DAVID GRUSSAUTE
David Grussaute (Bordeaux, 1972). Born into a family with a great tradition in the catering world, the profession is in his DNA, and his whole career proves it. His career began in France, where he trained at the Bordeaux Talence Catering School, and where he was part of a team belonging to the prestigious Relais & Châteaux chain (holders of a Michelin Star). This led him to the Comoros Islands (in Africa), and finally to Ibiza where for over a decade he has headed up the Unic Restaurant.
The Unic Restaurant has recently been awarded a Michelin Star.
How did you discover Ibiza?
A relative was working on the island, and suggested I try my luck here. And 25 years later, I’m still here, and still bewitched just like that first day, by this island, its culture, its gastronomy and its nature. My children were born in Ibiza, and I feel that I am a citizen of the island.
What does Ibiza mean to you?
It’s my home.
What does the island transmit to you?
Freedom, calm, opportunities, balance and respect.
What is your favourite dish from Ibiza?
I have many. It’s difficult to choose just one. But if I had to choose one, it would be the “bullit de peix” [traditional Ibiza fish stew], because it symbolises the fishing tradition and the true Ibiza.
Which song makes you think of Ibiza?
‘La mer’ [the sea], by Charles Trenet. It’s an old song that my grandparents used to listen to and, as its name suggests, it’s about the sea. Ibiza wouldn’t be Ibiza without its sea, and every time I look at it, that song and the memory of my grandparents come into my mind.
Do you have a special memory of Ibiza?
I remember the first day I arrived on the island by boat and how impressed I was when, having landed at the port, I saw the entrance to Dalt Vila which holds you in its embrace as soon as you arrive here. Here I met my wife and here my children were born — this is the place that holds my most precious memories.
What do you tell your friends about Ibiza?
Ibiza is an island with a thousand faces: it has gastronomy, leisure, nature, peace, culture... It is a paradise, and there is an Ibiza for each and every one of us.