Happy customers return,” he said.
“I treat every single customer the best I can, cooking with fresh, local products and always serving with a smile.
“Over this last year, as well as new customers, we have had many people becoming regulars to the restaurant and that’s how I really know I’m doing something right.”