Very Bella

HAVING cut his teeth working for hotel and catering entrepreneur Rocco Forte in the UK, Rudi Heer is just the man to make a new restaurant work in Spain.

At the helm of Bella Vista in Manilva, the 56-year-old Swiss chef also worked for the Sheraton hotel chain in Malawi and Kuwait.

“So while this is a challenge, it isn’t too tricky,” he explains.

Based at the new Bella Vista campsite next to the A7, the menu has a Mediterranean fusion slant with plenty of fresh fish.

Ingredients are bought each day and there is an excellent value three course lunch, with a good selection of vegetarian dishes, including tomato and Mozzarella salad.

Thanks to Rudi’s good taste in wines there are also some chestnuts from Pouilly Fuisse and St.Emilion, in France, as well as a Malbec from Argentina.

And there is even a great Verdejo from Spain for under €10.

The campsite is owned by British businessman Phil Morgan, who owns the successful Lakeland Leisure company.

The modern campsite sits right by the sea, close to Duquesa Port, with good facilities.