Always striving for excellence
Johann Costa, Chef at The Little Bastion
Johann Costa, the new chef at The Little Bastion, has always had a deep passion for food and cooking. Growing up, he often helped his mother prepare family meals, especially for Sunday lunch. This early exposure to the culinary world, coupled with his admiration for his chef uncle, inspired Johann to pursue a career in the culinary arts. He honed his skills at the Institute of Tourism Studies in Malta, earning a City & Guilds Diploma, and gained extensive experience working in various restaurants during and after his studies.
One pivotal moment in Johann’s career was an internship that gave him invaluable hands-on experience in a professional kitchen. This opportunity led to his first position as a commis chef, where he built foundational skills and discovered his passion for the culinary field. Johann later took on the role of Head Chef at a bustling restaurant café, where he developed his leadership abilities and refined his craft under pressure. Each experience has been a stepping stone, pushing him to innovate, adapt, and strive for excellence in his culinary journey.
Johann was particularly excited about joining The Little Bastion because of its incredible potential and the alignment of his creative aspirations with the new management’s vision. The opportunity to step out of his comfort zone and push culinary boundaries felt like the perfect fit. Since joining, Johann has relished the freedom to experiment and bring fresh ideas to the table, contributing to a dynamic and creative environment.
To manage the catering services at both The Sheer Bastion and The Little Bastion, Johann plans to implement a comprehensive strategy focused on team development, operational flexibility, and innovation. He will hire and train dedicated teams, ensuring they understand and embody the restaurant’s culinary standards. Cross-training the staff will provide flexibility and maintain consistent quality across both locations. Regular planning meetings will ensure seamless coordination and a unified vision for the dining experience.
Overseeing the food at The Little Bastion comes with its unique challenges and opportunities. Johann focuses on maintaining quality and consistency, managing staff, and sourcing fresh ingredients despite fluctuating availability and prices. He enjoys the creative freedom in developing the menu, building relationships with suppliers, and attracting loyal customers. Under his leadership, guests can look forward to signature dishes that highlight the island’s freshest local ingredients, including fresh seafood with tropical fruit salsa and innovative vegetarian options.
Johann’s vision for The Little Bastion is to create a place where guests can savor innovative, high-quality dishes that celebrate the island’s unique flavors and ingredients. He aims to blend traditional recipes with contemporary techniques, ensuring each meal is a delightful experience in both taste and presentation. The restaurant’s warm and inviting ambiance fosters a sense of community and connection, making each dining experience memorable.
To integrate local ingredients and flavors into his menus, Johann carefully plans seasonal updates and collaborates with local farmers and suppliers. This approach supports local agriculture and sustainability while providing guests with appealing and fresh dishes. His culinary philosophy emphasizes contemporary, ingredient-driven cuisine with a strong focus on seasonality and simplicity.
Influenced by renowned chefs like Chef Handling, Chef Bottura, and Chef Roux Jr., Johann’s cooking style centers on innovation and creativity. He stays inspired by exploring new ingredients, following food blogs, social media, and cooking shows, reading cookbooks, traveling, and setting personal cooking challenges. Keeping a food diary helps him track experiments and continuously fuel his creativity.
In the coming months, guests at The Little Bastion can look forward to new and exciting dishes, including a seasonal menu that highlights the freshest local produce. The restaurant will also introduce enhancements to its dining atmosphere, such as new decor elements and live music on selected evenings, ensuring every visit is a memorable occasion. Whether a regular patron or a first-time visitor, there is always something new and delightful to look forward to at The Little Bastion.
