Creative Tapas King

El Willy means “The Willy,” right? Yes. Why are you “The” Willy? Don’t be modest! It actually all started as a joke because it sounded similar to the famous Spanish restaurant El Bulli (The Bulldog). As Willy is my nickname, it was funny, also when translated into English. We never see you without a hat. Is this your signature style? Actually I’ve been quite bold since I was very young, so I decided to shave my head. Ever since then hats have been my substitute for hair. Is creating a signature style in your cuisine important to you as well? For me that is probably the most important thing. What do you think is unique about your restaurant and about your food? We’re the only Spanish restaurant in China that’s presenting a contemporary style of tapas (what the young chefs are doing in Spain today). Most Spanish restaurants outside of Spain focus on the traditional, which I have nothing against, but it is not my style. Yum. If we were to give you a few key ingredients, do you think you could turn it into something delicious? One of my favorite things is improvisation. Alright, if you were stranded on an island with a couple of coconuts, what’s the one or two ingredients you’d need to make something fantastic to eat? Maybe some fish, and an aromatic herb. You’re going to have to show us that trick!