COME AND MEET JOFRANE DAILLY

THE EAST COAST

Jofrane Dailly, the chef at Diana Dea Lodge in Sainte-Anne, invites his guests on a unique culinary journey in the heart of the countryside. Set in the east of Reunion Island’s highlands, the hotel is a combination of refinement and authenticity, with a restaurant under the aegis of a chef in love with his craft. Jofrane draws his inspiration from the treasures of the local terroir and the proximity of wild fauna, providing his guests with cuisine as outstanding as the surrounding landscape. Between creativity and respect for tradition, he has redefined the Reunionese culinary experience.

An unexpected vocation for the culinary arts

Jofrane Dailly never planned to become a chef. As he had a passion for pastry-making, he started out by exploring that world before turning to cookery. His father and one of his brothers were chefs and initially he had decided not to follow in their footsteps. However, as the years passed and he gained in experience, he let himself be won over by the emotions that a well-prepared dish could arouse. “Above all, I’m passionate about products and the idea of creating emotions among my diners”, he says.

Over the course of time, he developed his culinary philosophy. Inspired by Creole tradition, he endeavours to enhance emblematic dishes by using modern techniques. He reimagines curry, for example, in order to provide diners with an experience that is both authentic and innovative.

Cuisine inspired by nature

For Jofrane Dailly, each dish must have a story to tell – a story of harmony between human beings and their environment. Working in truly exceptional surroundings, he immerses himself in their lush green landscapes and local fauna in order to come up with unique culinary creations. “Diana Dea Lodge is a haven of serenity. Here, you can take the time to discover flavours in their very essence”, he says.

His cuisine stands out in particular for its use of fresh local products from short supply chains. From aromatic herbs gathered onsite to meticulously selected meats, each ingredient is chosen with a view to exalting its natural flavour. For the chef, cooking is a way of paying tribute to the Island’s remarkable biodiversity.

Sa cuisine se distingue par l’utilisation de produits frais et locaux, issus de circuits courts. Des herbes aromatiques cueillies sur place aux viandes méticuleusement sélectionnées, chaque ingrédient est choisi pour sublimer les saveurs naturelles. Pour le chef, cuisiner est une façon de rendre hommage à la biodiversité exceptionnelle de l’île.

 An immersive culinary experience

Dining at Diana Dea Lodge is much more than a meal: it is pure sensory immersion. The hotel provides panoramic views of the mountains and ocean, reinforcing the impression of being cut off from the outside world. Jofrane Dailly tries to recreate this magic in his dishes: refined presentationsintoxicating aromas and varied textures that delight the palate.

In short, Jofrane Dailly does more than cook: he tells a story, the story of Reunion Island, its landscapes and its flavours. With a mixed-race team and a passion for sharing, he turns each meal into an ode to creativity and culinary transmission. Under Jofrane Dailly’s leadership, Diana Dea Lodge has become an unmissable destination for lovers of good food and nature.

GOURMET PORTRAIT

If I were…

A Reunionese dish

octopus stew

A terroir product

Le letchi bras canot

A spot for self-indulgence

family picnic at Anse des Cascades  Sainte-Rose

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