Bringing Europe Home One Dish at a Time
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A Culinary Journey to Europe Without Leaving Home
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Our Story
Mirko’s Taste of Europe and Beyond is all about turning your dining experience into something truly European and unforgettable.
Born and raised in Germany, Chef Mirko began his journey at the prestigious Hotel Fach School in South Germany, where he earned the Gold Medal from the South Germany Hotel Restaurant Association for culinary excellence. With over 40 years of culinary expertise, Mirko has worked in world-class kitchens across Germany, Switzerland, France, Italy, Monte Carlo, the Caribbean, China, and the United States.
A Certified Executive Chef and Certified Chef de Cuisine, Mirko is known for his creative flair, commitment to freshness, and beautifully presented dishes. His extensive travels have shaped a deep appreciation for global flavors, which he now blends into refined and vibrant cuisine.
He has held leadership roles at acclaimed hotels and resorts. More recently, he did so at the well-known Omni Bedford Springs Resort and Oglebay Park in West Virginia, overseeing multiple restaurants, catering operations, and celebrated chef’s tables. In 2024, he was hired to reopen the historic Inn and lead the culinary team at the Nittany Lion Inn in State College, Pennsylvania, where his innovative approach is defining a new standard of dining.
He has been named Chef of the Year by the American Culinary Federation and is proud to be an Iron Chef Jamaica winner, along with numerous other culinary competition awards. He has appeared on HGTV’s In Good Taste, contributed to over 20 cooking shows on the eHow network, and has been a guest chef on numerous local news broadcasts. He was named one of Philadelphia’s Tri-State Fifty Top Chefs and earned the title of Chef of the Year by the ACF Chapter in Florida.
Mirko is also a passionate educator and community supporter, hosting interactive corporate cooking classes, judging charity culinary events, and mentoring rising chefs. His philosophy is simple: only the freshest, seasonal ingredients, presented with care and creativity, and delivered by a strong, well-trained team.
When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him exploring global cuisines, playing golf or soccer, hosting friends, or enjoying good wine, beer—and schnapps. Just ask him about food… you’ll be talking for hours.
Let him bring a world of flavors into your kitchen and create an extraordinary dining experience, where all you have to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy being spoiled.
Mirko Loeffler
CEC, CCC
Certified Executive Chef, CEC
Certified Chef de Cuisine, CCC
Member & Insured by USPCA
Current Food Handler ServSafe Cert.
Daniela Birkelbach
Certified Wine Specialist WSET 2
Testimonials
My mouth is watering just thinking about all of the amazing food that Mirko and his sous chef, Dany, prepared. We sat down to an 11 course dinner that was the best food that I have ever tasted. The creativity of each course along with the exquisite presentations left me thinking about the next time we could schedule a dinner. In addition to being an excellent sous chef, Dany is a trained wine expert who knows what to serve with each course. To top off the evening, we were served homemade caramel rum and liquors that completed a wonderful experience! Needless to say it was a 5 star experience we will cherish!!
We hired Chef Mirko to prepare a traditional Portuguese meal for my husband, and it was an unforgettable experience. From the authentic tapas to the arroz de marisco and pastéis de nata, every dish was delicious and deeply meaningful.
My husband was genuinely moved by the attention to detail and respect for Portuguese culinary traditions. Chef Mirko was professional, warm, and clearly passionate about his craft—he turned our kitchen into a personal fine dining experience.
This was more than a meal; it was a beautiful way to reconnect with heritage. Highly recommend Chef Mirko for anyone looking to celebrate culture through food!
I have travelled the world and eaten in the finest restaurants to be found. From Paris to Florence, Daniel’s in New York City to the Yo Steakhouse in Dallas, I honestly will tell you that Chef Mirko matches or surpasses the dining excellence you will find anywhere.
We have had many meals prepared and served by Mirko. You could say we have travelled the world by taste – from the variety of cuisines we have had the pleasure to partake in. Each one was special in its own way. Not only delicious but the presentation from the dishes he used to the placement of the food on the plate was perfect, serving each course with a few words describing what we were about to eat. I loved watching him prepare the meal with perfect timing for each course. It is always as if you were watching synchronicity at its best. What made it even better is you could see he loved what he was doing. It was like music, the rhythm he kept from the beginning to the final course.
He makes friends feel like family, and guests feel like friends.
Thank you, Mirko – can’t wait to travel the world again with you in my kitchen!
Watching Mirko at work in our own kitchen was an absolute thrill. He combined ingredients with such skill and creativity, turning each course into a masterpiece. While creating his amazing dishes, Mirko shared his worldly experiences that helped him develop his unique creations. His warm and inviting personality added to the overall dining experience.
This was by far one of the best meals our group of four has ever had. I highly recommend Mirko to anyone looking to elevate their dining experience. You won’t be disappointed!
It was a privilege to spend an evening with the South Hills culinary team of Dany and Mirko.
Chef’s food, from preparation to presentation to taste, was excellent. Daniela pairs the wine for a true culinary experience!
What an incredible culinary journey! “Dinner with Friends” wasn’t just a meal — it was a global tour served one course at a time. Chef Mirko wove flavors from across Europe into a perfectly paced experience that was as creative as it was delicious.
The night started light and elegant with a poached shrimp quenelle over broccoli jelly with lemon sauce — fresh, bright, and a beautiful opener. Then came a playful surprise: German sauerkraut and pork shank tucked inside a mustard éclair (yes, an éclair!) topped with crispy lardon. It was comforting and clever all at once.
The foie gras espresso followed — a tiny cup of indulgence that somehow managed to be both rich and refined. The porcini mushroom risotto was creamy perfection, crowned with a crisp parmesan wafer that added the perfect crunch.
The grape tomato and mozzarella salad looked like art on a plate, bursting with color and balanced by basil oil and arugula grissini. Then came the showstopper: Chilean sea bass with avocado, baked eggplant, and lemongrass carrot sauce. Every bite melted in your mouth, layered with earthy, citrusy, and silky textures.
Dessert tied it all together — Greek baklava spanakopita-style with raspberry sauce, Waldmeister glaze, and Vermont nutty ice cream with elderberry. Sweet, nutty, tangy, and completely addictive.
Chef Mirko’s creativity shines in every detail — from the plating to the flavors to the stories behind each dish. If you ever have the chance to attend one of his dinners, don’t think twice. Bring friends, bring an appetite, and get ready for something truly special.
Bon Appetit indeed!
Thank you again,
Ken and Hilary Ashtari
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Gather around good food and great company.
Whether it’s date night or a special occasion, we’ll make it unforgettable.