FINE DINING

Two culinary maestros

There’s much reason to rejoice: Our kitchen is run by true masters of the culinary arts. As Executive Chef, Matthias Wenin directs the culinary management at La Maiena: Every dish that leaves our kitchen bears the signature of this award-winning South Tyrolean chef. Our Chef de Cuisine Alessandro La Torraca puts it all into practice with impeccable skill and expertise – and several times a week, you have the opportunity to watch him at work as he whips up creamy risottos, spaghetti alla chitarra with truffles, the finest of tartare or sushi. Absolutely delicious!

GASTRONOMY IS THE ART OF USING FOOD TO CREATE HAPPINESS

The Lord of the Herbs…

Executive Chef Matthias Wenin

We have the great fortune to have an award-winning chef in our family: Matthias Wenin is the partner of the daughter of the hotel, Elisabeth Waldner. While Elisabeth runs the Sensa Spa, Matthias is our Executive Chef and culinary advisor, and the inspiration for the first-class culinary creations at La Maiena. He brings a wealth of professional experience to the table – including expertise from his time at the award-winning Zum Löwen Restaurant in Tisens. Herbs and spices from every corner of the world are Matthias Wenin’s passion, and the secret behind the ethereal aromas of his own creations. In his own restaurant, the Stadele in Lana, he conjures up dishes with tradition blended with a dash or two of the wider world.

Passion, love, and a whole lot of taste…

Chef de cuisine Alessandro La Torraca

He is only 34 years old, yet he brings with him an impressive 28 years of kitchen experience. How is that possible? Alessandro began cooking at the tender age of six in his hometown of Salerno, preparing his first pastina in brodo for his cousins. Even back then, he knew with certainty what his path would be: to become a chef.

At 16, he began his formal training, which marked the start of a truly remarkable career. By the age of 19, he had already taken on his first role as Chef de Partie, demonstrating both determination and talent. This was followed by several international experiences, including a period in The Hague, before the Dolomites won his heart. This man from the sunny south of Italy fell in love with the mountains – and decided to stay.

Over the years, he has gathered valuable experience in some of South Tyrol’s most renowned kitchens, including La Stüa de Michil in Corvara and Castel Fragsburg in Merano – both awarded a Michelin star.

Alessandro's passion for quality runs deep in his roots: his family has worked in agriculture for generations, and a respectful approach to ingredients and nature comes naturally to him.

Today, the kitchen is more than just a workplace for Alessandro – it is his creative space.
His daily mission: to transform seasonal ingredients into honest, refined, and flavorful dishes – with the same dedication, whether it’s for a comforting pastina in brodo or a gourmet plate worthy of fine dining.

Savour our superb culinary creations here